Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I contact if I am having difficulty accessing information about OCWA?

How to arrange for Water Testing?

OCWA does not provide Water Testing, which actually falls under the jurisdiction of your local Health Unit. If you would like to have your drinking water or body of water tested, please visit the Ministry of Health's website for a complete list of local Health Units: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html [2]

Who should I contact about a problem with my water or wastewater service?

If you are having problems with your private well or septic system you should contact your local Health Unit for advice. For a complete listing of the Province's Health Units go to the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html [2]

Where can I get my drinking water tested?

For more information about water testing in your area contact your local Health Unit. For a complete listing of the Province's Health Units go to the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html [2]

Where can I get a copy of a Public Drinking Water Quality Report for my water system?

In Ontario, Quarterly Drinking Water Quality Reports are available directly from the owner of the water system. For a municipal water system, please contact the Region/City/Town/Township in which you live for additional information. Large municipalities (serving over 10,000) are required to post their reports on the Internet. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has one of the most complete listings of municipal websites in Ontario: http://www.amo.on.ca/YLG/ylg/ontario.html [3]

To whom would I report an environmental offence?

If you witness the illegal dumping of raw sewage or other substance, it is important to notify the Ministry of the Environment (moe.tips@ene.gov.on.ca [4]) Spills Action Centre 1 (800) 663-8477. If you wish to report harm to or disappearance of aquatic life, you should contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (www.mnr.gov.on.ca [5]).

Where can I obtain educational resources relating to water and wastewater?

Besides reading through the materials and publications available on our website, you are encouraged to visit the websites of the Ministry of Environment (http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/water/index.php [6]) and Environment Canada (http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/manage/qual/e_qual.htm [7])

Where can I get information of the water quality of lakes and rivers of Ontario?

For information on the water quality of lakes and rivers in Ontario, contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (www.mnr.gov.on.ca [8]) or the Ministry of Environment. (http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/water/index.php [6]).

Who regulates water and wastewater treatment facilities in the Province of Ontario?

The Ontario Ministry of Environment (www.ene.gov.on.ca [9]) sets and enforces regulation and standards by which all of Ontario's drinking water and wastewater must be managed.

Where can I get a copy of the Ontario Drinking Water Standards?

The Ontario Drinking Water Standards can be obtained through the Ministry of Environment Website (http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/water/index.php [6]). Copies can also be obtained through your local Ministry of Environment District Office or Publications Ontario (http://www.publications.gov.on.ca [10]).

Who should I contact about obtaining approval of septic systems?

For more information about water testing in your area contact your local Health Unit. For a complete listing of the Province's Your local health unit or the local Ministry of Environment District Office can advise you on who approves septic systems in your area. For a complete listing of the Province's Health Units go to the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html [2]