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Muskoka Drinking Water
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Safe drinking water is everyone's business. Managing drinking water supplies properly, from the source water to the consumer's tap, takes a great deal of knowledge and coordination among multiple stakeholders - from governments and businesses to individuals.
In Ontario, the responsibility for making sure drinking water supplies are safe is shared between the provincial and municipal governments. The regulatory responsibility of providing safe drinking water to the public generally rests with the provinces, while municipalities usually oversee the day to day operations of the treatment and distribution facilities.
Clean water is essential to life. Our health and well-being depend on it. In nature, water is never "pure." It picks up bits and pieces of everything it comes into contact with, including minerals, silt, vegetation, fertilizers, and argricultural run-off. Even in relatively pristine areas, water in its natural state will likely require some type of treatment before it is safe to drink. Your water system consists of several major components: source, treatment and distribution. Your source may be a lake, river or underground aquifer. The water is treated to make sure that the harmful substances are removed. Finally, it is delivered through your pipes to your home.
Click here to view the 2008 Drinking Water Quality brochure.
Should I be worried about Lead in my Water?
Exposure to high levels of lead is a serious health risk. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. The greatest risk is to your children and pregnant women and their unborn babies. Amounts of lead that won't harm adults can slow down the normal mental and physical development of children, particularly those under 6 years old.
Most lead exposure comes from non-water sources such as contaminated soil, dust or paint chips. However, while it's rarely found in water leaving a treatment plant or traveling through a main, lead can be present in drinking water. Lead enters water as a result of corrosion, as water comes into contact with lead materials in home plumbing, or in some cases, with lead pipes connecting the home to water mains. One simple method to help you avoid high lead levels is to flush your water tap. If the faucet has gone unused for more than a few hours, let the water run until it's noticeably colder (this make take two minutes or more) before using it for drinking or cooking. That means you're getting water from the main, where lead is rarely present. Catch the water you flush out and use it for water plants, so that it doesn't go to waste.
Based on the 2008 Water and Sewer Rates, a typical 5 minute flushing each day would result in an increase of your bill approximately $5.00 per month for water service only changes and $10.00 for water and sewer service charges.
Should you reside in an older home or neighbourhood and would like more information about lead please contact the Public Works Department.
Kids Corner
Drinktap.org - assortment of drinking water information and a kids section with fun games and videos
The Story of Drinking Water
Thirstin's Wacky Water Adventure
Colouring Page
Crossword Puzzle Crossword Puzzle Answer Key
Word Search Word Search Answer Key
Infrastructure Maze
True/False Quiz
