Friday, December 18, 2015
Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
Ontario Drinking Water Still Among the Best Protected
Province Releases 2014-15 Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Annual Report
Ontario's drinking water remains among the best protected in the world, according to the 2014-15 Chief Drinking Water Inspector's Annual Report.
The Chief Drinking Water Inspector's report includes a summary of information and performance results for municipal drinking water systems and notes that, in 2014-2015:
- 99.8 per cent of more than 533,000 test results from municipal residential drinking water systems met Ontario's rigorous, health-based drinking water standards. These municipal residential drinking water systems serve more than 80 per cent of Ontario's population.
- 99.4 per cent of municipal residential drinking water systems received an inspection rating greater than 80 per cent. Inspection ratings show how well the systems are operating and meeting Ontario's strict regulations.
- 99.6 per cent of drinking water tests from systems serving designated facilities such as daycares, schools or health care centres met Ontario's drinking water quality standards.
Today the province also released the Minister's Annual Report on Drinking Water which showcases actions the province and its partners are taking to protect sources of drinking water, including the Great Lakes. It also highlights how the province's actions in the fight against climate change will ensure that Ontarians will continue to have access to clean and safe water now and in the future.
Protecting the province's clean drinking water while fighting climate change is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Almost 60 per cent of Ontarians get their drinking water from the Great Lakes.
- 95 per cent of Ontario's agricultural lands are found in the Great Lakes-St-Lawrence River Basin.
- In 2014-2015, all 662 municipal residential drinking water systems were inspected by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change in Ontario.
- As of March 31, 2015, Ontario had 6,388 certified drinking water operators.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Drinking water is one of the vital natural resources in the world under threat from climate change. From our strict health-based drinking water standards to strong legislation, we are working hard to ensure the water that comes out of our taps is always safe, clean and protected."
— Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
Media Contacts:
David Mullock
Minister’s Office
416-212-7307
david.mullock@ontario.ca
Kate Jordan
Communications Branch
416-314-6666
kate.jordan@ontario.ca
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