Water Monitoring and Reports

Water Monitoring

• Bacteriological Testing

  Weekly samples are taken to an independent lab and tested for e-coli and coliform bacteria.  Water is tested before and after treatment and in the distribution system.  Treated water must be completely free of e-coli and coliform bacteria.

• Chemical Testing

  Chemical samples are taken in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Certificate of Approvals for each water system.  Some samples are taken every quarter, while others are taken every 3 to 5 years

• Chlorine Testing

  Disinfection is required in all Municipal drinking water systems in Ontario.  A liquid form of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) is added to the raw water in a set dose to provide disinfection.  Some chlorine must remain in the distribution mains to ensure that water is safe to drink from the pump station to the tap.

  Levels of chlorine are continuously monitored in each pump station.  Regular samples are taken to confirm the accuracy of the monitoring equipment in the plant.  Alarms are set to notify the water department if the level of chlorine is too high or too low.  Samples are routinely monitored for chlorine levels in the distribution system to confirm that adequate disinfection levels are being maintained.

• Station Checks

  Each pump station is inspected by qualified water department staff.  They check equipment operation, chlorine levels, and monitor water usage. These checks are made to ensure a continuing supply of safe drinking water to our consumers.