Small Drinking Water Systems

What is the Small Drinking Water System Regulation?

The Small Drinking Water Systems regulation O.Reg.319/08 is a regulation that requires owners of small well systems that serves water to the public to maintain and monitor their drinking water to ensure that drinking water served to the public is safe.

Here are some examples of small drinking water systems that are regulated under the Small Drinking Water System regulation:

• Seasonal trailer parks, campgrounds or resorts with six or more connections
• Restaurants on private water systems
• Hotels, motels and bed and breakfast accommodations
• Recreational and athletic facilities
• Places of worship
• Places where service clubs and fraternal organizations meet
• Any place where the general public has access to a drinking water fountain or shower

Public Health Inspectors are here to help

• Small Drinking Water Systems are inspected by Public Health Inspectors from your local health unit.
• Public Health Inspectors conduct site-specific risk assessments on small drinking water systems within the City of Ottawa. Based on the assessment, a directive is issued to an owner which includes requirements such as water testing, treatment and training. This reflects a customized approach for each small drinking water system depending on the level of risk, rather than “one-size-fits-all” requirements.

Resources

Training for Small Drinking Water System Operators

• Walkerton Clean Water Centre Small Drinking Water Systems Training Course
• A Small Drinking Water System Operator Training Guide (pdf - 1 MB) 

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

Ottawa Public Health's Small Drinking Water System Seasonal Re-Opening Notice Form

Please provide a completed Small Drinking Water System Seasonal Re-Opening Notice Form and drinking water test results to the Ottawa Public Health a minimum of two weeks prior to the date you wish to open for the season.