Small Drinking Water Systems (SDWS)

Public Health Inspectors enforce Ontario Regulation 319/08, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, by conducting on-site risk assessments and inspections of all Small Drinking Water Systems (SDWS) to protect the quality of drinking water and ensure safe water is provided to the public at all times.

All forms can be emailed to environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com, faxed to 613-735-3067, or dropped off in person at an RCDHU office.

What is a Small Drinking Water System (SDWS)?

Any premises or business that offers drinking water to the public from a non-municipal system (i.e. a well, cistern, lake) may be a small drinking water system (SDWS).

Some examples include:

Seasonal mobile home or RV park, campgrounds, or resorts with 6 or more connections
Restaurants on private water systems
Hotels, motels and bed and breakfast accommodations
Recreational and athletic facilities
Places of worship
Places where service clubs and fraternal organizations meet
Any place where the general public has access to a drinking water fountain or shower

Notice of Operation

If you are planning to open and operate or take ownership of a small drinking water system (SDWS), Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) must be notified first. Complete the Notice to Operate or Reopen a Small Drinking Water System and submit it to RCDHU.

If reopening after a closure of more than 60 days, RCDHU must be notified first. Please complete and submit to RCDHU the Notice of Reopening SDWS Form, along with the results of the first sample taken, at least two weeks prior to the date you wish to reopen.

All forms can be emailed to environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com, faxed to 613-735-3067, or dropped off in person at an RCDHU office.

Water Testing Requirements

If opening a new system or changing testing laboratories, you must notify RCDHU of which licensed laboratory will be testing your SDWS samples. Complete the Laboratory Services Notification Form (LSN) and submit it to RCDHU by email, fax, or drop off.

At minimum, testing for E. coli and total coliforms is required. The type, number and frequency of tests required for you SDWS is outlined in the Directive for your SDWS.

All forms can be emailed to environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com, faxed to 613-735-3067, or dropped off in person at an RCDHU office.

Reporting Adverse Results

Owners/operators must report adverse water quality incidents (AWQIs) immediately to RCDHU by calling 613-732-3629 ext. 505. In addition, licensed laboratories and owner/operators of SDWS must complete the Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution and submit it to RCDHU.

Within 7 days after AWQI is resolved, the Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution (Section 2) must be completed and submitted to RCDHU.

All forms can be submitted by email to environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com, faxed to 613-735-3067, or dropped off in person at an RCDHU office.

Loss of Pressure and Power Outages

Loss of pressure and power outages are considered adverse events that must be immediately reported to RCDHU, as the safety the of drinking water supply may be compromised.

Ensure the following actions are taken in event of loss of pressure and loss of power:

Report the incident to RCDHU and discuss corrective actions.
Once power is restored check that all water treatment equipment is working properly.
If the system is treated using chlorine – take free available chlorine readings.
Flush all the lines for 5 minutes to clear the lines.
Take water samples and submit them for bacteriological testing to confirm it is safe.
Record your actions in your log book.

If you experience any water disruption, please contact Renfrew County and District Health Unit: