Municipal drinking water systems

There are many large drinking water systems that supply water to residents in the Health Unit’s service area. These systems usually provide municipal water, also known as city water. These systems, for the most part, are owned by cities or municipalities. Operators of these municipal systems are trained in terms of running the plant and checking the safety of the drinking water and carrying out regular water quality testing as required by the Ontario Drinking Water Systems Regulation (O. Reg. 170/03, e-laws Ontario).

What is the Health Unit’s role?

Public health inspectors at the Health Unit are not directly involved with the day-to-day operations of the municipal water systems. However, public health inspectors do work with officials from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and water systems operators to ensure that the water is safe for consumption.

Regular bacterial and chemical testing is carried out on drinking water by all municipal water systems operators to meet the requirements of the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards (O. Reg. 169/03).

In the event that a water sample test shows an adverse result, the Health Unit would perform a risk assessment and provide corrective actions required. Corrective actions could range from re-sampling, flushing the lines or issuing a drinking water advisory or a boil water advisory and order.

For more information on the day-to-day operations or if you have a question about your municipal water system, contact your local municipal office.

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This item was last modified on November 16, 2015