Abstracts

cysts by a modified Method USEPA 623 procedure; and (3) pathogenic bacteria E. coli
O157:H7 and thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. by qPCR.
UBC Vancouver conducted analysis of several organic wastewater compounds including
ammonia, chloride, bisphenol A (BPA), bromide, caffeine, cholesterol, coprostanol, cotinine,
methylene blue active substances (MBAS), nitrate, optical brighteners, residual
chlorine, tinopal CBS-X , triclosan, and tri (2-chloroethyl)phosphate.
Viruses were present in three of fifteen samples collected. Comparison of the results
showed no link between presence or absence of organic wastewater indicators and presence
or absence of viruses when virus sampling is conducted only once. Viruses were observed
to be present in all types of sources except confined wells, while organic wastewater compounds
were observed in all types of sources, even confined wells, indicating that a pathway
for potential contamination exists even for confined wells. The study was successful in
developing and testing a methodology to test for viruses in groundwater at First Nations’
wells in BC using dead end ultra-filtration techniques. This methodology can be applied
to future groundwater supply projects where communities wish to know their risk to water
borne pathogens including viruses.
238 - Groundwater: A sustainable water source for Waterloo
Region
Emil Frind
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Sustainable use of water is a challenge in many parts of the world, and extreme climate
events due to climate change may aggravate this challenge in the future. The persistent
drought in the American Southwest is just one example. Water sustainability is also a
serious issue in Waterloo Region. The Region, having been designated as a main growth
centre by the Province of Ontario, is expected to grow by 50% over the next 30 years,
while its main water source, groundwater, remains limited. Can groundwater be a sustainable
source for a rapidly growing Region? The Regional Municipality of Waterloo has
addressed this question by developing a comprehensive water supply strategy balancing
source water management and demand.
The scientific basis and policy approach to the Region’s source water management are
discussed in the Summer 2014 Special Issue “Water, Science and Policy” of the Canadian
Water Resources Journal. The volume shows how collaboration among different disciplines
of science, policy-making, and sociology has provided a comprehensive management
framework. The science starts with a 3D hydrostratigraphic model of the Waterloo
Moraine based on geological and geophysical data. Integration with existing hydrogeological
data then creates a detailed picture of the complex moraine aquifer/aquitard system and
its linkages to recharge areas and sensitive environmental features. Geochemical studies
provide insight into the impact of human activities in urban and rural areas. Mathematical
models play an important role as practical tools for resource management, and water
budget calculations show how long the projected municipal water demand can be met
IAH-CNC 2015 WATERLOO CONFERENCE
91