YOUR ENVIRONMENTDrinking Water

The water we drink can make us sick if it is not properly protected or treated. In Ontario, there are strict standards that must be met to make sure that our water is safe for us to drink.  

Types of Drinking Water Systems

In Chatham-Kent, the municipal drinking water system is tested and maintained by the Public Utilities Commision (PUC). When there is a potential health risk to the public from the drinking water, CK Public Health will issue an advisory.

A municipal water tower rises between oak and magnolia trees

If you have water that is available to the public from a water source that is not municipal, you may be operating on a Small Drinking Water System (SDWS). Some locations may include:

Restaurants
Hotels and motels
Trailer parks and campgrounds
Gas stations
Marinas
Places of worship
Recreational facilities
Any place where the general public has access to a washroom, shower, or drinking fountain

These systems must be registered with CK Public Health. They are regulated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act by the Small Drinking Water Systems Regulation (O. Reg. 319/08). Once registered, these systems are inspected by our Public Health Inspectors who will tell you how often water samples need to be taken and sent to a licensed private lab for analysis. The lab will notify us if there is an adverse test result. Then, a public health inspector will contact the operator to help correct the issue.

If you have any questions about your Small Drinking Water System, please contact us.

Drinking water fountain in park on a sunny day,

If you live in a rural area, your water may come from a private well. Homeowners are responsible for making sure that their wells are properly maintained and that the water is safe to drink.

Wells don’t last forever. Over time, they may become damaged or wear down. That’s why it is important to regularly check your well for structural issues. Some things to consider:

Is there a cap on the well and is it secure?
Are there cracks or damage to the well?
Does the top of the well extend at least 40 cm (16 inches) above the ground?

If you notice damage to your well, contact a licensed well contractor for repairs.

Be aware of potential sources of contamination that could cause your well water to become unsafe. Do these things to keep your well water safe:

Prevent water from pooling around your well
Keep grass around the well cut short
Do not plant gardens or crops near your well
Remove animal feces near your well
Keep fertilizer, paint, pesticides and motor oil away from your well

You should have your well water tested for harmful bacteria 3-4 times a year. It is especially important to have your well tested in the spring. This is because as the ground thaws, runoff can cause contaminants to enter the well.

We offer free testing for drinking water from private wells. Testing kits can be picked up from CK Public Health Clinic Services or any municipal service centre. Drop off your water sample to CK Public Health Clinic Services, Monday-Thursday between 8:30-4:30 and Fridays before 11:00. You should receive your results within 2-4 business days. If you need any help understanding your test results, contact us to speak to a health inspector.

Keep the bottle closed until you are ready to take the sample and follow these easy steps:

Remove any aerator or screen from the tap and run the water for 2-3 minutes
Wash your hands.
Remove the cap from the sample bottle – do not touch the inside of the cap or the top of the bottle.
Fill the bottle to the 200 ml line marked on the bottle – do not rinse the bottle or dump out the powder.
Screw the cap on tight.
Fill out the water sample form and attach it to the bottle.
Keep the water sample cold, but not frozen, and bring it to CK Public Health, Clinic Services.

Who's at Risk

Untreated water often causes symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms are normally mild but can be more serious. Some people are at greater risk of serious symptoms, including children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. 

Your risk may also be greater because of the source of your drinking water. Untreated surface water, such as water from lakes, rivers and streams, often has bacteria and parasites that can make you sick if you drink it. 

Some people get their drinking water from private wells. If a well becomes damaged, surface water and contamination can get into the well, making the well water unsafe to drink. To protect yourself from getting sick, do not drink untreated surface water. If you have a private well, get your water tested regularly to make sure that it is safe to drink.

Report a Concern

If you think you are sick from drinking untreated water, see your health care provider. It is important that you wash your hands regularly and stay home from work or school if you have symptoms to prevent others from getting sick.

Report a Concern

YOUR ENVIRONMENTDrinking Water

Types of Drinking Water Systems

Who's at Risk

Report a Concern

Inspections & Enforcement

Related Content & Links

Municipal Water

Small Drinking Water Systems

Well Water

CK Public Health

Health Information