Small Drinking Water Systems

If your business or premise makes drinking water available to the public and you do not get your drinking water from a municipal drinking water system, you may be an owner or operator of a small drinking water system (SDWS).

As of December 2008, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) has oversight of small drinking water systems (SDWS) in Ontario under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 319/08 (Small Drinking Water Systems).

Some examples of small drinking water systems would be, but not limited to, trailer parks, campgrounds, sit down restaurants, hotels, motels, places of worship, gas stations, recreational facilities, clubs or fraternal organizations, or other facilities that provide the general public with access to a washroom, drinking water fountain or shower.

What is a small drinking water system directive?

A “Directive” is a document that outlines the operational requirements that must be carried out by the owner or operator of a SDWS. It is issued on completion of a site specific risk assessment conducted by a Public Health Inspector. Since there are many types of SDWS, the Public Health Inspector will conduct a site specific risk assessment of the SDWS to determine potential risks to users associated with the operation of the SDWS. This is done by using a risk categorization tool (RCat) to identify and assess potential risks to users and by applying a multi-barrier approach to determine any potential risk that may affect the safety of the drinking water if left uncorrected.

At the end of the risk assessment, the SDWS will be assigned one of the following risk categories for the system as a whole:

• high=significant risk
• moderate=medium level risk
• low=negligible level of risk 

What may be some requirements or actions that may be included in a directive?

• The need for primary, secondary treatment, other treatment equipment
• Water sampling and testing frequency, location and method
• The types of samples to be taken
• Record maintenance
• Posting warning signs
• Operational checks
• Appropriate training for owners/operators

What if I do not agree with the requirements issued in a directive?

If you do not agree with the requirements issued in your directive or an amendment to your directive, you have seven days to request a review by the local Medical Officer of Health (MOH). When requesting a review you must include the following:

1. a.       The portions of the directive or amendment to the directive that you want to be reviewed
2. b.      Any submission that you would like the MOH to consider in the review
3. c.       A current mailing address so that the MOH can provide you with the decision in respect to the review.

If ownership of a SDWS changes, what happens to the directive?

If there ls a change in ownership of the SDWS, the directive is site specific and therefore it belongs to the site and remains in effect. It is best to contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 705-474-1400 x 5400 and advise that there is a change in ownership.

If you should have any questions do not hesitate to talk to a Public Health Inspector at 705-474-1400 x 5400.

You may also find additional information on the following websites:

Ontario Regulation 319/08: www.ontario.ca/laws/regulations/o80319

Current list of licensed laboratories: www.ontario.ca/page/list-licensed-laboratories

Guidelines

Guidelines for food establishments during a boil water advisory

Guidelines for dental offices during a boil water advisory

Guidelines for child care centres during a boil water advisory

Commonly asked questions

Commonly asked questions about boil water advisories

Commonly asked questions about drinking water advisories

Boil water advisory signs