Licensing and Regulations

Drinking Water Systems 

The City owns and operates 21 drinking water systems (DWS), six wastewater collection systems and six wastewater treatment facilities.

All 21 drinking water systems are licensed through Ontario's Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program. Municipal residential drinking water systems must be licensed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and each system is inspected by the ministry at least once a year.

Licensed City and Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) staff operate our drinking water systems. Water is continuously monitored and tested to help ensure it is safe for our community.

The City operates its drinking water systems in accordance with provincial requirements, including:

• Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act
• Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program
• Ontario Drinking Water Standards

Drinking Water Quality Management Standard

The City is required to have an accredited Operating Authority in place to operate its municipal drinking water systems. The Operating Authority must meet requirements set out under Ontario's Safe Drinking Water Act and the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard.

The City also maintains a Quality Management System (QMS) for its drinking water systems. The system follows the requirements of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard and is regularly audited by an accredited third party.

The City is committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water to residents, visitors and businesses.

Drinking Water Quality Management documents

Learn more about the City's drinking water management and financial planning:

• Water and Wastewater Rate Study and Ontario Regulation 453/07 Financial Plan
• Quality Management System Policy
• Drinking Water Quality Management Standard

Wastewater Systems

The City operates six wastewater collection systems and six wastewater treatment facilities. These systems are also regulated under provincial requirements.

Wastewater operators must be licensed and follow provincial regulations when operating collection systems and treatment facilities.

Collecting and treating wastewater helps protect human and animal health, the environment and plant life.