More UFW

UFW is--using Greater Vernon Water utility's acronym--Unaccounted For Water.


The School District shouldn't have to "defend" its flushing of waterlines to remove lead, as today's Morning Star story by Rolke implied.  And it's technically not unaccounted for water, as schools are on metered consumption.  But the schools deserve a cost break due to having to flush water daily.

First, the story:

"Vernon School District officials insist they aren't unnecessarily wasting water.

Water lines are being flushed at five schools daily because of lead in the system.

"They don't measure the water used," said Joe Rogers, superintendent.

At Kalamalka Secondary School, there are 11 plumbing fixtures and it takes 45 minutes to flush them.
"Some are turned on for one to two minutes," said Rogers.

Seventy-three minutes are needed for the 15 fixtures at W.L. Seaton Secondary, while there are 14 fixtures at BX, 11 at Cherryville and 18 at Mission Hill (schools).

"We have already changed out the fixtures at Crossroads in Lumby," said Rogers.

And it's expected additional water consumption will be reduced as the lead issue is addressed.

"We've ordered new parts and replacement will take place over two to three months," said Rogers.

Rogers admits that entire pipes may have to be replaced if lead levels are still high.  The source of lead in the tap water is likely from aging plumbing material."

                Morning Star                

Image from Mister Plumber website

Okay, Mr. Rogers it certainly makes sense for the school district to replace pipes and fittings and, in the meantime, flush lines to reduce the risk of lead being ingested by children.  All would agree that it is definitely necessary.

So what's the problem?

The problem is GVW bureaucrats of course.
It always is.

You'd think--with Mr. Rogers' dilemma--that GVW could place one of their numerous workers to do the rounds of the schools, record the meter reading on arrival, begin the flushing and then record the meter reading at the conclusion of the flushing.

Or the schools' custodians could record the start/finish water meter readings!
And the schools--and taxpayers--could get a discount / free on the total flushing volume.

"Can you just imagine the amount of lead in the treated wastewater system?", Kia would've asked, adding "plus reclaimed water irrigates the fruit and veggies we import."

Gives a whole new meaning to the word "reclaimed", doesn't it?
Plus a few graphics of interest.
Click to enlarge.