Safe Water

Workplaces in Ontario, that are provided with drinking water from municipal, non-municipal and small drinking water systems, can rest assured that drinking water in the workplace is safe to drink.

Public health units in Ontario, including the Northwestern Health Unit, are legislated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (R.S.O. 1990),the Safe Drinking Water Act (2003)and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines (1997) to carry out the Safe Water Program.

The scope of the Safe Water Program increased significantly in the aftermath of the Walkerton tragedy. Under Ontario's Safe Water Program, water samples are monitored and tested regularly to confirm current standards are met. If there is an outbreak of water-borne illness, or water analysis reports show that water is unfit for human consumption,the Northwestern Health Unit will issue a Boil Water Advisory notifying the public to boil water for at least 1 minute prior to drinking. Workplaces will be among the first to know if a Boil Water Advisory has been issued for their area.

If there is a question about drinking water safety in a rural workplace, the employee should immediately notify the employer. Water samples can be collected and sent, via the Northwestern Health Unit, to a regional laboratory for testing. If water analysis reports indicate there is a problem with the water, the Northwestern Health Unit will work with the owner and/or employer, providing information on a water treatment and alternative water sources.

Public health units in Ontario, including the Northwestern Health Unit, are legislated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (R.S.O. 1990),

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