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Water supply
Toronto's water quality meets, and in most cases, exceeds the provincial standards.

Only Tap Water Delivers
Toronto provides clean and safe drinking water. Automatic analyzers continuously provide data about the city’s water quality. Water quality is tested from the raw water that enters our treatment plants, through production and distribution, and at customers’ taps.

When you turn on your tap for a glass of cold, clean water, be assured that you can do so with complete confidence.

   


Standards for drinking water quality are set and legally enforced by the Ontario Drinking Water Standards. The regulation focuses on treating and testing drinking water and stipulates public access to information and notification of adverse results.

How is lake water turned into drinking water?
Lake Ontario is the city’s only source of drinking water. The City takes raw water from the lake, then filters, cleans and treats it into safe potable water. This water is pumped through the distribution system to residential homes and businesses.
Find out about the water filtration process (PDF).
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What's new
The facts about door-to-door water testing
An important reminder to all residents: Toronto Water does not conduct door-to-door sales of any kind and does not sell, market or endorse any products. Learn more about this important issue here.

Lead testing offered by the City’s Water Quality Lab
Lead test results are no longer needed to qualify for a priority lead pipe replacement. Starting in June 2011, any resident who is willing to replace the private side of a lead water service can request City change it's side as well, Learn more about the Priority Lead Water Service Replacement

Lead tests are still available upon request. Call 311 to request free testing for lead in drinking water. When calling to pre-register residents must provide:

  • name
  • full address
  • closest major intersection
  • phone number

HTO to go
Our two mobile water trailers, HTO to go, are making the rounds at special events throughout the city. The mobile water trailers are offered for free to provide drinking water at special events. As they're quite popular, check their availability by e-mailing HTOtogo@toronto.ca. Find out how they work.
Construction of a Residue Management Facility
Starting in November 2004, a construction crew will begin excavating a site a little larger than a football field for the installation of a Residue Management Facility.

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“HTO to go” mobile water trailer HTO to go
Mobile water trailer ...
Water filtration devices Water filtration devices
Lab lady in the drinking water treatment process The water filtration process
Water issues Water issues
Concerned about lead in your water?

How Toronto maintains its high water quality
Drinking Water Quality Assurance Program
Drinking Water Systems Annual Report
The water filtration process
Your water is safe to drink
Taste and odour update
Water filtration: past and present
 
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