Public health inspectors conduct site-specific risk assessments on every small drinking water system in the area. Based on the assessment, they determine what owners and operators must do to keep their drinking water safe and will issue a directive for the system. Directives may include requirements for water testing, treatment options, and training. This reflects a customized approach depending on the level of risk.
Public health inspectors also conduct compliance and complaint-based inspections.
Inspection results are available online. Check Before You Go!
Information for owners and operators
If your business or premises makes drinking water available to the public and you do not get your drinking water from a municipal drinking water system, you may be the owner or operator of a small drinking water system. Owners and operators of small drinking water systems are responsible for keeping their drinking water safe.
If you are uncertain of what actions to take, contact us immediately and speak with a public health inspector.
- municipally-owned airports, industrial parks, community centers, and libraries
- sports and recreational facilities
- restaurants and gas stations
- marinas
- seasonal trailer parks, campgrounds, private cottages on communal water systems or resorts with 6 or more connections
- places that operate primarily for the purpose of providing overnight accommodations to the travelling public such as motels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts
- churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, or other places of worship
- places other than a private residence where service clubs and fraternal organizations meet on a regular basis
- any place where the general public has access to a drinking water fountain, shower, or washroom
Systems that serve designated facilities such as children’s camps, social care facilities, schools, universities, colleges or other degree-granting institutions are not considered small drinking water systems and remain under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Small drinking water systems are regulated under Ontario Regulation 319/08- Small Drinking Water Systems. Under the Regulation, owners and operators of small drinking water systems are responsible for keeping their drinking water safe. The Regulation sets out specific requirements that owners and operators of small drinking water systems must comply with. They include:
- Designating an operator.
- Providing patrons with a supply of potable water at all times during operation.
- Sampling and testing- microbiological sampling and testing must be taken at the frequency and location indicated in your Directive.
- All water samples must be submitted to a private laboratory licensed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in charges being laid for issues of non-compliance.
- Ensuring the following information is made available for inspection by any member of the public during normal business hours without charge:
- a copy of every water sample test result taken in accordance with the system’s Directive
- a copy of every Directive issued under section 7 of the Small Drinking Water System Regulation
- a copy of every order issued
- a copy of Ontario Regulation 319- Small Drinking Water System