DDW-2024-010438

July 31th,2024
Dan M Harsh
Big Plains Water SSD -Canaan Ranch
1777 N.Meadowlark Dr.
Apple Valley,Utah 84737
Dear Mr.Harsh,
Subject:RTCR Level 2 Assessment Big Plains Water SSD -Canaan Ranch
I would like to thank Ross Gregerson,Dan Harsh and Richard Nootenboom for taking the time to
meet with me on July 29th,2024,for a Level 2 Assessment (L2)of the Canaan Ranch water
system.Your willingness to accommodate this request is greatly appreciated.
Observations:
This Level 2 Assessment (L2)was triggered by multiple TC+EC-Total Coliform positive routine
&repeat RTCR samples in April and June,of 2024.
Big Plains Water SSD Canaan Ranch is a community water system serving approximately
62 people located in Washington County,Utah.The system consists of a spring (WS001),
and two storage tanks with a total capacity of 152,000 gallons.
At the time of this assessment,Dan M Harsh had been working to make some necessary repairs
to the system.In talking to the water system,they wanted to go over some sample training,and
talk about the way they now pull samples.We talked in length about sampling techniques and
ideas of how to disinfect equipment before pulling samples.
It was noticed that the system has biofilm in the distribution system.We talked at length about
how to properly use chlorine to clean the biofilm from the system.
Conclusions:
195 North 1950 West •Salt Lake City,UT Mailing
Address:P.O.Box 144830 •Salt Lake City,UT 84114-4830 Telephone (801)
536-4200 •Fax [phone] •T.D.D.[phone] www.deq.utah.gov
Printed on100%recycled paper
Dan M Harsh
Page 2
July 31,2024
1.Possible factor contributing to the TC+samples could be the presence of biofilm buildup
in the reservoirs and distribution system.Upon inspection,it was observed that the water
contained an orange,rust-like substance,indicative of biofilm formation.Biofilm is known
to be a potential trigger for Total Coliform positive (TC+)samples.
Recommendations:
1.Clean Storage Tanks on a regular basis,Disinfect as per AWWA C651 standards as an
O&M procedure.
2.Bacteriological Samples:Follow sanitary sampling protocol of sufficient flushing and
disinfection,using a strong chlorine-based solution (applying,allowing contact time,
flushing,sample collection).
For engineering questions and review,contact Michael Newberry at [phone],
[e-mail].
Feel free to contact me Tom McOmie at [phone] or [e-mail],with
questions or if we can be of further assistance.
If you have any questions regarding the work performed,please contact Field Services
Section manager,Ryan Dearing,at [e-mail] [phone].
Sincerely,
Tom McOmie
Environmental Scientist
Utah Division of Drinking Water
cc:
Tom McOmie,Division of Drinking Water,[e-mail]
Sitara Federico,Division of Drinking Water,[e-mail]
Chris Martin,DDW Engineer,[e-mail]
Brent Arns,DDW Engineer,[e-mail]
Daymon Swenson,Utah County Health Department,[e-mail]