| #Q001 | reporting | health | recommended | Infant formula alternate water source advice | drinking water | Because of the increased exposure of infants relative to body weight, as a precautionary approach during a cyanobacterial bloom, or when microcystins are detected in finished water, drinking water authorities should consider informing the public in the affected area that an alternate suitable source of drinking water (such as bottled water) should be used to reconstitute infant formula. | During a cyanobacterial bloom or when microcystins are detected in finished water. | high |
| #Q002 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Microcystin variants analysis | drinking water | Analysis should be conducted for all of the measurable microcystin variants that are both dissolved in the water and bound within the cyanobacterial cells using a laboratory validated method. | | high |
| #Q003 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Treatment for intracellular and dissolved microcystins | drinking water | Similarly, water should be treated to remove both intracellular (cell-bound) and dissolved microcystins. | | high |
| #Q004 | administrative | operational | recommended | Monitoring and response strategy development | drinking water | Responsible authorities and water supply managers should develop an appropriate monitoring and response strategy for their systems. | | high |
| #Q005 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Routine monitoring for cyanobacteria | drinking water | Drinking water supplies known or suspected to be susceptible to blooms should be monitored routinely for the presence of cyanobacteria. | When drinking water supplies are known or suspected to be susceptible to blooms. | high |
| #Q006 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Visual monitoring of source waters | drinking water | The recommended approach is visual monitoring of source waters for evidence of increasing cyanobacterial cell density or bloom development, followed by increased vigilance and additional steps if such evidence is detected. | | high |
| #Q007 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Peak season visual monitoring | drinking water | Water bodies that have exhibited blooms should be visually monitored during the peak season (usually late May to early October, but this may deviate depending on local conditions). | During the peak season in water bodies that have exhibited blooms. | high |
| #Q008 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Sample collection during suspected bloom | drinking water | Samples should be collected for analysis if a bloom is detected or suspected by visual inspection, and may also be collected as part of routine surveillance. | If a bloom is detected or suspected by visual inspection. | high |
| #Q009 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Source water bloom sampling location and variability | drinking water | In the source water, if a bloom develops, it should be sampled to establish the extent of its spread and the variability in the population. Sampling from a water body should be done as close to the inlet/shore and/or the bloom formation as possible. | If a bloom develops in the source water. | high |
| #Q010 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Raw water sampling prior to pretreatment | drinking water | Raw water samples should be collected at the intake to the treatment plant prior to any pretreatment, including prechlorination or filtration to determine the concentration of microcystins entering the treatment plant. | | high |
| #Q011 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Treated water sampling location | drinking water | Treated samples should be taken at the treated water tap of the treatment plant after the final treatment step. | | high |
| #Q012 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Toxin analysis trigger | drinking water | Toxin analysis should be performed on the raw and treated water supply if the responsible authority determines that the drinking water intake is vulnerable to contamination by a cyanobacterial bloom. | If the responsible authority determines that the drinking water intake is vulnerable to contamination by a cyanobacterial bloom. | high |
| #Q013 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Total microcystins measurement requirement | drinking water | Although the guideline is based on the toxicity of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), it is important to measure total microcystins, which includes all of the measurable microcystin variants, not just MC-LR, that are free in the water as well as bound within cyanobacterial cells. | | high |
| #Q014 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Recommended analytical methods for microcystins | drinking water | In general, laboratory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), protein phosphatase inhibition assays (PPIA) or a physicochemical method such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) should be used to measure total microcystins in treated water. | | high |
| #Q015 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Secondary physicochemical analysis recommendation | drinking water | It is recommended that when microcystins are detected in source or drinking water using ELISA or PPIA, a portion of subsequent samples should be analyzed using a physico-chemical method (i.e., LC-MS/MS) so that the predominant variants in a bloom can be identified and quantified and potential low level microcystin concentrations can be measured. | When microcystins are detected in source or drinking water using ELISA or PPIA. | high |
| #Q016 | reporting | reporting | recommended | Notification of exceedance | drinking water | If results for treated water exceed the proposed MAC, the sampling authority should follow standard protocol for notifying communities and other appropriate authorities and agencies. | If results for treated water exceed the proposed MAC. | high |
| #Q017 | reporting | health | recommended | Notification of dialysis treatment providers | drinking water | Dialysis treatment providers at all levels (e.g., large facilities/hospitals, small community facilities, mobile units, providers for independent/home dialysis) should also be notified, especially if it is a first-time occurrence for blooms on this supply. | If results for treated water exceed the proposed MAC. | high |
| #Q018 | corrective_action | operational | guidance | Corrective actions and risk assessment initiation | drinking water | If results for treated water exceed the proposed MAC, the responsible authorities may wish to: resample the treated water supply and perform additional toxin analysis; initiate risk assessment consultation and decision-making. | If results for treated water exceed the proposed MAC. | high |
| #Q019 | corrective_action | health | guidance | Actions following confirmation of exceedance | drinking water | If results for the confirmation sample exceed the MAC, the responsible authorities may wish to: notify communities and other appropriate authorities; issue a do not consume advisory; consider treatment improvements, intake adjustments or use of an alternative supply as part of ongoing consultation and decision-making; communicate that lysing of the bloom by the addition of algicides may be harmful and that boiling is not effective in reducing or removing microcystins; continue monitoring the raw water and treated water supply. | If results for the confirmation sample exceed the MAC. | high |
| #Q020 | reporting | reporting | recommended | Communication of non-exceedance results | drinking water | If results for the confirmation sample do not exceed the MAC, results should be sent to the communities and other appropriate authorities and agencies. | If results for the confirmation sample do not exceed the MAC. | high |
| #Q021 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Continued visual monitoring post-confirmation | drinking water | Authorities and water providers should continue to visually monitor the source water for intensification of the existing bloom or bloom recurrence if still in the season where cyanobacterial blooms could develop | If still in the season where cyanobacterial blooms could develop. | high |
| #Q022 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Routine monitoring for residential and private systems | drinking water | Surface water drinking water supplies known or suspected to be susceptible to blooms should be monitored routinely for the presence of cyanobacteria. The recommended approach for residential scale and private supplies is for owners or authorities to visually monitor the source waters during the peak season for evidence of increasing cyanobacterial cell density or bloom development. | For surface water drinking water supplies known or suspected to be susceptible to blooms. | high |
| #Q023 | reporting | health | recommended | Consultation on suspected contamination | drinking water | Owners of residential scale and private drinking water systems who suspect that their water has been contaminated with cyanobacteria should consult their local health authority as to whether a concern exists and what actions should be taken. | If owners suspect their water has been contaminated with cyanobacteria. | high |
| #Q024 | corrective_action | health | mandatory | Corrective action options for individual households | drinking water | In cases where an individual household obtains its drinking water from a surface water supply where there is a cyanobacterial bloom present and microcystins may be present, consumers need to consider the best option for obtaining a safe drinking water supply. | When an individual household obtains drinking water from a surface water supply where there is a cyanobacterial bloom present. | high |
| #Q025 | administrative | treatment | recommended | Consultation prior to residential treatment installation | drinking water | It is recommended that a qualified person be consulted prior to selecting and installing a residential scale treatment system. | | high |
| #Q026 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Laboratory accreditation and QA/QC discussion | drinking water | microcystin analyses should be conducted by an accredited laboratory and/or water utilities should discuss in detail the methodology and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of the laboratory selected to conduct the analyses. | | high |
| #Q027 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Physicochemical analysis of subsequent samples | drinking water | When microcystins are detected in source or drinking water, a portion of subsequent samples should be analyzed using a physicochemical method (e.g., LC-MS/MS) so that the predominant variants in a bloom can be identified and quantified and potential low level microcystin concentrations can be measured. | When microcystins are detected in source or drinking water. | high |
| #Q028 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Analysis for total microcystins | drinking water | Therefore, it is important to note that analysis for microcystins should be for total microcystins, which should include all of the measurable microcystin variants, not only MC-LR, that are dissolved in the water as well as bound to or inside cyanobacterial cells. | | high |
| #Q029 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Laboratory instructions for sample handling | drinking water | Utilities should obtain specific instructions from the laboratory on sample collection, preservation and shipping. | | high |
| #Q030 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Amber glass bottle sampling requirement | drinking water | In general, samples for microcystin analysis should be collected in amber glass bottles as microcystins have been shown to sorb to polypropylene... | | high |
| #Q031 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Method validation for sample preparation | drinking water | Therefore, it is important for responsible authorities to ensure that laboratories are validating the methods chosen for sample preparation. | | high |
| #Q032 | monitoring | treatment | recommended | Separate sampling for total and dissolved microcystins | drinking water | In this case, two samples should be taken, with one processed for total microcystin analysis and the other filtered in the laboratory or field and then analyzed for dissolved microcystins (extracellular). | When utilities need an understanding of amounts present in both intracellular and dissolved forms. | high |
| #Q033 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Filtration to minimize cell damage | drinking water | Samples should be carefully filtered to minimize cell damage so that the microcystin concentration in the filtrate is representative of the dissolved fraction. | | high |
| #Q034 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Appropriate extraction method usage | drinking water | Given the variations in cell lysis and extraction efficiency discussed above, responsible authorities should ensure that the appropriate methods are being used in the laboratory depending on the type of sample, the analytical method selected and the microcystins being investigated | | high |
| #Q035 | monitoring | reporting | mandatory | Laboratory recovery method validation | drinking water | It is critical for laboratories to validate the methods chosen to ensure that adequate recovery of microcystins is achieved. | | high |
| #Q036 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | On-site analysis verification | drinking water | In cases where utilities choose to perform analyses at the treatment plant, it is recommended that the analyses be conducted by a well-trained technician or analyst and that duplicate samples be sent periodically to an accredited laboratory to confirm the on-site analyses. | In cases where utilities choose to perform analyses at the treatment plant. | high |
| #Q037 | monitoring | reporting | mandatory | Appropriate quencher addition check | drinking water | The potential for interferences varies depending on the type of ELISA, and therefore utilities need to check with the laboratories conducting their analyses to ensure that the appropriate quencher is being added to drinking water samples. | When conducting ELISA analyses on drinking water samples containing quenchers. | high |
| #Q038 | administrative | reporting | recommended | Understanding of ELISA system limitations | drinking water | As many laboratories in Canada are using ELISA methods for the routine analysis of microcystins, it is important for responsible authorities to have an understanding of the cross-reactivity, sensitivity, matrix interferences and detection limits of the type of ELISA system being used so that the limitations of the analytical results can be considered in the decision-making process. | | high |
| #Q039 | monitoring | reporting | mandatory | Field test kit lysing agent usage | drinking water | When using these field test kits, users need to purchase a lysing agent and release the intracellular microcystins in order to determine the level of total microcystins. | When using field test kits that do not include a lysing agent. | high |
| #Q040 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Quantitative analysis for compliance | drinking water | ...compliance testing or longer-term decision-making should be conducted using accurate quantitative analytical methods. | For compliance testing or longer-term decision-making. | high |
| #Q041 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Combined screening and physicochemical analysis | drinking water | To ensure accurate quantification and characterization of microcystins, it is recommended that a screening method (ELISA, PPIA) be combined with a physicochemical method (HPLC-UV or LC-MS/MS). | | high |
| #Q042 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Enhanced sensitivity testing for low levels | drinking water | When utilities want to determine if low levels (< 0.4 µg/L) of microcystins are present in treated drinking water, enhanced sensitivity ELISA kits or LC-MS/MS methods should be used for analysis. | When utilities want to determine if low levels (< 0.4 µg/L) of microcystins are present in treated drinking water. | high |
| #Q043 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Raw and treated water physicochemical analysis | drinking water | In addition, a portion of raw and treated water samples should be analyzed using a physico-chemical method (LC-MS/MS or HPLC-PDA) so that an understanding of the types and amount of variants present in the bloom is obtained and treatment plant effectiveness can be more accurately predicted and/or assessed. | | high |
| #Q044 | administrative | reporting | recommended | Understanding analytical methods and factors | drinking water | It is particularly important for responsible authorities to have an understanding of the methods being used by the laboratory selected for microcystin analysis and to discuss the factors that may affect the interpretation of the results. | | high |
| #Q045 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Treatment of both intracellular and dissolved toxins | drinking water | In most cases, there will be both intracellular and dissolved toxins present in the source water entering a treatment plant, and utilities should consider treatment of both forms | | high |
| #Q046 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Optimization of coagulation/flocculation | drinking water | Therefore, it is recommended that the existing coagulation/flocculation processes be optimized before considering a change in coagulants during a cyanobacterial bloom | Before considering a change in coagulants during a cyanobacterial bloom. | high |
| #Q047 | treatment | operational | recommended | Isolation of sludge and supernatant | drinking water | During a cyanobacterial bloom, sludge and sludge supernatant should be isolated from the water treatment plant. | During a cyanobacterial bloom. | high |
| #Q048 | treatment | operational | recommended | Filter-to-waste practice | drinking water | Additionally, backwash water from the filters may contain cyanobacterial cells and/or dissolved microcystins; hence, filter-to-waste should be practised to prevent the reintroduction of cells and toxins into the treatment train. | | high |
| #Q049 | treatment | operational | recommended | Frequent filter backwashing | drinking water | Frequent backwashing has been recommended to minimize the risk of breakthrough of cells into filtered water | During periods of high algal concentrations. | high |
| #Q050 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Activated carbon process testing | drinking water | Water treatment plants should conduct testing to determine the most effective activated carbon process for their water quality. | | high |
| #Q051 | treatment | treatment | recommended | GAC carbon testing prior to installation | drinking water | Given the variability in adsorption of microcystins depending on the variant and carbon type, utilities should conduct testing to select the most effective carbon prior to installing GAC. | Prior to installing GAC. | high |
| #Q052 | treatment | treatment | recommended | PAC dose and contact time consideration | drinking water | ...a PAC dose of 20 mg/L and a contact time of at least 45 minutes should be considered for removal of most dissolved microcystins (with the exception of MC-LA). | | high |
| #Q053 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Oxidant selection based on source water | drinking water | ...selection of the most appropriate oxidant for microcystins should be based on the characteristics of each source water | | high |
| #Q054 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Chemical oxidation post-cell removal | drinking water | ...it is a general recommendation that chemical oxidation be conducted following the removal of cyanobacterial cells to help minimize the concentration of dissolved microcystins | | high |
| #Q055 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Chlorination dose and contact time adjustments | drinking water | ...water suppliers should be aware of which microcystin variants are present in their water source, as variants are oxidized to a different degree, and oxidant doses and contact times may need to be adjusted accordingly. | | high |
| #Q056 | treatment | health | mandatory | Chlorine dioxide dose limit for DBP control | drinking water | In addition, utilities need to limit the ClO2 dose applied to limit the chlorite and chlorate in the finished water. Chlorite and chlorate are not easily removed once formed, and their levels must be controlled by limiting the ClO2 dose in order to meet the guidelines | When using chlorine dioxide as an oxidant. | high |
| #Q057 | treatment | aesthetic | recommended | Permanganate dosage control | drinking water | Treatment plants considering potassium permanganate for oxidation of microcystins should be aware that permanganate can discolour water when it is present at concentrations in excess of 0.05 mg/L. Therefore, dosage control is important to avoid consumer complaints | When considering potassium permanganate for oxidation of microcystins. | high |
| #Q058 | treatment | health | recommended | Ozonation bromate formation assessment | drinking water | Utilities should also be aware that the use of ozone may result in the formation of bromate and other DBPs. As such, characterization of the source water needs to be undertaken to ascertain the potential for bromate formation | When using ozone for oxidation. | high |
| #Q059 | treatment | health | recommended | Ozone cyanobacterial control vs DBP formation | drinking water | The authors recommended that utilities using ozone for oxidation of cyanobacterial cells consider the benefit of cyanobacterial control with the potential increased formation of chlorinated DBPs. | When using ozone for oxidation of cyanobacterial cells. | high |
| #Q060 | treatment | treatment | mandatory | Optimization and monitoring of combined treatments | drinking water | Utilities need to ensure that the treatment processes in place have been optimized for removal of both cyanobacterial cells and dissolved microcystins and that the appropriate monitoring is being conducted to ensure that adequate removal is occurring at each step in the treatment process. | | high |
| #Q061 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Analysis of treated water cell lysis | drinking water | ...it is important that analysis of treated water include cell lysis so that the total microcystin concentration is determined. | | high |
| #Q062 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Final treatment barrier adjustment | drinking water | In addition, the final treatment barrier, such as oxidation, may need to be adjusted to account for the presence of intracellular microcystins (i.e., oxidation of cells and dissolved microcystins). | If intracellular microcystins are present prior to final treatment barrier. | high |
| #Q063 | treatment | health | recommended | Residential POE filtration installation | drinking water | The first step should be the installation of a filtration system at the point of entry (POE) to the home to reduce the number of cyanobacterial cells that are present in water used for bathing and washing dishes. | When using residential-scale treatment for cyanobacteria. | high |
| #Q064 | treatment | treatment | recommended | POE installation upstream of disinfection | drinking water | This POE filtration system should also be installed upstream of any disinfection that may already be present in the home treatment system (e.g., UV or chlorination). | When installing residential POE filtration. | high |
| #Q065 | treatment | health | recommended | Residential POU filtration installation | drinking water | The final filtration step should be a filter system installed at the point of use (POU) of drinking water—for example, before the kitchen faucet. This POU filtration system should include an activated carbon filter followed by an RO filter. | When using residential-scale treatment for cyanobacteria. | high |
| #Q066 | administrative | health | recommended | Use of certified residential treatment devices | drinking water | Consumers should consider devices that have been certified under the standards that cover those technologies that are effective for microcystins (e.g., activated carbon, RO): NSF/ANSI Standard 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems; and NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units—Health Effects. | | high |
| #Q067 | monitoring | treatment | recommended | Pre-installation water testing | drinking water | Generally, before a treatment system is installed, the water should be tested to determine general water chemistry and to provide an estimate of the concentration of the contaminant to be removed. | Before a residential treatment system is installed. | high |
| #Q068 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Periodic testing of home water | drinking water | ...periodic testing should be conducted by an accredited laboratory on both the water entering the home and the finished water (at the POU) to verify that the treatment devices are effective. | After installation of residential treatment devices. | high |
| #Q069 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Consumer request for total microcystin analysis | drinking water | Consumers should request that the laboratory analyze for total microcystins, which includes both the microcystins that are within the cells of the cyanobacteria and the dissolved microcystins in the water. | | high |
| #Q070 | treatment | operational | recommended | Maintenance of residential treatment systems | drinking water | ...consumers should verify its expected longevity and replace the medium and service the system when required, as per the manufacturer's recommendations. | | high |
| #Q071 | administrative | operational | recommended | Establishment of an action plan | drinking water | Consequently, an action plan should be established or updated prior to bloom season for systems using a surface water source that is or may be vulnerable to cyanobacterial blooms. | Prior to bloom season for systems using a surface water source vulnerable to cyanobacterial blooms. | high |
| #Q072 | administrative | operational | recommended | Action plan contents | drinking water | The action plan should lay out what to do in case a cyanobacterial bloom is visually detected in the water source. It should: describe the sampling strategy (parameters, frequency, timing, locations) to be followed for the duration of the bloom with respect to both routine sampling and resampling when microcystins are detected; identify the analytical laboratory or laboratories that can do microcystin analysis; ensure that agreement(s) and protocol(s) are in place with lab(s) for receiving and processing samples in a timely manner, and for communicating results from the lab to the appropriate contact people; outline individual responsibilities for how samples will be collected and delivered to the laboratory; specify the method(s) of microcystin detection/analysis that can be used; identify the appropriate contact people to receive the results from the lab and who they must notify if microcystins are detected; identify which authority or authorities are responsible to decide further notifications and actions; identify which authority will take the lead role in notifying communities and other appropriate agencies or authorities; set out a communications plan describing the circumstances and target groups for notifications, including when an advisory is issued or rescinded; include sample communications products, such as messages, Qs &As and press releases, to deal with different situations (e.g., microcystins level above guideline, microcystins detected below guideline level but still of concern for infants) and to provide clear guidance to the public; and identify any corrective actions (e.g., treatment adjustments) and the triggers for such actions. | | high |
| #Q073 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Peak bloom season visual monitoring | drinking water | Visual monitoring of surface water sources should be conducted throughout the peak bloom season. | Throughout the peak bloom season. | high |
| #Q074 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Finished water sampling | drinking water | The water provider or authorities should collect samples of finished water in the treatment plant, after the water has undergone the final treatment step and prior to its entry into the distribution system. | | high |
| #Q075 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Sample storage and transport | drinking water | Samples should be collected, stored and transported following instructions from the analytical laboratory. | | high |
| #Q076 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Sample handling conditions | drinking water | In general, samples should be clearly labelled and kept cool (not frozen) and in the dark (e.g., in coolers) after collection and during transport. | | high |
| #Q077 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Analysis methods for samples | drinking water | The samples collected should be analysed using laboratory ELISA, PPIA or a physico-chemical method such as LC-MS/MS. | | high |
| #Q078 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Secondary LC-MS/MS analysis | drinking water | If microcystins are detected using ELISA or PPIA, it is recommended that a portion of the samples also be analyzed using LC-MS/MS to identify and measure the individual microcystin variants which may be present. | If microcystins are detected using ELISA or PPIA. | high |
| #Q079 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Raw water sampling for efficiency evaluation | drinking water | Water providers or utilities should consider also collecting raw water samples at this time to measure microcystins and cell counts and identify cyanobacteria species to help determine the efficiency of the treatment process. | During a suspected bloom event. | high |
| #Q080 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Confirmatory sampling for exceedances | drinking water | Additional sampling and analysis of the treated water should be conducted to confirm the concentration of total microcystins and identify follow up actions. | If the concentration of total microcystins is above 1.5 µg/L. | high |
| #Q081 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Action plan reference on exceedance | drinking water | If total microcystin levels are confirmed to be above the guideline of 1.5 µg/L, responsible authorities should refer to the facility-specific action plan developed as per section B.1. | If total microcystin levels are confirmed to be above the guideline of 1.5 µg/L. | high |
| #Q082 | reporting | health | recommended | Issuance of Do Not Consume advisory | drinking water | The lead authority should issue a “Do not consume” advisory and notify communities and other appropriate agencies or authorities. | If total microcystin levels are confirmed to be above the guideline of 1.5 µg/L. | high |
| #Q083 | corrective_action | health | recommended | Alternate drinking water source identification | drinking water | If possible, an alternate source of drinking water (such as bottled water) should be identified. | If a 'Do not consume' advisory is issued. | high |
| #Q084 | reporting | health | recommended | Notification of dialysis providers on exceedance | drinking water | Dialysis treatment providers or units in the community should also be notified. | If total microcystin levels are confirmed to be above the guideline of 1.5 µg/L. | high |
| #Q085 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Resampling until compliance | drinking water | Authorities and water providers should continue to resample and analyse the treated water until the concentration of total microcystins is confirmed to be at or below 1.5 µg/L. | While total microcystins are confirmed to be above 1.5 µg/L. | high |
| #Q086 | reporting | health | recommended | Infant formula advice continuation | drinking water | However, authorities should continue to advise parents of infants of the approach to take when reconstituting infant formula, until microcystins are no longer detected in the treated water. | Until microcystins are no longer detected in the treated water. | high |
| #Q087 | monitoring | operational | mandatory | Staggered sampling for performance assessment | drinking water | If treatment performance is being assessed, then samples of raw and treated water need to be staggered to account for the residence time of water in the treatment plant. | If treatment performance is being assessed. | high |
| #Q088 | monitoring | operational | recommended | Sampling frequency factors consideration | drinking water | In order to determine an appropriate sampling frequency, the following factors should be considered: past frequency of occurrence of blooms and cyanotoxins in the water source or nearby water bodies; characteristics of the water body (size, depth, current/flow, thermal stratification) and changes in these characteristics (e.g., prolonged periods of stagnation or decreased water levels); source water quality (nutrient levels, turbidity, clarity); seasonal and weather influences (inside/outside peak bloom season, temperature, prevailing wind strength and direction, rainfall) and changes to these influences; noted changes (increases/decreases) in monitoring program elements (cell counts, pigments, such as phycocyanin and chlorophyll-a, toxins); and adequacy of treatment and capacity of the treatment plant to deal with cyanotoxins. | When determining an appropriate sampling frequency. | high |
| #Q089 | administrative | operational | recommended | Response discussion with authorities | drinking water | The degree of response to the presence of total microcystins should be discussed with the appropriate authorities (e.g., for system ownership, regulation and health) and will depend on a risk-based assessment of the significance and extent of the problem, taking into account the history and variability of the quality of the raw water supply and the documented effectiveness of the treatment process. | When microcystins are detected. | high |
| #Q090 | reporting | health | guidance | Precautionary Do Not Consume advice for small systems | drinking water | For small systems that lack the necessary knowledge or treatment capabilities, the use of a do not consume advisory should be considered. | For small systems lacking expertise or treatment capacity during bloom events. | high |
| #Q091 | monitoring | reporting | mandatory | Quencher addition caution | drinking water | Care must be taken when adding quenchers to samples as Froscio et al. (2010) found that sodium thiosulphate, sodium sulfite and taurine all affected analysis using ELISA, whereas ascorbic acid did not affect the assay results. | When adding quenchers to samples prior to ELISA analysis. | high |
| #Q092 | prohibition | operational | recommended | Recycling sludge supernatant prohibition | drinking water | The authors noted that recycling sludge supernatant (from wastewater ponds) to the head of the treatment plant should not be conducted during cyanobacterial blooms. | During cyanobacterial blooms. | high |
| #Q093 | treatment | treatment | mandatory | Mixing and flocculation optimization | drinking water | Sufficient mixing must be provided at the point of chemical addition to ensure rapid contact, and an appropriate mixing speed must be determined to optimize the flocculation process (Newcombe, 2009). | During treatment plant operations for cell removal. | high |
| #Q094 | treatment | treatment | recommended | RO system AC filter requirement | drinking water | RO systems should include an activated carbon filter within the unit, or a separate activated carbon device can be purchased and installed before (upstream of) the RO unit. | When installing residential-scale RO systems for microcystin removal. | high |
| #Q095 | monitoring | reporting | recommended | Timing of sampling relative to bloom stages | drinking water | It is recommended that authorities analyze samples during, and after the collapse of, the bloom to better characterize the extent of the risk posed by the cyanobacteria (see Appendix B). | During and after a bloom event. | high |
| #Q096 | monitoring | reporting | mandatory | Resampling for inconsistent results | drinking water | As the results previous analyses (Boxes 6 and 8) are not consistent, another sample and analysis is needed to determine whether levels of total microcystins are a concern for the general population. | When previous treated water samples for total microcystins show inconsistent results (e.g. one above and one below limit). | high |
| #Q097 | treatment | treatment | guidance | Preoxidation adjustment during blooms | drinking water | In cases where preoxidation is practised, it may need to be discontinued during a cyanobacterial bloom, or adjustments to the oxidant type and doses may be needed to minimize cell rupture prior to filtration (Newcombe et al., 2015). | During a cyanobacterial bloom for systems using preoxidation. | high |
| #Q098 | monitoring | operational | guidance | Simultaneous raw and treated water sampling | drinking water | Samples of raw and treated supplies (if applicable) can be collected at the same time in order to be efficient. | If applicable to improve efficiency. | high |
| #Q099 | monitoring | operational | guidance | In-plant sampling for performance assessment | drinking water | Sampling within the treatment plant after each treatment step (e.g., clarification, filtration) may also be needed to assess treatment plant performance. | To assess treatment plant performance. | high |
| #Q100 | monitoring | operational | guidance | Visual monitoring inside treatment facilities | drinking water | It may be advisable to also conduct visual monitoring inside treatment facilities (e.g., clarifier, filter) as cyanobacteria may accumulate there even in the absence of a bloom in the source water. | | high |
| #Q101 | treatment | treatment | mandatory | Multi-barrier approach requirement | drinking water | To remove both intracellular and extracellular microcystins from drinking water, a multi-barrier approach is required, which may consist of conventional or membrane filtration for intracellular microcystin removal and granular activated carbon (GAC), powdered activated carbon (PAC), oxidation, biodegradation or small pore membrane processes for the removal of dissolved microcystins. | When treatment is required to remove both intracellular and extracellular microcystins. | high |
| #Q102 | administrative | health | mandatory | Natural Health Product licensing tolerance limits | other | In Canada, licensing of natural health products that contain cyanobacteria must adhere to a finished product tolerance limit of 0.02 µg MC-LR/kg body weight (bw) per day or a raw material tolerance limit of 1 part per million (ppm) (Health Canada, 2015). | For licensing of natural health products containing cyanobacteria in Canada. | high |
| #Q103 | treatment | operational | recommended | Algicide use discouragement | drinking water | however, the use of algicides to control blooms in drinking water source waters is discouraged. | Regarding bloom control in drinking water source waters. | high |
| #Q104 | treatment | health | mandatory | Saskatchewan microcystin standard compliance deadline | drinking water | The water treatment plants (WTPs) in Saskatchewan that are regulated by the WSA are required under the new regulations to meet the new drinking water standard for Microcystin-LR by July 1, 2020. | For WTPs in Saskatchewan regulated by the Water Security Agency. | high |
| #Q105 | administrative | operational | recommended | Monitoring strategy review during risk assessment | drinking water | During the discussion process, possible treatment adjustments and strategy for continued monitoring of the treated water supply should be reviewed. | During risk assessment consultation following a MAC exceedance. | high |
| #Q106 | administrative | operational | guidance | Jurisdictional guidance acquisition | drinking water | Specific guidance related to the implementation of drinking water guidelines should be obtained from the appropriate drinking water authority in the affected jurisdiction | When implementing drinking water guidelines. | high |
| #Q107 | administrative | operational | recommended | Monitor training requirement | drinking water | As accumulations of algae and pollen can be mistaken for cyanobacterial blooms, monitors should receive appropriate training to correctly identify blooms. | For personnel responsible for visual monitoring of water sources. | high |
| #Q108 | design | treatment | recommended | Residential POE filter configuration | drinking water | The filtration system should consist of a prefilter for removal of large particles (e.g., sand, sediment) followed by a filter with a smaller pore size for removal of cyanobacteria. | When installing a point-of-entry (POE) filtration system for residential scale treatment. | high |
| #Q109 | treatment | treatment | recommended | Coagulant determination via jar testing | drinking water | The appropriate coagulant and coagulation pH should be determined through jar testing, and tests should be carried out on waters with high algal concentrations to maximize cell removal. | During treatment plant operations for cell removal. | high |