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Document ID ca-gcdwq-2025-12 Title Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality - Summary Tables URL https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-summary-table.html Jurisdiction /ca Subdomain(s) Drinking water, Water quality standards Language en Status completed Analyzed at 2026-03-16 07:29:08.101365+00:00 Relevance Provides national summary tables of drinking water quality guidelines and treatment goals.
48 Qualitative 97 Quantitative 32 Definitions

Q Qualitative Requirements (48)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Context Conditions Confidence
#Q001administrativeoperationalrecommendedConsultation of individual guideline technical documentsdrinking waterHealth Canada updates this document regularly, but you should always consult individual guideline technical documents and guidance documents on the website Water Quality - Reports and Publications for the most current information.high
#Q002monitoringhealthrecommendedE. coli monitoring approachdrinking waterE. coli should be monitored in conjunction with other indicators, as part of a source-to-tap approach to producing drinking water of an acceptable quality.high
#Q003monitoringoperationalrecommendedTotal coliforms monitoring in distribution systemdrinking waterTotal coliforms should be monitored in the distribution system because they are used to indicate changes in water quality.high
#Q004monitoringoperationalrecommendedTotal coliforms measurement at treatment plantdrinking waterIn water leaving a treatment plant, total coliforms should be measured in conjunction with other indicators to assess water quality; the presence of total coliforms indicates a serious breach in treatment.In water leaving a treatment planthigh
#Q005corrective_actionoperationalrecommendedTotal coliforms detection investigationdrinking waterDetection of total coliforms from consecutive samples from the same site or from more than 10% of the samples collected in a given sampling period should be investigated.Detection of total coliforms from consecutive samples from the same site or from more than 10% of the samples collected in a given sampling periodhigh
#Q006administrativeoperationalmandatoryExemption from filtration decisiondrinking waterThe decision to exempt a waterworks from filtration should be made by the appropriate authority based on site-specific considerations, including historical and ongoing monitoring data.high
#Q007designoperationalrecommendedFiltration systems design and operationdrinking waterFiltration systems should be designed and operated to reduce turbidity levels as low as reasonably achievable and strive to achieve a treated water turbidity target from individual filters of less than 0.1 NTU.high
#Q008corrective_actionoperationalrecommendedMembrane unit integrity investigationdrinking waterMeasurements greater than 0.1 NTU for a period greater than 15 minutes from an individual membrane unit should immediately trigger an investigation of the membrane unit integrity.Measurements greater than 0.1 NTU for a period greater than 15 minutes from an individual membrane unithigh
#Q009treatmenthealthguidanceAdditional log removal for Enteric protozoadrinking waterDepending on the source water quality, a greater log removal and/or inactivation may be required.Depending on the source water qualityhigh
#Q010administrativeoperationalmandatoryAluminum MAC and OG applicationdrinking waterThe MAC and OG apply to all drinking water supplies (including groundwater) and are to be applied as locational running annual averages.high
#Q011monitoringoperationalrecommendedAmmonia monitoring in distribution systemdrinking waterLevels of ammonia, either naturally present in the source water or added as part of a disinfection strategy, can affect water quality in the distribution system (e.g., nitrification) and should be monitored.high
#Q012treatmenthealthmandatoryBromate reduction and disinfection effectivenessdrinking waterEfforts to reduce bromate concentrations must not compromise the effectiveness of disinfection.high
#Q013treatmenthealthrecommendedBromate formation control strategydrinking waterThe recommended strategy is controlling the ozonation process; use of certified treatment chemicals and; appropriate handling and storage of hypochlorite.high
#Q014monitoringoperationalrecommendedRaw water bromide monitoringdrinking waterQuarterly monitoring of raw water bromide is recommended to allow correlation to bromate or brominated DBPs.high
#Q015monitoringhealthrecommendedCadmium sampling locationdrinking waterSampling should be done at the tap to reflect average exposure similar to sampling done for lead.high
#Q016operationalhealthguidelineCadmium exposure minimization approachdrinking waterThe best approach to minimize exposure to cadmium from drinking water is to replace galvanized steel and components.high
#Q017operationalhealthrecommendedChlorate formation controldrinking waterAs chlorate is difficult to remove once formed, its formation should be controlled by respecting the maximum feed dose of 1.2 mg/L of chlorine dioxide and managing /monitoring formation in hypochlorite solutions.high
#Q018operationalhealthrecommendedChlorite formation controldrinking waterChlorite formation should be controlled by respecting the maximum feed dose of 1.2 mg/L of chlorine dioxide and managing /monitoring formation in hypochlorite solutions.high
#Q019monitoringhealthrecommendedCopper sampling locationdrinking waterWater samples should be taken at the tap.high
#Q020corrective_actionhealthrecommendedAlternate drinking water source for infant formula (Cyanobacterial toxins)drinking waterAs a precautionary measure, where levels of total microcystins in treated water are detected above a reference value of 0.4 µg/L, the public in the affected area should use an alternate suitable source of drinking water (such as bottled water) to reconstitute infant formula.where levels of total microcystins in treated water are detected above a reference value of 0.4 µg/Lhigh
#Q021monitoringhealthrecommendedDichlorobenzenes individual isomer analysisdrinking waterIn cases where total dichlorobenzenes are measured and concentrations exceed the most stringent value (0.005 mg/L), the concentrations of the individual isomers should be established.In cases where total dichlorobenzenes are measured and concentrations exceed the most stringent value (0.005 mg/L)high
#Q022administrativehealthmandatoryDimethoate and omethoate additive approachdrinking waterAn additive approach should be taken in which the sum of the detected concentrations of dimethoate and omethoate (expressed as a dimethoate equivalent value) does not exceed the MAC for dimethoate.high
#Q023treatmenthealthmandatory1,4-Dioxane treatment technologiesdrinking waterTreatment technologies such as advanced oxidation processes and synthetic adsorbents need to be considered.high
#Q024operationalaestheticrecommendedSeparate unsoftened supply for hardnessdrinking waterWhere a water softener is used, a separate unsoftened supply for cooking and drinking purposes is recommended.Where a water softener is usedhigh
#Q025operationalhealthrecommendedLead levels ALARAdrinking waterLead levels should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.high
#Q026monitoringhealthrecommendedLead sampling locationdrinking waterSampling should be done at the tap to reflect average exposure.high
#Q027operationalhealthguidelineLead exposure minimization approachdrinking waterThe best approach to minimize exposure to lead from drinking water is to remove the full lead service line.high
#Q028operationalhealthrecommendedAwareness of malathion degradation byproductsdrinking waterWhen using oxidation or advanced oxidation processes for malathion removal, water utilities should be aware of the potential for the formation of degradation by products.When using oxidation or advanced oxidation processes for malathion removalhigh
#Q029monitoringhealthrecommendedNitrate monitoring in distribution systemdrinking waterSystems using chloramine disinfection or that have naturally occurring ammonia should monitor the level of nitrate in the distribution system.Systems using chloramine disinfection or that have naturally occurring ammoniahigh
#Q030monitoringhealthrecommendedNitrate testing for well ownersdrinking waterHomeowners with a well should test concentration of nitrate in their water supply.Homeowners with a wellhigh
#Q031monitoringhealthrecommendedNitrite monitoring in distribution systemdrinking waterSystems using chloramine disinfection or that have naturally occurring ammonia should monitor the level of nitrite in the distribution system.Systems using chloramine disinfection or that have naturally occurring ammoniahigh
#Q032monitoringhealthrecommendedNitrite testing for well ownersdrinking waterHomeowners with a well should test concentration of nitrite in their water supply.Homeowners with a wellhigh
#Q033treatmenthealthrecommendedNDMA formation preventiondrinking waterLevels should be kept low by preventing formation during treatment.high
#Q034monitoringhealthguidancePFAS type examinationdrinking waterIf measurements of PFAS in drinking water are approaching or exceed the 30 ng/L objective, it may be useful to examine the types of PFAS that are present in the greatest concentrations.If measurements of PFAS in drinking water are approaching or exceed the 30 ng/L objectivehigh
#Q035treatmenthealthrecommendedPFAS ALARA treatmentdrinking waterWhen treatment is required, it is also recommended that treatment plants strive to maintain PFAS concentrations in drinking water as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).When treatment is requiredhigh
#Q036operationalhealthrecommendedSeparate unsoftened supply for sodiumdrinking waterwhere a sodium-based water softener is used, a separate unsoftened supply for cooking and drinking purposes is recommended.where a sodium-based water softener is usedhigh
#Q037operationalhealthrecommendedTrihalomethanes ALARA maintenancedrinking waterUtilities should make every effort to maintain concentrations as low as reasonably achievable without compromising the effectiveness of disinfection. Recommended strategy is precursor removal.high
#Q038operationalaestheticrecommendedPlumbing flushing for zincdrinking waterplumbing should be thoroughly flushed before water is consumed.high
#Q039monitoringhealthrecommendedRadiological screening analysisdrinking waterDrinking water samples should initially be screened against a gross alpha radiation level of 0.5 Bq/L (becquerel/litre) and a gross beta level of 1 Bq/L..high
#Q040monitoringhealthmandatoryIndividual radionuclide analysis requirementdrinking waterIndividual radionuclide analysis is only necessary when one (or both) of these are exceeded.when one (or both) of these are exceededhigh
#Q041administrativehealthmandatoryMultiple radionuclide MAC ratio sum limitdrinking waterIf more than one radionuclide in Table 1 is detected, the sum of the ratios of the observed concentration to their corresponding MAC should not exceed 1.If more than one radionuclide in Table 1 is detectedhigh
#Q042corrective_actionhealthrecommendedChloral hydrate investigationdrinking waterlevels above 0.2 mg/L may indicate a concern for health effects and should be investigated.levels above 0.2 mg/Lhigh
#Q043prohibitionhealthrecommendedAvoidance of potassium chloride treated waterdrinking waterthose with kidney disease or other conditions, such as heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension or diabetes, and those who are taking medications that interfere with normal body potassium handling should avoid the consumption of water treated by water softeners using potassium chloride.those with kidney disease or other conditions, such as heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension or diabetes, and those who are taking medications that interfere with normal body potassium handlinghigh
#Q044operationalhealthrecommendedChemical treatment impact on disinfectiondrinking waterAny measure taken to reduce concentrations of chemical substances should not compromise the effectiveness of disinfection.When taking measures to reduce chemical concentrationshigh
#Q045operationaloperationalrecommendedAmmonia limit for nitrification preventiondrinking waterTo help prevent nitrification, limit excess free ammonia entering the distribution system to below 0.1 mg/L, and preferably below 0.05 mg/L, measured as nitrogen.To prevent nitrification in the distribution systemhigh
#Q046operationalhealthrecommendedChlorine dioxide maximum feed dose limitdrinking waterA maximum feed dose of 1.2 mg/L of chlorine dioxide should not be exceeded to control the formation of chlorite and chlorate.When using chlorine dioxide for disinfectionhigh
#Q047operationaloperationalrecommendedDistribution system entry turbidity recommendationdrinking waterTo ensure effectiveness of disinfection and for good operation of the distribution system, it is recommended that water entering the distribution system have turbidity levels of 1.0 NTU or less.At the point of entry to the distribution systemhigh
#Q048operationaloperationalrecommendedGroundwater turbidity level recommendationdrinking waterFor systems that use groundwater, turbidity should generally be below 1.0 NTU.For systems utilizing groundwater sourceshigh

P Quantitative Requirements (97)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Limit Type Limit Value Context Conditions Confidence
#P001microbiologicaltreatmentguidelineEnteric protozoa: Giardia and Cryptosporidiumdrinking watertreatment_goal3 logTreatment goal: Minimum 3 log removal and/or inactivation of cysts and oocystshigh
#P002microbiologicaltreatmentguidelineEnteric virusesdrinking watertreatment_goal4 logTreatment goal: Minimum 4 log reduction (removal and/or inactivation) of enteric viruseshigh
#P003microbiologicalhealthguidelineEscherichia coli (E. coli)drinking waterMAC0 per 100 mLMAC: None detectable per 100 mLmedium
#P004microbiologicaloperationalguidelineTotal coliformsdrinking waterMAC0 per 100 mLMAC of none detectable/100 mL in water leaving a treatment plant and in non-disinfected groundwater leaving the wellin water leaving a treatment plant and in non-disinfected groundwater leaving the wellmedium
#P005physicaltreatmentguidelineTurbidity (Conventional and direct filtration)drinking waterrequirement<= 0.3 NTUTreatment limits for individual filters or unitsin at least 95% of measurements either per filter cycle or per month; never to exceed 1.0 NTU.high
#P006physicaltreatmentguidelineTurbidity (slow sand and diatomaceous earth filtration)drinking waterrequirement<= 1.0 NTUTreatment limits for individual filters or unitsin at least 95% of measurements either per filter cycle or per month; never to exceed 3.0 NTU.high
#P007physicaltreatmentguidelineTurbidity (membrane filtration)drinking waterrequirement<= 0.1 NTUTreatment limits for individual filters or unitsin at least 99% of measurements per operational filter period or per month.high
#P008chemicalhealthguidelineAluminumdrinking waterMAC2.9 mg/LMAC (mg/L)apply to all drinking water supplies (including groundwater) and are to be applied as locational running annual averages.high
#P009chemicaloperationalguidelineAluminumdrinking waterOG0.1 mg/LOG: 0.1high
#P010chemicalhealthguidelineAntimonydrinking waterMAC0.006 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P011chemicalhealthguidelineArsenicdrinking waterMAC0.010 mg/L0.010 ALARAhigh
#P012chemicalhealthguidelineAtrazinedrinking waterMAC0.005 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P013chemicalhealthguidelineBariumdrinking waterMAC2.0 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P014chemicalhealthguidelineBenzenedrinking waterMAC0.005 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P015chemicalhealthguidelineBenzo[a]pyrenedrinking waterMAC0.00004 mg/L0.000 04high
#P016chemicalhealthguidelineBorondrinking waterMAC5 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P017chemicalhealthguidelineBromatedrinking waterMAC0.01 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P018chemicalhealthguidelineChloratedrinking waterMAC1 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P019chemicalaestheticguidelineChloridedrinking waterAO<= 250 mg/LAO: <= 250high
#P020chemicalhealthguidelineChloritedrinking waterMAC1 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P021radiologicaloperationalguidelineGross alpha radiationdrinking waterrequirement0.5 Bq/LDrinking water samples should initially be screened against a gross alpha radiation level of 0.5 Bq/Lhigh
#P022radiologicaloperationalguidelineGross beta radiationdrinking waterrequirement1 Bq/Land a gross beta level of 1 Bq/Lhigh
#P023chemicalhealthmandatoryLeaddrinking waterMAC0.005 mg/LMAC is for total lead. ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).Sampling should be done at the tap to reflect average exposure.high
#P024chemicalhealthguidelinePer-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)drinking watertreatment_goal0.00003 mg/LObjective: 0.00003 mg/L (30 ng/L) ALARA.Applies to the sum of 25 specified PFAS.high
#P025chemicalhealthmandatoryNitratedrinking waterMAC45 mg/L45 mg/L as nitrate; equivalent to 10 mg/L as nitrate-nitrogen.high
#P026physicaloperationalguidelinepHdrinking waterAO7.0-10.5 dimensionlessAesthetic Objective range.high
#P027chemicaloperationalguidanceFree Ammoniadrinking waterOG< 0.1 mg/LMeasured as nitrogen to prevent nitrification.Preferably below 0.05 mg/L.high
#P028chemicalhealthguidanceChloral hydratedrinking watertreatment_goal0.2 mg/LLevels above 0.2 mg/L may indicate a concern for health effects and should be investigated.high
#P029chemicalhealthmandatoryCyanobacterial toxins (Microcystins)drinking waterMAC0.0015 mg/LMAC is for total microcystins (intra- and extra-cellular).If total microcystins are detected above 0.4 µg/L, alternate water should be used for infant formula.high
#P030chemicalhealthmandatoryCopperdrinking waterMAC2 mg/LMAC for total copper protects against gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney effects.Samples should be taken at the tap.high
#P031chemicalhealthguidelineBromoxynildrinking waterMAC0.03 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P032chemicalhealthguidelineCadmiumdrinking waterMAC0.007 mg/LMAC (mg/L)Sampling should be done at the taphigh
#P033chemicalhealthguidelineCarbon tetrachloridedrinking waterMAC0.002 mg/LMAC (mg/L)Inhalation and dermal absorption during showering includedhigh
#P034chemicaloperationalguidanceChlorine (Distribution range)drinking waterrequirement0.04-2.0 mg/LFree chlorine concentrations in most Canadian drinking water distribution systemshigh
#P035chemicaloperationalguidelineChlorine dioxide (Maximum feed dose)drinking waterrequirement<= 1.2 mg/LA maximum feed dose of 1.2 mg/L of chlorine dioxide should not be exceededto control the formation of chlorite and chloratehigh
#P036chemicalhealthguidelineChlorpyrifosdrinking waterMAC0.09 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P037chemicalhealthguidelineChromiumdrinking waterMAC0.05 mg/LMAC for total chromiumhigh
#P038physicalaestheticguidelineColourdrinking waterAO<= 15 TCUAO: <= 15 TCUhigh
#P039chemicalaestheticguidelineCopper (Aesthetic Objective)drinking waterAO1 mg/LAO based on taste and water discolourationhigh
#P040chemicalhealthguidelineCyanidedrinking waterMAC0.2 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P041chemicalhealthguidelineDicambadrinking waterMAC0.11 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P042chemicalhealthguideline1,4-Dichlorobenzenedrinking waterMAC0.005 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P043chemicalaestheticguideline1,4-Dichlorobenzene (Aesthetic)drinking waterAO<= 0.001 mg/LAO based on odourhigh
#P044chemicalhealthguideline1,2-Dichloroethanedrinking waterMAC0.005 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P045chemicalhealthguidelineDichloromethanedrinking waterMAC0.05 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P046chemicalhealthguideline2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D)drinking waterMAC0.1 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P047chemicalhealthguidelineDimethoatedrinking waterMAC0.02 mg/LMAC is for dimethoateSum of dimethoate and omethoate should not exceed this MAChigh
#P048chemicalhealthguideline1,4-Dioxanedrinking waterMAC0.050 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P049chemicalhealthguidelineDiquatdrinking waterMAC0.05 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P050chemicalhealthguidelineEthylbenzenedrinking waterMAC0.14 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P051chemicalaestheticguidelineEthylbenzene (Aesthetic)drinking waterAO0.0016 mg/LAO based on odourhigh
#P052chemicalhealthguidelineFluoridedrinking waterMAC1.5 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P053chemicalhealthguidelineGlyphosatedrinking waterMAC0.28 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P054chemicalhealthguidelineHaloacetic acids (Total)drinking waterMAC0.08 mg/LTotal of MCA, DCA, TCA, MBA, and DBALocational running annual average of quarterly sampleshigh
#P055physicalaestheticguidanceHardness (Poor Quality Threshold)drinking waterrequirement> 200 mg/LWater with a hardness greater than 200 mg/L is considered poorprimarily based on calcium and magnesiumhigh
#P056physicalaestheticguidanceHardness (Unacceptable Threshold)drinking waterrequirement> 500 mg/Lhardness in excess of 500 mg/L is generally unacceptable for domestic usehigh
#P057chemicalaestheticguidelineHydrogen Sulphidedrinking waterAO<= 0.05 mg/LAO: <= 0.05Can occur from reduction of sulphates by bacteriahigh
#P058chemicalaestheticguidelineIrondrinking waterAO<= 0.1 mg/LAO: <= 0.1high
#P059chemicalhealthguidelineMalathiondrinking waterMAC0.29 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P060chemicalhealthguidelineManganesedrinking waterMAC0.12 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P061chemicalaestheticguidelineManganese (Aesthetic)drinking waterAO<= 0.02 mg/LAO: <= 0.02high
#P062chemicalhealthguidelineMercurydrinking waterMAC0.001 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P063chemicalhealthguidelineMCPAdrinking waterMAC0.35 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P064chemicalaestheticguidelineMTBEdrinking waterAO<= 0.015 mg/LAO based on odourhigh
#P065chemicalhealthguidelineMetribuzindrinking waterMAC0.08 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P066chemicalhealthguidelineNTAdrinking waterMAC0.4 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P067chemicalhealthguidelineNitritedrinking waterMAC3 mg/L3 mg/L as nitritehigh
#P068chemicalhealthguidelineNDMAdrinking waterMAC0.00004 mg/L0.000 04 mg/Lhigh
#P069chemicalhealthguidelinePentachlorophenoldrinking waterMAC0.06 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P070chemicalhealthguidelineSeleniumdrinking waterMAC0.05 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P071chemicalaestheticguidelineSodiumdrinking waterAO<= 200 mg/LAO based on tasteStrict sodium reduced diets threshold: 20 mg/Lhigh
#P072chemicalhealthguidelineStrontiumdrinking waterMAC7.0 mg/LMAC (mg/L)high
#P073chemicalaestheticguidelineSulphatedrinking waterAO<= 500 mg/LAO based on taste and corrosionHigh levels above 500 mg/L can cause diarrhoeahigh
#P074physicalaestheticguidelineTotal dissolved solids (TDS)drinking waterAO<= 500 mg/LAO based on tasteTDS above 500 mg/L results in excessive scalinghigh
#P075chemicalaestheticguidelinePentachlorophenol (Aesthetic Objective)drinking waterAO<= 0.03 mg/LAO based on odour; levels above the AO would render drinking water unpalatable.high
#P076chemicalhealthguidelineTetrachloroethylenedrinking waterMAC0.01 mg/LMAC takes into consideration all exposures from drinking water, which include ingestion, as well as inhalation and dermal absorption.high
#P077chemicalhealthguidelineToluenedrinking waterMAC0.06 mg/LMAC takes into consideration all exposures from drinking water, which include ingestion, as well as inhalation and dermal absorption.high
#P078chemicalaestheticguidelineToluene (Aesthetic Objective)drinking waterAO0.024 mg/LAO based on odour.high
#P079chemicalhealthguidelineTrichloroethylenedrinking waterMAC0.005 mg/LMAC takes into consideration all exposures from drinking water, which include ingestion, as well as inhalation and dermal absorption.high
#P080chemicalhealthguideline2,4,6-Trichlorophenoldrinking waterMAC0.005 mg/Lhigh
#P081chemicalaestheticguideline2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (Aesthetic Objective)drinking waterAO<= 0.002 mg/LAO based on odour; levels above the AO would render drinking water unpalatable.high
#P082chemicalhealthguidelineTrihalomethanes (THMs)drinking waterMAC0.1 mg/LRefers to the total of chlorodibromomethane, chloroform, bromodichloromethane and bromoform.high
#P083chemicalhealthguidelineUraniumdrinking waterMAC0.02 mg/LMAC is for total uranium and is protective in relation to both chemical and radiological hazards.high
#P084chemicalhealthguidelineVinyl chloridedrinking waterMAC0.002 mg/LALARA. Based on analytical achievability.high
#P085chemicalhealthguidelineXylenes (total)drinking waterMAC0.09 mg/LMAC takes into consideration all exposures from drinking water, which include ingestion, as well as inhalation and dermal absorption.high
#P086chemicalaestheticguidelineXylenes (total) (Aesthetic Objective)drinking waterAO0.02 mg/LAO is based on odour.high
#P087chemicalaestheticguidelineZinc (Aesthetic Objective)drinking waterAO<= 5.0 mg/LAO based on taste.high
#P088radiologicalhealthguidelineIonizing Radiation Reference Leveldrinking waterrequirement1 mSv/yearThe MACs are derived from a reference level corresponding to a radiation dose of 1 millisievert per year (mSv/year).high
#P089radiologicalhealthguidelineRadionuclide Mixture Ratiodrinking waterrequirement<= 1 dimensionlessIf more than one radionuclide in Table 1 is detected, the sum of the ratios of the observed concentration to their corresponding MAC should not exceed 1.Applies when multiple radionuclides are detected.high
#P090physicaloperationalrecommendedTurbidity (Entering distribution system)drinking waterrequirement<= 1.0 NTUTo ensure effectiveness of disinfection and for good operation of the distribution systemWater entering the distribution systemhigh
#P091physicaloperationalguidelineTurbidity (Groundwater systems)drinking waterrequirement< 1.0 NTUFor systems that use groundwaterhigh
#P092physicaltreatmentrecommendedTurbidity (Individual filter target)drinking watertreatment_goal< 0.1 NTUFiltration systems should be designed and operated to reduce turbidity levels as low as reasonably achievableStrive to achieve target from individual filtershigh
#P093chemicalhealthguidanceCyanobacterial toxins (Infant reference value)drinking waterrequirement0.4 µg/LPrecautionary measure for bottle-fed infantsWhere levels of total microcystins in treated water are detected above this valuehigh
#P094chemicalhealthmandatoryNitrate (as Nitrogen)drinking waterMAC10 mg/LMAC expressed as nitrate-nitrogenhigh
#P095chemicalhealthmandatoryNitrite (as Nitrogen)drinking waterMAC1 mg/LMAC expressed as nitrite-nitrogenhigh
#P096microbiologicaloperationalmandatoryTotal coliforms (Investigation trigger)drinking waterrequirement> 10 %Detection of total coliforms should be investigatedfrom more than 10% of the samples collected in a given sampling period in distribution/storage systemhigh
#P097physicaloperationalmandatoryTurbidity (Membrane investigation trigger time)drinking waterrequirement> 15 minutesTrigger an immediate investigation of the membrane unit integrityMeasurements greater than 0.1 NTU for a period greater than 15 minutes from an individual membrane unithigh

D Definitions (32)

Req ID Category Name Context Confidence
#D001Aacceptability (parameter type)high
#D002ALARAas low as reasonably achievablehigh
#D003AOaesthetic objectivehigh
#D004CDWFederal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Waterhigh
#D005Ddisinfectant (parameter type)high
#D006DBPdisinfectant by-product (parameter type)high
#D007HPCheterotrophic plate counthigh
#D008Iinorganic chemical (parameter type)high
#D009MACmaximum acceptable concentrationhigh
#D010NTUnephelometric turbidity unitshigh
#D011Oorganic chemical (parameter type)high
#D012OGoperational guidance valuehigh
#D013Ppesticide (parameter type)high
#D014QMRAquantitative microbial risk assessmenthigh
#D015Ttreatment-related (parameter type)high
#D016TCUtrue colour unitshigh
#D017Guidelinesmaximum acceptable concentrations or treatment goalshigh
#D018Objectiveestablished taking into account available treatment technology and analytical methods in order to reduce exposure through drinking waterhigh
#D019Bq/Lbecquerel/litrehigh
#D020mSv/yearmillisievert per yearhigh
#D021Problem formulationa high-level summary of the scientific data needed to determine a path forward for a specific parameter or issuehigh
#D022Aesthetic objectivesAesthetic objectives (e.g., for taste or odour) are provided when they play a role in determining whether consumers will consider the water drinkable.high
#D023Operational guidance valuesOperational guidance values are provided when a substance may interfere with or impair a treatment process or technology (e.g., turbidity interfering with chlorination or UV disinfection) or adversely affect drinking water infrastructure (e.g., corrosion of pipes).high
#D024Haloacetic acids - Total (HAAs)Refers to the total of monochloroacetic acid (MCA), dichloroacetic acid (DCA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), monobromoacetic acid (MBA) and dibromoacetic acid (DBA)high
#D025Trihalomethanes (THMs)Refers to the total of chlorodibromomethane, chloroform, bromodichloromethane and bromoformhigh
#D026Guidance documentadvice provided to convey operational or management information related to a substance or issue of concernhigh
#D027Enterococcibacteriological indicator of fecal contaminationhigh
#D028E. colian indicator of fecal contamination that is used as a tool to verify the quality of the drinking waterhigh
#D029Total coliformsused as a tool to determine how well the drinking water treatment system is operating and to indicate water quality changes in the distribution systemhigh
#D030Total dissolved solids (TDS)primarily composed of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, and sulphatehigh
#D031Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)Synthetic chemicals used in consumer products and fire-fighting foams for their water and oil repellant properties.high
#D032Methaemoglobinaemiablue baby syndromehigh