CBC News: Drinking Water in Canadian Cities Not Always Tested For All Contaminants

A recent article, published by CBC examined how many of the parameters listed in the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines major cities in the country test for. The story includes a tool allowing you to select your city and see how many (or how few) parameters your city tests for.

 

According to the report "Many Canadian cities are falling short of testing drinking water for all possible harmful contaminants, and experts say the long-term consequences could be detrimental to people's health, a CBC News investigation has found."

In order to generate the data CBC asked 18 cities in every province and territory to provide a list of the health-related contaminants they test in their water supplies. Only one — Ottawa — tests for all 75 substances found in Health Canada's published guidelines for Canadian drinking water. 

 

Some cities, like Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax, test for all but one of the substances in the guidelines. Quebec City tests for 62, Regina 52, Winnipeg 49, and Iqaluit and St. John's just test for 20.

 

Many CWWA members were contacted to provide data for this story and provide reactions after publication. If any members need support in developing responses to the story, we encourage you to contact us.