Sodium in drinking water

Sodium levels are routinely monitored in all government regulated water supplies in the province of Ontario. The aesthetic objective for sodium in drinking water is 200 mg/L, at which point it can be detected through a salty taste. Sodium is not considered a toxic element. A maximum acceptable concentration for sodium in drinking water has, therefore, not been specified.

The average intake of sodium from water is only a small fraction of that consumed in a normal diet. However, people suffering from hypertension or congestive heart failure may require a sodium-restricted diet, in which case the intake of sodium from drinking water could become significant.

Below are some examples of sodium content from Health Canada’s Nutrient Value of Some Common Foods:

Water systems reported to have sodium concentrations higher than 20 mg/L are listed below. Many of the distribution systems within a community may reflect a blended supply of water. Details regarding specific water supplies may be obtained by contacting the local municipal office.

FacilitySodium (mg/L)Resample
Blezard Valley/Capreol/Drinking Water System, 202026.1, 21.6, 37.5, 21.8, 96.926.1, 20.4, 30.1, 22.4, 88.0
C.A. MacMillan Place Well Supply, Webbwood, 201520.920.4
Chapleau Drinking Water System, 201826.323.1
Dowling Drinking Water System, 202033.8, 40.4-
Espanola Drinking Water System, 20222221.5
Falconbridge Drinking Water System, 202022.8, 22.8, 25.6-
Humarcin Residents' Organization, Sudbury, 202297.246.8
Onaping/Levack Drinking Water System, 2020109, 96.6-
Peace Valley Trailer Park, Wahnapitae, 2011 107.1-
Residence de Pionniers de Noëlville, 202097.0-
Sudbury Drinking Water System-David Street, 202054.1-
Sudbury Drinking Water System-Garson, 202155.4 68.5
Terry Wong Trailer Park, Chapleau, 2020154-
Vermilion Water Treatment Plant, 201820.420
Villa Notre Dame Well Supply, 2020 30.330.5
Warren Well Supply, 202210878.7

This item was last modified on February 2, 2022