Municipal water is treated and tested to ensure it meets the Ontario Drinking Water Standards, ensuring it is safe to drink. The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks monitor municipal water systems for compliance with Ontario Regulation 170/03 Drinking Water System.
This includes:
- Registering all municipal drinking water systems
- Licensing system owners and operators
- Authorizing operators to run and maintain drinking water systems
- Issuing permits for modification, repairs or extensions of drinking water systems
Every owner and operator of a drinking water system must ensure that:
- The system’s water meets Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Standards
- All personnel operating or working on the system are properly trained and licensed
- Drinking water tests are done by licensed, accredited laboratories
- Adverse test results are reported to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the local Medical Officer of Health