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Section 8.2 - 8.9 content text (only)
[[File:Water test permeabel pavement.PNG|thumb|600px|A simulated storm event test taking place on [[permeable pavement|porous concrete]] to ensure proper infiltration function is still occurring in the practice after construction (STEP, 2019)<ref>STEP. 2019. Permeable Pavement - Inspection and Maintenance Best Practices for Permeable Pavements. Video. Accessed May 11 2022: https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/home/urban-runoff-green-infrastructure/low-impact-development/permeable-pavement/</ref>]]
Appendix C as A SCROLLING DOCUMENT!!!
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Mention training courses
==Soil Characterization Testing==
==Soil Characterization Testing==
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[[File:Soil bulk density figure 8.7.PNG|thumb|325px|Maximum allowable bulk density values by soil texture class (Sustainable Sites Initiative, 2009). '''Click to enlarge'''.<ref>Sustainable Sites Initiative. 2009. The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks. American Society of Landscape Architects, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin, United States Botanic Garden and Sustainable Sites Initiative, Austin, TX. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc31157/</ref>]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 1275px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 900px;"
|+''' Critical soil characteristics, acceptance criteria and tests by LID BMP type'''
|+''' Critical soil characteristics, acceptance criteria and tests by LID BMP type'''
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[[File:Soil bulk density figure 8.7.PNG|thumb|305px|Maximum allowable bulk density values by soil texture class (Sustainable Sites Initiative, 2009). '''Click to enlarge'''.<ref>Sustainable Sites Initiative. 2009. The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks. American Society of Landscape Architects, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin, United States Botanic Garden and Sustainable Sites Initiative, Austin, TX. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc31157/</ref>]]
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{| style="width: 900px;"
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|<sup>iii</sup> <small> Based on Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs’ Soil Fertility Handbook guidance on soil fertility testing for crop production ([http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/pub611.pdf OMAFRA, 2006])<ref>OMAFRA. 2006. Soil Fertility Handbook Publication 611. Guelph, Ontario, Canada. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/pub611.pdf.</ref>. </small>
|<sup>iii</sup> <small> Based on Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs’ Soil Fertility Handbook guidance on soil fertility testing for crop production ([http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/pub611.pdf OMAFRA, 2006])<ref>OMAFRA. 2006. Soil Fertility Handbook Publication 611. Guelph, Ontario, Canada. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/pub611.pdf.</ref>. </small>
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|<sup>iv</sup> <small> Based on Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA, 2015) for minimum to sustain plant growth and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA, 2014) for a maximum to avoid unnecessary fertilization that would have low or no effect on plant health. </small>
|<sup>iv</sup> <small> Based on Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA, 2015)<ref>Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). 2015. Minnesota Stormwater Manual. Accessed April 15, 2015. http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Main_Page</ref> for minimum to sustain plant growth and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA, 2014)<ref>Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). 2014. Guide to Nursery and Landscape Plant Production and IPM. Publication #841. Toronto, Ontario. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub841/pub841.pdf</ref> for a maximum to avoid unnecessary fertilization that would have low or no effect on plant health. </small>
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|<sup>v</sup> <small> Based on the threshold for non-saline soils (Whitney, 2012). </small>
|<sup>v</sup> <small> Based on the threshold for non-saline soils (Whitney, 2011)<ref>Whitney, D.A. 2012. “Soil Salinity.” In Recommended Chemical Soil Test Procedures for the North Central Region. North Central Regional Research Publication No. 221. Missouri Agricultural Experimental Station. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/234/68557/rec_chem_soil_test_proce55c.pdf</ref> </small>
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|<sup>vi</sup> <small>Interpolated value from bulk density figure beside this table. based on a sandy loam soil containing at least 70% sand-sized particles. </small>
|<sup>vi</sup> <small>Interpolated value from bulk density figure beside this table. based on a sandy loam soil containing at least 70% sand-sized particles. </small>
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|<sup>vii</sup> <small>Based on German green roof standards (FLL 2008). Specifications will vary depending on the green roof growing media product. Product specifications should be provided by the media supplier. Test results should be compared to the media supplier’s specifications and permissible tolerance ranges. </small>
|<sup>vii</sup> <small>Based on German green roof standards (FLL, 2018)<ref>Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau (FLL). 2008. Guidelines for the Planning, Construction and Maintenance of Green Roofs. The Landscaping and Landscape Development Research Society E.V., Bonn, Germany. https://shop.fll.de/de/downloadable/download/sample/sample_id/44/</ref>. Specifications will vary depending on the green roof growing media product. Product specifications should be provided by the media supplier. Test results should be compared to the media supplier’s specifications and permissible tolerance ranges. </small>
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|<sup>viii</sup> <small>Based on Penn State University Center for Green Roof Research (Berghage et al. 2008). </small>
|<sup>viii</sup> <small>Based on Penn State University Center for Green Roof Research (Berghage et al. 2008)<ref name="example5">Berghage, R., Wolf. A., Miller, C. 2008. Testing Green Roof Media for Nutrient Content. Presented at
Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities, held in Baltimore, MD from April 30 to May 2, 2008. http://admin.ipps.org/uploads/58_086.pdf</ref>. </small>
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|<sup>ix</sup> <small>Based on Penn State University Center for Green Roof Research (Berghage et al. 2008) for the minimum to sustain plant growth and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA, 2014) for the maximum to avoid unnecessary fertilization that would have low or no effect on plant health. </small>
|<sup>ix</sup> <small>Based on Penn State University Center for Green Roof Research (Berghage et al. 2008)<ref name="example5" />. for the minimum to sustain plant growth and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA, 2014) for the maximum to avoid unnecessary fertilization that would have low or no effect on plant health. </small>
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Key components of LID BMPs that should be the subject of sediment accumulation testing (i.e., depth measurements) are described in the table below along with recommended test methods. Depth measurements should be recorded on inspection field data forms provided on each associated [[Inspection and maintenance#Practice-specific Inspection and Maintenance|BMP's I&M page on the wiki]], used to determine if sediment removal maintenance is needed.
Key components of LID BMPs that should be the subject of sediment accumulation testing (i.e., depth measurements) are described in the table below along with recommended test methods. Depth measurements should be recorded on inspection field data forms provided on each associated [[Inspection and maintenance#Practice-specific Inspection and Maintenance|BMP's I&M page on the wiki]], used to determine if sediment removal maintenance is needed.
[[File:Secch idisk.PNG|thumb|320px|Picture of a typical Secchi disk to help measure sediment depth in underground holding structures. (Photo Source: Wildco, 2018<ref>Wildco. 2018. Secchi Disk Kit, Fieldmaster®. Accesses May 5 2022: https://shop.sciencefirst.com/wildco/student-water-samplers/5979-fieldmaster-student-secchi-disk-non-calibrated-line-for-student-use-only-200mm.html</ref>]]
[[File:Secch idisk.PNG|thumb|320px|Picture of a typical Secchi disk to help measure sediment depth in underground holding structures. (Photo Source: Wildco, 2018)<ref>Wildco. 2018. Secchi Disk Kit, Fieldmaster®. Accesses May 5 2022: https://shop.sciencefirst.com/wildco/student-water-samplers/5979-fieldmaster-student-secchi-disk-non-calibrated-line-for-student-use-only-200mm.html</ref>]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 900px;"
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|+'''Key components and test methods for sediment accumulation testing by BMP type'''
|+'''Key components and test methods for sediment accumulation testing by BMP type'''
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|[[Inlets]]; [[Pretreatment|Pretreatment devices]]
|[[Inlets]]; [[Pretreatment|Pretreatment devices]]
|Use tape measure or probe to measure the depth from the bottom elevation of the inlet pipe or pretreatment device, below any stone or mulch cover present, to the highest elevation of accumulated sediment present. For catchbasins, manholes and hydrodynamic separator pretreatment devices a sludge sampler (e.g., “sludge judge” sampler) should be
|Use tape measure or probe to measure the depth from the bottom elevation of the inlet pipe or pretreatment device, below any stone or mulch cover present, to the highest elevation of accumulated sediment present. For catchbasins, manholes and hydrodynamic separator pretreatment devices a sludge sampler (e.g., “sludge judge” sampler) should be used to sample the sediment and estimate depth accumulated in sumps. A measuring tape or staff gauge installed in the structure and set to the bottom elevation can provide another means of tracking sediment accumulation. Record the measurement and remove the sediment if it exceeds trigger values.
used to sample the sediment and estimate depth accumulated in sumps. A measuring tape or staff gauge installed in the structure and set to the bottom elevation can provide another means of tracking sediment accumulation. Record the measurement and remove the sediment if it exceeds trigger values.
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|[[Filter media|Filter Bed]]
|[[Filter media|Filter Bed]]
|(Applicable to vault-type infiltration chamber systems only) - Use a tape measure or probe to measure sediment depth from the surface of the gravel bed to the elevation of
|(Applicable to vault-type infiltration chamber systems only) - Use a tape measure or probe to measure sediment depth from the surface of the gravel bed to the elevation of accumulated sediment in at least five (5) locations evenly distributed over the bed surface area. Record the measurements, calculate the mean sediment depth and compare to trigger values to determine if follow-up/corrective actions are needed.
accumulated sediment in at least five (5) locations evenly distributed over the bed surface area. Record the measurements, calculate the mean sediment depth and compare to trigger values to determine if follow-up/corrective actions are needed.
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|rowspan="2"|'''Cisterns ([[Rainwater Harvesting]] & [[Rain barrels]])'''
|rowspan="2"|'''Cisterns ([[Rainwater Harvesting]] & [[Rain barrels]])'''
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|'''Double Ring Infiltrometer''' (constant head)
|'''Double Ring Infiltrometer''' (constant head)
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*The double-ring infiltrometer (See photo example - Source: TRCA, 2012) is made of two concentric tubes typically of thin metal or hard plastic, that are both continuously filled with water such that a constant water level is maintained as water infiltrates into the soil (ASTM International, 2005<ref>ASTM International. 2005. Sealed Double-Ring Infiltrometers for Estimating Very Low Hydraulic Conductivities. Volume 28, Issue 3. CODEN: GTJODJ. Published Online: 30 March 2005. DOI: 10.1520/GTJ12447. https://www.astm.org/gtj12447.html</ref>). The rate at which water is added to the centre tube is measured to determine the infiltration rate. For detailed guidance on how to perform the testing, refer to ASTM D3385-09 Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer (ASTM International, 2018<ref>ASTM International. 2018. Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer. Book of Standards Volume: 04.08. Published Online: 11 April, 2018. DOI: 10.1520/D3385-09. https://www.astm.org/d3385-09.html</ref>) and ASTM D5093-15 Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer with Sealed-Inner Ring (ASTM International, 2018<ref>ASTM International. 2018. Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Infiltration Rate Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer with Sealed-Inner Ring. Book of Standards Volume: 04.08 Published Online: 17 April, 2018. DOI: 10.1520/D5093-15. https://www.astm.org/d5093-15.html</ref> <br>
*The double-ring infiltrometer (See photo example - Source: TRCA, 2012) is made of two concentric tubes typically of thin metal or hard plastic, that are both continuously filled with water such that a constant water level is maintained as water infiltrates into the soil (ASTM International, 2005<ref>ASTM International. 2005. Sealed Double-Ring Infiltrometers for Estimating Very Low Hydraulic Conductivities. Volume 28, Issue 3. CODEN: GTJODJ. Published Online: 30 March 2005. DOI: 10.1520/GTJ12447. https://www.astm.org/gtj12447.html</ref>). The rate at which water is added to the centre tube is measured to determine the infiltration rate. For detailed guidance on how to perform the testing, refer to ASTM D3385-09 Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer (ASTM International, 2018<ref>ASTM International. 2018. Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer. Book of Standards Volume: 04.08. Published Online: 11 April, 2018. DOI: 10.1520/D3385-09. https://www.astm.org/d3385-09.html</ref>) and ASTM D5093-15 Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer with Sealed-Inner Ring (ASTM International, 2018<ref>ASTM International. 2018). Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Infiltration Rate Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer with Sealed-Inner Ring. Book of Standards Volume: 04.08 Published Online: 17 April, 2018. DOI: 10.1520/D5093-15. https://www.astm.org/d5093-15.html</ref> <br>
*Accuracy is only moderate relative to permeameter methods (ASTM International, 2010<ref name="example1">ASTM International, 2010. Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible Wall Permeameter. Book of Standards Volume: 04.08. Published Online: 31 December, 2010. DOI: 10.1520/D5084-03. https://www.astm.org/d5084-03.html</ref>) and results tend to be biased towards higher values due to lateral flow. Potentially requires large volume of water and significant length of time for each measurement to reach steady state.
*Accuracy is only moderate relative to permeameter methods (ASTM International, 2010<ref name="example1">ASTM International, 2010. Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible Wall Permeameter. Book of Standards Volume: 04.08. Published Online: 31 December, 2010. DOI: 10.1520/D5084-03. https://www.astm.org/d5084-03.html</ref>) and results tend to be biased towards higher values due to lateral flow. Potentially requires large volume of water and significant length of time for each measurement to reach steady state.
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*When part of an Assumption inspection, issue a stop work order and contact the construction site supervisor, design professionals and property owner or project manager to determine follow-up tasks. Follow-up tasks involve scheduling FIT work to do further testing to determine the affected area and depth and decide on corrective actions.
*When part of an Assumption inspection, issue a stop work order and contact the construction site supervisor, design professionals and property owner or project manager to determine follow-up tasks. Follow-up tasks involve scheduling FIT work to do further testing to determine the affected area and depth and decide on corrective actions.
*Corrective actions may involve removal of any accumulated sediment, mulch or stone cover and plantings and tilling of the top 20 to 30 cm of filter media to eliminate surface crusting or macropores and reduce compaction. *Alternatively, removal and replacement of all or the uppermost 15 cm of filter media with material that meets design specifications may be necessary.
*Corrective actions may involve removal of any accumulated sediment, mulch or stone cover and plantings and tilling of the top 20 to 30 cm of filter media to eliminate surface crusting or macropores and reduce compaction.
*Alternatively, removal and replacement of all or the uppermost 15 cm of filter media with material that meets design specifications may be necessary.
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|'''[[Permeable pavement|Permeable pavements]]''' (pavement surface)
|'''[[Permeable pavement|Permeable pavements]]''' (pavement surface)
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*Monitoring that involves confined space entry requires adequately trained staff equipped with certified and recently calibrated safety equipment.
*Monitoring that involves confined space entry requires adequately trained staff equipped with certified and recently calibrated safety equipment.
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[[File:Shutterstock 94975348+resized.jpg|thumb|600px|Water quality analysis testing taking place in an accredited lab (Photo Source: City of Markham, n.d.).<ref>City of Markham. n.d. Water Quality and Testing. The Corporation of the City of Markham. Accessed May 10 2022. https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/neighbourhood-services/water-sewer/water-quality-and-testing/04-water-quality-and-testing</ref>]]
===Accredited Water Testing Laboratories (ON)===
===Accredited Water Testing Laboratories (ON)===
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In dry or temperate climates, an irrigation system can be crucial for establishing and maintaining green roofs. Extensive green roofs planted with drought tolerant plants do not always need an irrigation system, but intensive green roofs planted with a wider variety of plants would not be able survive without one. Most green roofs will require supplemental water either to enhance or speed up the establishment process or to protect the plantings during times of sustained drought. This can be accomplished by hand watering or installing an automated irrigation system.
In dry or temperate climates, an irrigation system can be crucial for establishing and maintaining green roofs. Extensive green roofs planted with drought tolerant plants do not always need an irrigation system, but intensive green roofs planted with a wider variety of plants would not be able survive without one. Most green roofs will require supplemental water either to enhance or speed up the establishment process or to protect the plantings during times of sustained drought. This can be accomplished by hand watering or installing an automated irrigation system.
[[File:Spray-Irrigation.jpg|thumb|400px|Picture of a spray nozzle used in an automatic spray irrigation system on a green roof (Photo Source: Vegetal I.D., n.d.)<ref>Vegetal i.D. n.d. Green Roof Irrigation. Accessed May 10 2022: https://www.vegetalid.us/green-roof-technical-resources/extensive-green-roof-design-guide/270-green-roof-irrigation.html</ref>]]
Irrigation systems vary greatly in level of complexity:
Irrigation systems vary greatly in level of complexity:
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*Installed automated systems that are activated by timers; or,
*Installed automated systems that are activated by timers; or,
*Sophisticated “smart irrigation” systems that can be remotely controlled and coupled with rain sensors or sources of local weather data to only operate during extended dry periods (i.e., droughts).
*Sophisticated “smart irrigation” systems that can be remotely controlled and coupled with rain sensors or sources of local weather data to only operate during extended dry periods (i.e., droughts).
**Drip irrigation is the most common type of irrigation system for green roofs (Green Roof for Healthy Cities, 2011) because it transfers the water directly to the growing medium via drip emitters installed at or near the surface with relatively little loss to evaporation.
**Drip irrigation is the most common type of irrigation system for green roofs because it transfers the water directly to the growing medium via drip emitters installed at or near the surface with relatively little loss to evaporation.
**Other types of irrigation systems use handheld or installed spray nozzles to distribute water to the plants. If an automatic irrigation system is in place, individuals performing inspection testing, maintenance and repairs on it should refer to the operator’s manual from the product vendor or installer for instructions specific to that product.
**Other types of irrigation systems use handheld or installed spray nozzles to distribute water to the plants. If an automatic irrigation system is in place, individuals performing inspection testing, maintenance and repairs on it should refer to the operator’s manual from the product vendor or installer for instructions specific to that product.
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==Green Roof Leak Detection Testing==
==Green Roof Leak Detection Testing==
On buildings featuring a green roof, a waterproofing membrane layer that covers the whole roof is essential to prevent water damage to the building. In some cases, a root barrier layer is also a part of the green roof design that protects the waterproofing membrane from being penetrated by roots and degraded by soil microbial activity. On top of these protective layers are the water retention and drainage layer, filter cloth, growing media and plants, making it impossible to visually inspect them for damage or leaks. There are two main approaches to leak detection for green roofs – flood tests and low-voltage leak detection tests.
On buildings featuring a [[green roof]], a waterproofing membrane layer that covers the whole roof is essential to prevent water damage to the building. In some cases, a root barrier layer is also a part of the green roof design that protects the waterproofing membrane from being penetrated by roots and degraded by soil microbial activity. On top of these protective layers are the water retention and drainage layer, filter cloth, growing media and plants, making it impossible to visually inspect them for damage or leaks. There are two main approaches to leak detection for green roofs – flood tests and low-voltage leak detection tests.
[[File:Lake detection green roof.PNG|thumb|A technician checking for water penetration below the membrane of a green roof by conducting a low-voltage leak detection test (Source: Construction Canada, 2012)<ref>Construction Canada. 2012. Waterproofing considerations for green roofs. By Karen Liu, PhD. Kenilworth Media Inc. Accessed May 10 2022: https://www.constructioncanada.net/waterproofing-considerations-for-green-roofs/2/</ref>]]
===Flood Tests===
===Flood Tests===
Flood tests for detection of green roof leaks can be conducted as part of Construction inspections, prior to planting. The test requires an experienced professional to narrow down a small area where the leak may be originating from. The suspected area is isolated from the rest of the roof, the roof drains are plugged, 10 cm of water depth is introduced and observations are made. Once the leak is found, the area is opened up and the waterproofing membrane is repaired. This process is time-consuming and costly, as the leak is not always found during the first round of patch flooding (US GSA, 2011).
Flood tests for detection of green roof leaks can be conducted as part of Construction inspections, prior to planting. The test requires an experienced professional to narrow down a small area where the leak may be originating from. The suspected area is isolated from the rest of the roof, the roof drains are plugged, 10 cm of water depth is introduced and observations are made. Once the leak is found, the area is opened up and the waterproofing membrane is repaired. This process is time-consuming and costly, as the leak is not always found during the first round of patch flooding (US GSA, 2011)<ref name="example6">United States General Services Administration (US GSA). 2011. The Benefits and Challenges of Green Roofs on Public and Commercial Buildings. 140 pp. https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/The_Benefits_and_Challenges_of_Green_Roofs_on_Public_and_Commercial_Buildings.pdf</ref>
===Low-Voltage Leak Tests===
===Low-Voltage Leak Tests===
The low-voltage leak detection test utilizes electricity to locate water penetrations through the waterproofing membrane. Such leak detection systems can also be referred to as Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM®) systems. They require a grounded, conductive material be directly below the waterproofing membrane, such as reinforced concrete or metal, and that the membrane be a nonconductive material. During roof construction and prior to green roof installation, a conductive wire is looped around the surface of the waterproofing membrane and connected to an impulse generator.
The low-voltage leak detection test utilizes electricity to locate water penetrations through the waterproofing membrane. Such leak detection systems can also be referred to as Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM®) systems. They require a grounded, conductive material be directly below the waterproofing membrane, such as reinforced concrete or metal, and that the membrane be a nonconductive material. During roof construction and prior to green roof installation, a conductive wire is looped around the surface of the waterproofing membrane and connected to an impulse generator.
Testing involves the inspector or leak detection technician introducing a low-voltage, pulsating electric charge onto the surface of the waterproofing membrane which should be moist at the time. A watertight membrane will isolate the potential difference between the wetted surface and the underlying grounded conductive material layer, while breaches in the membrane will cause an electrical connection to occur. The inspector or leak detection technician reads the directional flow of current with a potentiometer to locate the point of entry with pinpoint accuracy. Low-voltage leak detection tests can be performed before and after a green roof is installed. As such, the location of leaks can be very precisely located and repaired with minimal disturbance to the rest of the roof (US GSA, 2011).
Testing involves the inspector or leak detection technician introducing a low-voltage, pulsating electric charge onto the surface of the waterproofing membrane which should be moist at the time. A watertight membrane will isolate the potential difference between the wetted surface and the underlying grounded conductive material layer, while breaches in the membrane will cause an electrical connection to occur. The inspector or leak detection technician reads the directional flow of current with a potentiometer to locate the point of entry with pinpoint accuracy. Low-voltage leak detection tests can be performed before and after a green roof is installed. As such, the location of leaks can be very precisely located and repaired with minimal disturbance to the rest of the roof (US GSA, 2011)<ref name="example6" />.
===Testing & Inspection Types===
===Testing & Inspection Types===
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==Cistern Pump Testing==
==Cistern Pump Testing==
Most [[Rainwater harvesting|rainwater cisterns]] are placed in basements or outdoors, and require a pump to distribute the water to service its designated locations throughout the property, generally located at higher elevations. Typically, a pump is arranged with a pressure tank, which includes a centrifugal pump that draws the water out of the storage tank and into the pressure tank, where it is stored and ready for distribution. As part of this distribution system, an appropriately sized pump is required to produce a sufficient flow to efficiently transport water that feeds into the pressure tank. With prolonged usage, the pump capacity may decline, which would be reflected by a reduction in flow rate.
[[File:Rainwatercistern cross.PNG|thumb|500px|A simplified cross-section view showing key components of a rainwater harvesting system used in a residential setting. The cistern pump located in the basement along with the pressure tank over time through general use will begin to decline and this will be noted in reduced water pressure in flushing the toilet or for the shower, kitchen sink, etc. (Photo Source: TRCA, 2018)<ref>TRCA. 2018. Inspection and
Maintenance of Stormwater Best Management Practices: Rainwater Cisterns. https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/app/uploads/2018/02/Rainwater-Cisterns-Fact-Sheet.pdf</ref>]]
Most [[Rainwater harvesting|rainwater cisterns]] are placed in basements or outdoors, and require a pump to distribute the water to service its designated locations throughout the property, generally located at higher elevations. Typically, a pump is arranged with a pressure tank, which includes a centrifugal pump that draws the water out of the storage tank and into the pressure tank, where it is stored and ready for distribution. As part of this distribution system, an appropriately sized pump is required to produce a sufficient flow to efficiently transport water that feeds into the pressure tank. With prolonged usage, the pump capacity may decline, which would be reflected by a reduction in flow rate.
===Flow Rate testing===
===Flow Rate testing===
A simple flow rate measurement using a bucket, stopwatch and volume measurement device (e.g., graduated cylinder) at the [[outlet]] location can reveal whether the pump is functioning. Once the flow rate is measured the value can be compared to the design flow rate. If the pump is not creating sufficient pressure, then the flow rate will be inadequate. If the flow rate is below the design specification, servicing of the pump by a skilled technician should be scheduled.
A simple flow rate measurement using a bucket, stopwatch and volume measurement device (e.g., graduated cylinder) at the outlet location can reveal whether the pump is functioning. Once the flow rate is measured the value can be compared to the design flow rate. If the pump is not creating sufficient pressure, then the flow rate will be inadequate. If the flow rate is below the design specification, servicing of the pump by a skilled technician should be scheduled.
===Water Quality Testing===
===Water Quality Testing===