While access to information could be better facilitated, the information available is likely a very accurate representation of the condition of drinking water and the facilities that provide it.
The provincially mandated minimum number of tests per month (as per the Drinking Water Protection Regulation) is a somewhat low requirement, especially for smaller systems. There are, however, many municipalities and other suppliers who test their water more frequently, to ensure they have the most up to date information on the water that is flowing to consumers. When initially applying for an operating permit, facilities will be assessed on their risk levels, and a higher internal sampling requirement may be required.
Inspection of drinking water systems by health authorities’ Drinking Water Officers has no prescribed frequency. In fact, there is no requirement that systems be inspected by DWOs beyond the assessment when granting and operating license.
The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport’s Drinking Water Officer’s Guide encourages officers and health authority management to develop an inspection policy “appropriate to the nature and circumstances of the systems within their area of responsibility”.
While a contextual approach is valuable in assessing and addressing threats specific to the area (i.e. agricultural runoff, various surface water threats), it is unclear how this discretion is put in practice among the province’s health authorities.
