If your business or organization provides the public with access to drinking water that does not come directly from a municipal supply, you may be operating a small drinking water system (SDWS). These systems are regulated by Ontario Regulation 319/08 (Small Drinking Water Systems) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) regularly conducts inspections, risk assessments, and enforcement activities for all SDWS in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties to ensure compliance with this regulation. Most recent inspection results may be viewed on our website.
Small drinking water systems may include, but are not limited to, restaurants, places of worship, gas stations, libraries, community centres, hotels, motels, marinas, seasonal trailer parks, campgrounds, resorts, bed and breakfasts, recreational facilities, or any place where the public has access to washrooms, showers, water fountains, or outdoor taps.
Please review the information below to learn about additional roles and responsibilities of small drinking water system owner(s)/operator(s).
- Visit Small Drinking Water Systems Regulations: Get to Know the Law to learn more.
- Visit Small Drinking Water Systems: Source Water to learn more.
Notifying Public Health
Owners/operators are required to report to public health when a new SDWS is opening and before an existing SDWS reopens after a 60-day closure.
Opening a a new small drinking water system
To notify the Medical Officer of Health of a new small drinking water system, please complete the Notice to Open or Reopen and Laboratory Services Notification forms, and submit a copy of both forms to our healthy environments team.
Reopening a seasonal or shutdown SDWS (after a 60-day closure)
Submit the Notice to Operate or Reopen a Small Drinking Water System Form to HPEPH, Healthy Environments Department via fax, email, in person, or complete the Small Drinking Water System Reopening Notification* online and test your water prior to opening.
Small drinking water system directives
Upon completion of a risk assessment, HPEPH public health inspectors will determine what actions must be taken to establish and maintain a safe drinking water supply. Operational requirements, such as water treatment, water testing, operational checks, record keeping, signage, and/or training may be included in a written directive issued to the SDWS.
Visit Small Drinking Water Systems Directives: Get to Know the Law to learn more.
Testing your water supply
The directive issued to your SDWS may require routine water testing where samples must be submitted to a licensed laboratory. Once you select and register with a laboratory of your choice, a Small Drinking Water System Laboratory Services Notification (LSN) form must be completed and submitted to HPEPH, Healthy Environments Department via fax, email, or in person.
Visit Small Drinking Water Systems: Sampling and Testing to learn more.
Water treatment
The directive issued to your SDWS may require the installation of specific water treatment equipment. You may contact your public health inspector to discuss water treatment options.
Visit Small Drinking Water Systems: Treatment Options to learn more.
Reporting adverse water quality incidents
When a s SDWS fails to maintain safe drinking water at any time, it is called an adverse water quality incident (AWQI). An AWQI may be an adverse observation (e.g., malfunctioning UV light, low chlorine residual, high turbidity level) or adverse test result (e.g., presence of bacteria). When an AWQI occurs, the owner/operator of the system is required to:
- Immediately report the incident to HPEPH, Healthy Environments Department in person or on the phone. If the incident occurs outside of regular office hours, please call the after-hours emergency on-call system (613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803), leave your name, contact number and reason for your call (e.g., loss of pressure, adverse water sample result). A public health inspector will follow-up with you as soon as possible.
- After speaking with a public health inspector, complete section 2 of the Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution Form and submit to HPEPH, Healthy Environments Department via fax, email, or in person within 24 hours.
- Once the AWQI is resolved, section 2 of the Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution Form must be updated to include corrective actions taken and re-submitted to HPEPH, Healthy Environments Department via fax, email, or in person within 7 days.
Visit Small Drinking Water Systems: Response to Adverse Events to learn more.
Training
SDWS owners/operators must be trained in the operation and maintenance of their SDWS. The directive issued to your SDWS specifies the level of training required. Training may include self directed learning and/or training courses offered by Walkerton Clean Water Centre or equivalent.
Visit Small Drinking Water Systems: Operator Training to learn more.
Other resources:
- How to Ensure Your Water is Safe
- Small Drinking Water Systems: New Small Drinking Systems Program FAQ
- Small Drinking Water Systems Operator Guide
- Well Records
- Do Not Drink poster – HPEPH
Contact us
Healthy Environments
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
179 North Park Street
Belleville, ON K8P 4P1
Phone: 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 677
Fax: 613-968-1461
Email: EHFax1@hpeph.ca
