We play an important role with regards to drinking water and recreational water safety. This role extends from providing education and information to monitoring water safety and enforcing legislation.
Safe (potable) drinking water
Portable water is water that is safe to drink. We use it in our daily lives at home, school, the office, or while out in the community. In Ontario, drinking water is required to meet specific quality and safety standards.
Learn more about how we work to keep drinking water safe.
Recreational pools & spas
Recreational water facilities include public pools and spas. Public health inspectors work closely with pool and spa operators and follow up on complaints from the public to keep water safe to use and reduce water-borne illness and injury, such as skin infections, eye irritation, or upset stomach.
We do not routinely inspect public floatation tanks, public beaches, or splash pads.
Municipal drinking water systems
Public health inspectors are not directly involved with the day-to-day operations of the municipal water systems.
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.
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).
In the event that a water sample test shows an adverse result, our staff would perform a risk assessment and provide corrective actions required.
Corrective actions could range from:
- re-sampling
- flushing the lines
- 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.
We work with the municipalities to make sure your tap water contains the right amount of fluoride to protect your teeth. In Ontario, fluoride levels are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
We also support families by offering free fluoride treatments to children who are at higher risk for tooth decay. A registered dental hygienist screens children in schools and clinics, so those who need extra protection can get it.
- Community water fluoridation is a safe, effective way to reduce cavities/tooth decay.
- Fluoride is a natural mineral found in most water, even in oceans.
- Most water does not have enough fluoride to stop tooth decay. This is why some places in Canada add a small amount of fluoride to drinking water to help protect teeth.
- Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps, but drinking fluoridated water gives extra protection and helps lower the chances of getting cavities.