Small Drinking Water Systems

The following five categories of drinking water systems were transferred from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and local PHUs.  The Thunder Bay District Health Unit - Safe Water Program will now assess the following Small Drinking Water Systems:   

1. Large municipal non-residential systems, that serve such facilities as municipally-owned airports and industrial parks, and large sports and recreation facilities; 
2. Small municipal non-residential systems, that serve such facilities as small community centres, libraries, and sports and recreation facilities;
3. Non-municipal seasonal residential systems, that serve such facilities as private cottages on communal drinking water systems; 
4. Large non-municipal non-residential systems, that serve such facilities as large motels and resorts; and 
5. Small non-municipal non-residential systems, that serves such facilities as motels, restaurants, gas stations, churches, and bed and breakfasts.

For more information on Small Drinking Water Systems, please check the following websites:

Well Water Testing

Please be reminded that all well water should be tested on a regular basis throughout the year.

For further information, contact the Environmental Health Safe Water Program at  625-5930.

Related Resources:

• Cryptosporidiosis
• Giardiasis
• Adverse Water Quality Incidents Reports
  Northern Region
• Lead in Drinking Water
• Ground Water

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:

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.