Hello, to my knowledge there is not a comparable FAQ available on the Internet or in the Public Domain which covers water quality issues as it pertains to the general public and decision-makers. Why is such a FAQ required may be asked. To this I would state that to my knowledge there exists considerable confusion about the various requirements and parameters which impact on a natural resource which we owe our very lives and survival. Scientific and public/private awareness is required for populations to have any sort of confidence in the decision-making process. And, acknowledging that there are "unanswered questions" which must be asked, and answered before these decisions can be made with confidence.

Generally, in North America, the water delivered to the public is regulated by a governing body, which is responsible for delivery of water to a certain standard, as commonly accepted as "standard practice." Water supplies can vary from wells, rivers, lakes, dammed reservoirs, and combinations. Methods of treatment may also vary, and can be subject to varying requirements. Options vary in terms of treatment methods and also by demand side control options. Conservation and water monitoring programs often precede any contemplated change in the water supply system.

My interest in this phenomenon has developed through my experience as a mechanical designer and engineer, who has extensive experience in design of new installed plumbing systems, with education in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of British Columbia to the Masters' level. It is combination of 15 years education and design engineer experience followed with 4 years of renovation, repair, redesign and contract field work have synthesized this FAQ. This interest developed by examining the water supply with relation to the copper corrosion problem which I became aware. Knowing that corrosion is an electro-chemical process governed by the chemical composition of the electrolyte led to investigation of the chemistry of the water supply in the GVRD. Further to this, by my research, there is considerable occurrence of the observed problems here in Vancouver to other cities and populations in North America and around the world.