WET Hydrology & Hydrogeology

After the tragic events of 2000 in Walkerton, Ontario took strong action to ensure our drinking water is among the best protected in the world.

Following the Walkerton inquiry, Justice O’Connor made 121 recommendations on a wide range of topics related to protecting drinking water. These recommendations are the building blocks of Ontario’s drinking water protection framework, which the government has implemented.

Today, Ontario has a comprehensive drinking water protection framework from source to tap. Since reporting began in 2004, more than 99.8% of water quality tests continue to meet Ontario’s strict health-based water quality standards.

Protecting water at its source is a crucial first step in Ontario’s approach to delivering safe drinking water. When you turn on your tap, you can be confident that your drinking water is among the best protected in the world.

Learn about how we protect the Great Lakes and watersheds to keep these vital waterways and ecosystems clean and healthy.

Over 1.6 million Ontario residents get their drinking water from private wells. Residents who get their drinking water from private systems, including private wells, may have a greater likelihood of waterborne illness than those residents served by municipally operated (i.e. public) drinking water systems.  In Ontario, as in other provinces, if you have a water well, it is your responsibility to maintain it in a manner that meets the standard outlined in the drinking water legislation.  

A good indicator of the health of the freshwater environment is understanding the fishery's health.  Guide to Eating Sportfish and Fish Guide, and interactive map to help you identify and prepare the types and amounts of safe fish from more than 2,700 fishing locations in Ontario.