Protecting your drinking water

Drinking water quality is a shared responsibility among federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments. Here’s what you need to know:

Where Does Drinking Water Come From?

• Surface Water: Many Canadians get their drinking water from lakes and rivers, especially in urban areas.

• Ground Water: Approximately eight million Canadians rely on groundwater, particularly in rural areas.

How Is Drinking Water Treated?

• Coagulation and Filtration: Chemicals are added to remove contaminants, followed by filtration. For example, Calgary's water treatment plants use flocculation and filtration to ensure safe drinking water.

• Disinfection: Chlorine is used to kill bacteria and germs.

Contaminants and Health Effects

• Types of Contaminants: Lead is a significant concern due to aging infrastructure, affecting hundreds of thousands of Canadians.

• Health Risks: Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, especially for vulnerable groups like children and those with weakened immune systems

Responsibility and Violations

• Guidelines and Oversight: Health Canada sets national guidelines, while provinces and territories enforce them. Municipalities manage day-to-day operations

• Challenges: Lack of federal oversight and inconsistent testing protocols across provinces can lead to issues like lead contamination.

How You Can Help

• Stay Informed: Review local water quality reports and stay updated on municipal efforts.

• Get Involved: Support initiatives to replace lead pipes and improve water infrastructure.

• Conserve Water: Properly dispose of chemicals and conserve water to protect your community’s supply.

By staying informed and taking action, you can help ensure safe and clean drinking water for your community.