Drinking Water Supply Systems
Drinking water in B.C. is, for the most part, safe to drink. By statute, all water suppliers must conduct regular tests of their water supplies, and drinking water regulation creates a high standard of zero presence of E. Coli or fecal coliform in water output. The Ministry of Environment also publishes the Approved Water Quality Guidelines, which acts as a tool for Drinking Water Officers to identify potentially harmful contaminants and issue orders of repair or alteration. The province has also taken a proactive and preventative approach to groundwater protection with the Ground Water Protection Regulation, by prescribing certain prudent actions when installing and maintaining wells.
Under the Drinking Water Protection Act, all drinking water suppliers must provide immediate notice to the Public Health drinking water officer if water testing suggests there could be any threats that render the water undrinkable. The drinking water officer will, if there is a real drinking water health threat, require the water supplier to report the test results to the public. Biological threats may result in a ‘boil water advisory’ for all consumers on the system. Current systems on boil water advisories can be found here.
More general information on the safety of your drinking water system can be found at:
Interior Health Authority (updated quarterly, not a live representation)
If you are concerned about the water being supplied to you, contact your water supplier (your municipality, or small system operator), or your regional Public Health Authority.
If you are under a boil water advisory, the Health Canada suggests some simple treatment steps.
On a Well
On a private well water system, you are ultimately responsible for your own water safety. It is advisable to have your water tested frequently, from 1 to 3 times a year, to ensure your water is free from potentially harmful contaminants.
Some basic information on well water safety and possible contaminants can be found on the Health Link BC website.
To obtain more information about accredited water testing facilities in your area, or to learn about water threats specific to your area, contact your Public Health Authority and speak to the Drinking Water Officer.
Some preliminary information on water testing can be found at Healthlink BC.
