Signs of Unsafe Water
The primary contaminants that render drinking water unsafe are biological or bacterial, and may be difficult to identify without proper testing. The presence of symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches may serve as after-the-fact indication of presence of fecal coliform or E. coli, and caution should be exercised until testing can be done.
Any other signs of contamination, such as rust colour, overly metallic tastes or strange smells should also be investigated. If you think the source of the contamination may be within your home, contact a plumber or home inspector. If you suspect the contamination occurs before the water enters your home (e.g. others in your neighbourhood are also experiencing the same problem), contact the operator of your water source and take the steps below.
Depending on the area you live in, and which health authority oversees your region, you can find information on your small water systems at:
Vancouver Coastal Health: (http://www.healthspace.ca/Clients/VCHA/CoastGaribaldi/CoastGaribaldi_Website.nsf/water-drinking-frameset)
Fraser Health: (http://www.healthspace.ca/Clients/FHA/FHA_Website.nsf/Water-Drinking-Frameset-Inspections)
Interior Health Authority (updated quarterly, not a live representation): (http://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-safety.aspx?id=536)
Northern Health Authority: (http://www.healthspace.ca/Clients/NHA/NHA_Website.nsf/water-drinking-frameset)
On a Drinking Water System
If you believe your water is unsafe to drink, there are a number of steps you should take:
1. Contact the Operator of your Water Source
This could be your municipality, a public well source, or an individual who operates a private water source for your housing development
Your local health authority may have information on the condition of the water at your supply. Contact the drinking water officer at your regional health authority:
2. Document the Contamination
The information you gather about the condition of your water may help diagnose the origins of the problem, or be of use as evidence.
3. Contact your Waterkeeper
Fraser Riverkeeper
#303-207 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7
(778) 737-4422
4. Request an Investigation
If your drinking water problem is ongoing, the Drinking Water Protection Act under s.29 states that any person may request an investigation of their drinking water facility by writing to the Drinking Water Official of their local Health Authority. Requests must be made in writing, and require disclosure of requested information.
5. Private Prosecution
Proper testing and documentation of the condition of the water is essential. BC offers special accreditation to labs licensed to test drinking water. Contact your Health Authority to find a lab in your region. (http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/protect/dw_ha_contacts.html)
