Safe Water Program

The City of Hamilton’s drinking water consistently meets all Ontario Drinking Water Standards legally enforced by the Safe Water Drinking Act. This act focuses on treating and testing drinking water and well as public access to information and notification of adverse water results.

Small drinking water systems are usually located in the rural areas of Hamilton where municipal water is not available. Regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act require owners of small drinking water systems to provide consistently safe drinking water to their users.

Many rural residents rely on private wells and cisterns as their drinking water source. In Hamilton, we estimate that there are about 10,000 private wells and cisterns in use. The condition of water wells and safety of it's water is the responsibility of the well owner.

Public Health Services inspects public pools, spas, wading pools and splash pads to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act. Hamilton Public Health Services helps owners meet these responsibilities.

The City monitors the recreational water quality at the following beaches for levels of E. coli bacteria from Victoria Day in May to Labour Day in September each year. Monitoring public beaches allows those using the area to be aware of any contamination of the water.