Small Drinking Water Systems

We would like to remind you that power outages and loss of pressure may compromise the safety of the drinking water in your system and are considered adverse events that must be reported to Ottawa Public Health. An on-call public health inspector is available 24/7 to receive these reports and provide direction on corrective actions.

If you experience loss of power and loss of pressure, it is important to do the following to ensure potentially unsafe water is not provided to the users of your system:

• Report the incident to the health unit and discuss corrective actions.
• Once power is restored check that all water treatment equipment is working properly.
• If the system is treated using chorine – take free available chlorine readings.
• Flush all the lines for five minutes to clear the lines.
• Take water samples and submit them for bacteriological testing to confirm it is safe.
• Record your actions in your log book.

If you experience any water disruption, please contact Ottawa Public Health:

• Phone: 613-580-6744
• Fax: 613-580-9648
• Phone (after hours): call 3-1-1

Periods of drought can affect both the quality and quantity of water from wells. When groundwater levels drop, wells may begin to draw in contaminants from farther away. In addition, soil around the well may shrink and separate from the casing, increasing the risk of surface runoff entering the well when rain occurs. As a result, operators of Small Drinking Water Systems (SDWS) may notice changes in both water quality and supply.

Even if you are sampling according to your SDWS directive, additional testing during drought conditions is recommended, particularly if your system does not have water treatment in place. Extra bacteriological testing can help ensure that the safety of the water has not been compromised. If results show contamination, you must report this to your local public health unit. Be aware that routine disinfection may not always be suitable in drought situations, as flushing the well can cause it to run dry. Contact Ottawa Public Health to review the best options for your system.

A reliable supply of safe drinking water is essential for your business to remain open. For this reason, having a backup plan is critical if your well begins to produce less water or cannot meet demand. Recovery of groundwater sources after extended dry periods can take significant time, so early conservation measures are strongly encouraged. Well owners should also explore alternative safe sources of water in case shortages occur.

Ways to conserve water:

• Thaw food in the refrigerator rather than under running water (food premises).
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
• Repair leaks, dripping taps, and continuously running toilets.
• If low-flush toilets are not installed, placing a displacement object. For example, a sealed container, in the toilet tank can reduce water used per flush.
• Avoid non-essential uses of water, such as watering lawns, or washing vehicles and driveways.

If your well stops producing water, contact Ottawa Public Health right away. Do not add surface water to your well, as this can introduce bacteria, parasites, and chemical contaminants that are difficult to remove. Frequently removing the well cap or inserting devices to check water levels is also not recommended, as this increases the risk of contamination.

For more information and drought updates, visit:

• Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks – Drinking Water
• Cataraqui Conservation Authority
• Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
• South Nation Conservation Authority

• Walkerton Clean Water Centre Small Drinking Water Systems Training Course
• Ottawa Public Health's Small Drinking Water System Operator Training Guide

Get to know the law – Small drinking water systems regulation

• How to Ensure Your Water is Safe – Poster
• O.Reg.319/08 Small Drinking Water Regulation

Ministry of Health 

• Laboratory Services Notification Form:
  • The Laboratory Services Notification (LSN) form is to be used by small drinking water system owners/operators to notify the local public health unit in writing as to which licensed laboratories will test drinking water samples for their small drinking water systems.
• Small Drinking Water System Identification Form:
  • The Small Drinking Water System Identification form is to be used by owners of small drinking water systems to notify in writing the medical officer of health in the health unit where their system is located before supplying drinking water to users of the system following construction or alteration of the small drinking water system or following a shut-down of the system that lasts longer than seven days.
• Notice of Adverse Test Result and Issue Resolution Form:
  • The Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution Form is to be used by licensed laboratories and owners/operators of small drinking water systems to report adverse water quality incidents (AWQI).

• Licensed Laboratories