Drinking Water

Clean, safe drinking water is a big part of keeping your family healthy. In Ontario, we’re lucky to have some of the safest drinking water in the world. But it’s still important to know where your water comes from and how to keep it safe.

Where does your water come from?

Your water can come from:

• Municipal water systems: Water that’s treated and tested regularly by your town or city.

• Small drinking water systems (SDWS): These are often used in rural schools, restaurants, or community centres.

• Private wells: If you have a well, it’s up to you to keep it clean and safe.

What to do next:

• If you’re on municipal water: Contact your local water provider if you notice any issues.

• If you have a well:

  • Three times a year for bacteria

  • Once a year for things like fluoride or nitrate

• Test your water:

• Keep your well in good condition by sealing cracks and keeping it clean

What to do during a boil water advisory

If there’s a boil water advisory, it means your tap water might not be safe. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Boil your water for at least one minute before:

• Drinking

• Cooking

• Brushing your teeth

• Use boiled or bottled water for:

• Making baby formula

• Washing fruits and vegetables

• Cleaning dishes (unless your dishwasher has a hot or sanitize setting)

• When the advisory is over: let your taps run with cold water for a few minutes to clear the pipes.

If you’re not sure what to do, check out our Boil Water Advisory Information.

How to keep lead out of your water

Lead can sometimes get into water from older pipes or plumbing. This can be a problem, especially for kids and pregnant people.

Easy ways to reduce lead:

• Run your taps and let the cold water run for a minute or two before using it, especially if it’s been sitting overnight

• Use cold water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula

• Try a water filter that’s designed to remove lead, or use bottled water

What to do next:

• If you’re worried about lead in your water, call us at 1-800-922-0096 for help

Is fluoride in your water safe?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps keep your teeth healthy by preventing cavities. But if there’s too much fluoride in your water, it might cause white spots on children’s teeth.

Simple tips for managing fluoride:

• Use a water filter that removes fluoride if your levels are high

• Use bottled water to make baby formula if you’re concerned

• Choose fluoride-free toothpaste for kids under six years old

What to do next:

• If you have a well, test your water for fluoride every year

Should you worry about sodium in your water?

Sodium is a mineral found naturally in water. For most people, it’s nothing to worry about. But if you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart problems, it’s worth checking your levels.

What to do next:

• If you’re on a private well, test your water for sodium once a year, especially if you live in Oxford County, where levels may be higher

What to know about nitrate in your water

Nitrate can get into water from fertilizers, septic systems, or animal waste. It’s especially dangerous for babies under six months because it can make it hard for their bodies to get enough oxygen.

How to reduce nitrate:

• Test your well water every year to check for nitrate

• Keep your well in good shape, and don’t use fertilizers or chemicals nearby

What to do next:

• If you’re pregnant or have a baby, talk to a lab about testing your water for nitrate

Need help? Contact us

If you have questions about your drinking water:

• Call Southwestern Public Health at 1-800-922-0096 for advice

• Learn more about Ontario’s water safety standards with this guide