Skip to main content Skip to sitemap
Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health
water pouring from tap into reusable bottle

Small Drinking Water System Operators

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

Need More Information About Small Drinking Water System Operators?

Call 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 677.

News, Research and Reports RELATED TO: Drinking Water, Drinking Water Advisories

Boil Water & Drinking Water Advisories

PUBLISHED: Monday February 7, 2022

Interested in receiving monthly updates about HPEPH programs and services?

Sign up for our e-newsletter

COVID-19 VACCINES IN HPE

All individuals ≥ 5 yrs of age are eligible to receive a COVID-19 bivalent booster dose 6 months after previous COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments can be booked through the provincial vaccine booking site, or by calling 1-833-943-3900 from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week.  

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

For the most up to date information on current provincial guidelines and advice in case of exposure, visit Ontario.ca/page/public-health-measures-and-advice.

The Ministry of Health has launched a toll-free line as an additional resource to help answer questions from the public regarding evolving COVID-19 testing and isolation guidance. The line can be reached at 1-888-777-0730, and is available from 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week. Beginning April 3, hours for this line will change to Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.