Drinking water's contribution to total lead exposure is generally low and occurs over a long-term period. Pregnant women and children under six years of age are most at risk from long-term lead exposure. Older children and adults don't readily absorb lead. Discuss specific concerns with your physician.
Drinking water quality
Niagara's tap water is safe to drink
Municipal drinking water in Niagara is treated and regularly tested to meet Ontario's drinking water quality standards. Learn about common questions residents have about taste, odour, algae, lead and how Niagara protects its water sources.
Changes in taste or odour
From time to time, some residents may notice a musty or earthy taste in their tap water, or a stronger chlorine smell. These changes are unpleasant but not a threat to your health. These episodes typically last a couple of weeks.
Niagara's water treatment plants are designed to reduce taste and odour effects, but may not eliminate them entirely. Your water remains safe to drink. To reduce taste and odour, use a water filter or store water in a loosely sealed glass container in the refrigerator before drinking.
Earthy or musty taste
Caused by natural seasonal changes in source water that produce odour compounds called geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. Even tiny concentrations (sometimes below standard detection limits) can be detectable by people with a sensitive sense of taste or smell.
Stronger chlorine smell
When source water conditions change, such as when water temperatures rise, treatment plants increase chlorination levels to maintain safe water quality. This can produce a more noticeable chlorine taste or odour for a period of time.
Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are microscopic bacteria found naturally in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, typically from late summer to early fall. Under certain conditions, they can grow rapidly into algae blooms. Some, but not all, blooms produce toxins that can be harmful to people and pets.
Niagara Region monitors source and treated drinking water for microcystin on a seasonal basis as regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
If you suspect blue-green algae in a body of water
- Do not drink, swim in or bathe in the water
- Keep animals out
- Do not try to treat the water by boiling or adding chemicals. This causes algae cells to break open and release toxins. Water pitcher filter systems are not effective at removing these toxins.
- Do not touch or handle the algae
- Report suspected algae to:
- Ministry of Environment, Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060
- Niagara Region Public Health at 905-688-3762 or 1-800-263-7248
Health effects
You can be exposed to blue-green algae through direct skin contact, swallowing water or eating fish caught in affected water. Symptoms include:
Mild
Itchy, irritated eyes and skin
Moderate
Headaches, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
Serious
Liver damage may occur when large amounts are ingested
How Niagara monitors for blue-green algae
Municipal drinking water sources and treated water are routinely monitored for algae and harmful toxins during peak algae season. Advisories or warnings are issued to the public if there's any concern about drinking water quality. Beaches are visually monitored and posted with swim advisories if algae is suspected.
If you don't have municipal water service and suspect blue-green algae in your drinking water source, contact Niagara Region Public Health.
Health Canada's Maximum Acceptable Concentration for lead in drinking water is five parts per billion (ppb). Ontario's drinking water quality standard under Ontario Regulation 169/03 is 10 ppb. To have your municipal water tested for lead, contact your city or town.
If your water tests above acceptable levels
- Flush before using — run your drinking water tap for at least five minutes if water has been sitting in the pipes. Lead levels will decrease after flushing, though flushing times may vary depending on your plumbing.
- Use cold water only — use cold, flushed water for drinking and food preparation. Hot water can contain higher lead levels and should not be consumed.
- Bathing and washing — bathing, showering, and washing dishes or clothes do not cause undue lead exposure. Lead is not readily absorbed through skin.
Pregnant women and children under six with high lead levels
Investigate the source of contamination and contact your municipality about replacing lead service pipes. Do not perform partial lead line replacement. This can temporarily increase lead levels. Tenants should contact their landlord. Use bottled water or a filtration system certified to NSF-53 standard for lead reduction as an interim measure.
Source water protection
Niagara Region, together with local municipalities and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, has developed a Source Protection Plan under the Clean Water Act to protect Niagara's municipal drinking water sources before the water reaches treatment plants.
How Niagara protects your drinking water
Treated water from Niagara Region's water treatment plants go through a multi-barrier process before it reaches your tap.
Source water protection
Up-to-date water treatment systems
Reliable distribution systems
Mandatory operator certification and training requirements
Regular testing of water supplies
Water Quality Management System
Intake Protection Zones
The Source Protection Plan defines Intake Protection Zones near water treatment intakes. These are areas considered vital to the delivery of safe drinking water. Specific land-based activities within these zones — those with greater potential to impact water quality — are subject to source protection policies.
If your home or business is in an Intake Protection Zone and you engage in activities that could pose a risk to the drinking water supply, you may be affected by Niagara's Source Protection Plan policies.
Check if you're in an Intake Protection Zone.
How residents and businesses can help protect drinking water
If you're following recognized best practices and regulations for your industry or property, you're likely already doing enough. Common protective actions include:
- Maintaining septic systems
- Disposing of hazardous waste properly
- Minimizing use of pesticides, fertilizers and de-icing salt
- Storing fuels and household chemicals properly
- Reporting hazardous or pollutant spills to the Ministry of the Environment at 1-800-268-6060
For more information on preventative water source protection actions for your type of business or property, contact Water - Risk Management.
Managing significant drinking water threats
Significant drinking water threats, identified in the Source Protection Plan, may be managed through provincial industry approvals, land use planning or site specific risk management plans.
A risk management plan is a legally-binding negotiated agreement between Niagara Region’s Risk Management Official and the person (landowner / tenant / contractor) engaged in the activity. It's based on best management practices to manage the risks associated with the activity posing the threat.
If you witness a spill
Signs on provincial highways and local roads mark where Intake Protection Zones begin. If you witness a spill near an Intake Protection Zone, report it.
- Ministry of Environment, Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060