York Region drinking water receives perfect score

Provincial drinking water inspector gives region 100 per cent based on water samples

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 5, 2023
Joseph Quigley

York Region residents can rest assured of their drinking water quality as the region scored a perfect score in provincial standard testing this year.

Regional staff reported April 27 that the region got a 100 per cent score for water samples from the province’s chief drinking water inspector’s annual report card for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks inspections also confirmed York Region’s adherence to regulations, with a score of 99.84 per cent.

“York Region’s drinking water systems comply with strict provincial regulations to keep drinking water safe,” the staff report said. “The ongoing excellence of our drinking water systems is supported through continuous improvement initiatives including data and process management work.”

Water is delivered through a two-tiered system, with the region operating 15 systems to supply water to all nine of its local municipalities. Newmarket and other towns are responsible for their distribution systems, with Newmarket also getting a perfect score reported earlier this year.

The region has scored between 99.17 to 100 per cent in its last five annual reports, it said.

“Comprehensive sampling and robust investments in our system keep York Region a leader in drinking water scores” Richmond Hill Mayor David West, also regional chair of environmental services, said in a news release. “We are pleased to meet this high standard year after year.”

Municipalities report on their water quality reports annually as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

You can find details on the region’s drinking water systems at york.ca/drinkingwater.