29 Using Electricity and Water in the Plant
Learning Objectives
Discuss how water and electricity are used in the plant.
Water Usage
Water, Ice and Steam
Most food processing operations use a lot of water and it is important to be able to draw enough water and to treat the wastewater. A reliable, potable water supply and sewage disposal system is very important. If municipal wastewater handling is limited, a facility may have to treat its wastewater onsite. In some facilities, water must be stored to meet needs during water shortages. Storage and treatment facilities must therefore be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent contamination of water being stored or treated.
All water used in the production process must be potable. This is defined in Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
The following link describes Canada’s guidelines on drinking water quality.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/guide/index-eng.php
Any site with pooled water is a good location for a drain.
Any water treatment chemicals used must be listed in the Reference Listing of Accepted Construction Materials, Packaging Materials and Non-Food Chemical Products, published by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The facility may need to get a ‘Letter of No Objection’ from Health Canada for a chemical not listed.
Monitor and control any chemical treatment. Make sure to use the recommended concentration and to prevent contamination.
Water Testing and Potability
Water, ice and steam are used as raw materials in many production processes. Ice that is used as an ingredient or that comes in direct contact with food must be made from potable water and protected from contamination.
Key Takeaways
Analyze water frequently to make sure it’s potable (safe for human consumption).
Ice used in food processing should be handled as an incoming ingredient. It should be assessed under the incoming material control program. Ice produced on site should also be assessed. Be sure to analyze water, ice and steam frequently to confirm potability. Some municipalities have regular water testing programs and may provide the plant with the results of the tests performed. This document can be used as a reference on the potability of the water the facility uses.
Processors producing high-risk products may need to test water daily. Those facilities producing a lower-risk product (e.g. bread) may need to test only monthly.
| Water Potability Records | Water Treatment Records | Boiler Feedwater Treatment Records |
| Water source | Method of treatment | Method of treatment |
| Sample site | Sample site | Analytical results |
| Analytical results | Analytical results | Analyst |
| Analyst | Analyst | Date |
| Date | Date |
If a facility has its own water well and treatment system, develop an in-house program to regularly assess water. Don’t forget to make sure it’s potable.
Water, ice and steam potability records can include:
- Sampling site (specific tap