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Water...
A child drinks from a public water fountain.
A jogger gulps bottled water.
A family enjoys themselves at a public pool.
Whether it is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, cooling, or exercise, water plays an essential part in our daily lives.
Water is a vital resource that can easily become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals that affect its quality and usefulness. Water safety is often taken for granted until someone becomes ill.
The Health Unit helps keep our water safe by monitoring it to assure it is safe for drinking and play, according to the Ontario and Canadian Water Quality Standards.
Drinking Water
Our drinking water comes from groundwater sources such as aquifers, or from surface waters such as lakes and rivers.
Regardless of the source, water must be safe to drink to ensure good health, so it is important to protect these resources.
Recreational Water
Water used for recreational purposes must also be safe. Lakes, rivers, swimming pools and other water-related venues are often sources of contamination because many human activities have an impact on water quality.
The Health Unit’s Role in Safe Water
One of the Health Unit’s roles is to provide the public with assurance that water is safe and meets the Ontario and Canadian Water Quality Standards.
Each year, Public Health Inspectors reduce the potential for waterborne illness locally by:
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Analyzing private water well samples
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Analyzing municipal water samples
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Analyzing bathing beach samples
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Posting contaminated beaches immediately "Unsafe for Bathing"
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Provide consultations and interpretation of water testing results
Services We Provide:
- Private supplies
- Interpretation of laboratory analysis
- Reports and advice on corrective measures
- Information on treatment methods
- Routine Monitoring
- Food premises and non-municipal supplies
- Public beaches, swimming pools, spas/whirlpools
- Municipal/recreational water supplies
- Recreational/Tourist Lodges
- Public springs
- Ice samples
- Water haulage vehicles
- Bottling companies
- Fairs, carnivals, midways
Education
- Non-municipal water systems owner have responsibilities as well
- Information on treatment methods
- Information on safe water
- Flooding Concerns
Complaint Investigation
- Response to water-related complaints
Call (807) 625-5930 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630, extension 5930.