Government Introduces Proposed New Drinking Water Regulations for Trains, Planes, Ships and Buses

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The Public Health Agency of Canada published new draft Potable Water on Board Trains, Vessels, Aircraft and Buses Regulations to better manage risks associated with potable water supplied to passengers travelling on federally-regulated passenger conveyances. This includes trains, ferries, cruise ships, planes and other passenger vehicles that are authorized to carry at least 25 people. While requirements already exist they are over 60 years old, and a government audit in 2005 actually recommended an overhaul.

The new regulations will require that potable water provided to passengers by way of an on-board potable water system be taken from a source that is considered suitable for human consumption.

It sets out a testing schedule and regime for E. coli. In addition, conveyance operators would need to maintain access to records about water sources, water sampling results, and water system disinfecting and flushing activities for three years.

All impacted vehicles also have the option of providing bottled water and pre-packaged ice to avoid the reporting and testing requirements.

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