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Richmond's water monitoring program hailed a success: City

Richmond continues to enjoy high-quality water, thanks to the Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Program, according to the city. In 2010, the city increased the number of water quality monitoring stations from 31 to 39.

Richmond continues to enjoy high-quality water, thanks to the Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Program, according to the city.

In 2010, the city increased the number of water quality monitoring stations from 31 to 39.

These dedicated sampling sites are installed specifically for testing water quality and are strategically located throughout Richmond to provide a good representation of the city's water quality throughout the entire distribution network.

At each of these stations, city staff collects samples and records the waters temperature and chlorine residual levels.

The increase in stations allowed the total number of samples collected in 2010 to increase to 1,649, compared to 1,489 in 2009.

The samples were analyzed at Metro Vancouver Laboratories and the results were reviewed by Vancouver Coastal Health to confirm the drinking water met the strict standards and are in compliance with the BC Drinking Water Protection Regulations.

The City of Richmond continues to make every effort to maintain water quality and the integrity of the water distribution system, said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

Water testing, annual maintenance, staff certification programs, and the timely replacement of water mains ensure high-quality water and its important delivery system serve us well into the future.

The sample results can be viewed in the 2010 Annual Water Quality Report found at www.richmond.ca (City Services > Roads, Dykes, Water & Sewers > Water Services > Water Quality).

Having high-quality water is something Richmond residents do not take for granted, as shown by water conservation statistics. At the end of 2010, it was noted that over 17,000 residential water meters have been installed since the water meter program began.

This has helped decrease water consumption. Last year Richmond purchased 36.5 million cubic meters of water from Metro Vancouver, which is a 4.2 per cent decrease from 2009 thus, reducing consumption and saving money.