If your business supplies drinking water to the public from a private well, or surface water source (river, lake), you may be an owner or operator of a small drinking water system (SDWS). If you are the owner/operator of a SDWS it is your responsibility to ensure that this water is safe to drink.
Small drinking water systems are regulated by Ontario Regulation 319/08 (Small Drinking Water Systems) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
To register your SDWS, fill out the Small Drinking Water System Identification form, attach a copy to the Small Drinking Water System Application* and submit to Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH).
Before re-opening a seasonal SDWS, a Small Drinking Water System Reopening Notification* must be completed and submitted to HPEPH by the owner/operator.
*Note: The online application is accessed through the My Health Department website. To apply, you must create an account with an email address and password. Once your account is created you will be able to view and submit application forms.
Testing Your Water Supply
To test the drinking water from your SDWS, first complete the Small Drinking Water System Laboratory Services Notification (LSN) form. This form must be faxed or mailed to HPEPH prior to submitting your drinking water samples to the laboratory of your choice.
The frequency, number, and type of tests that may be required for your SDWS will be outlined in the customized directive that is issued for your SDWS by a Public Health Inspector.
Reporting Adverse Test Results
SDWS owners/operators are required to immediately report any adverse observation or adverse test result to HPEPH in person, by phone, or through the after-hours on-call system (613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803). A follow-up notice must be sent to Healthy Environments using the Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution form (within 24 hours).
Small Drinking Water System Owner/Operator Class
Public Health offers a free training course for SDWS owners/operators. See our SDWS class page for more information.
Other Resources
- Do Not Drink poster – HPEPH
