From crisis to confidence – contamination solution in Iqaluit, Nunavut

Background

Residents of Iqaluit reported taste and odor issues with their drinking water in October 2021, leading to immediate action by WSP and Aquatic Life. An engineering team was dispatched to the site, revealing subsurface tanks were contaminated with an unidentified hydrocarbon. In response, a precautionary “Do Not Consume” order was issued by the Chief Public Health Officer. Recognizing the complexity of Iqaluit’s crisis, the engineering team worked with all levels of government, the Canadian Armed Forces and local Indigenous groups to tackle the problem head on.

Solution

Aquatic Life swiftly implemented a micro::station(Opens in a new tab or window), equipped with a spectro::lyser(Opens in a new tab or window), for real-time monitoring of hydrocarbon contamination, see picture on the left. The Aquatic Life team collaborated with s::can and WSP engineers to develop custom hydrocarbon algorithms, enabling precise analysis and detection of contaminants. By incorporating advanced technologies and leveraging extensive water monitoring expertise, Aquatic Life enabled prompt decision-making and optimal process control.

The picture on the right shows the micro::station monitoring the final treated water leaving the plant. It measures hydrocarbons, turbidity, organics, color, chlorine, UVT, UV254, pH, fluoride, temperature, and spectral alarms. The system has remote connectivity which allows for easy support between service contract visits.

Conclusion

Aquatic Life’s collaboration with WSP and the City of Iqaluit in addressing the hydrocarbon contamination crisis demonstrates a commitment to delivering cutting-edge water monitoring solutions and expert consulting. By deploying the s::can micro::station and leveraging decades of expertise, Aquatic Life enabled real-time monitoring, expedited decision-making, and helped restore public confidence in the water supply. This case study serves as a testament to the transformative impact of innovative water monitoring technologies in addressing complex challenges and supporting regulatory compliance in remote regions such Northern Canada.

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