Drinking Water Fact Sheets

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Manitoba has an abundance of good quality drinking water. However, under certain conditions, micro organisms (such as bacteria) and other elements may be introduced into the water.

In the event of flooding or another source of water contamination, a boil water advisory may be issued. It is important to stay informed and take steps to ensure that your water remains safe for you and your family. In order to assist you, Manitoba Health and the Office of Drinking Water have created the following fact sheets to assist in the testing and disinfecting of well water as well as information what to do if you have been placed under a boil water advisory.

All documents are in Adobe Acrobat pdf format

Fact sheets on nitrate and naturally occurring trace elements in well water are also available at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/odw/public-info/fact_sheets/index.html

Fact Sheet #1:
"How Do I Know If My Well Water Is Safe From Bacterial Contamination?"

To be safe for drinking, your well water's bacteriological, chemical and physical parameters should meet the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. This fact sheet addresses the bacterial safety of drinking water.
2 pages. (March 2001)

Fact Sheet #2:
"How Do I Test My Well Water for Bacterial Contamination?"

There are a number of accredited and non-accredited laboratories that are capable of carrying out bacteriological testing. It is recommended that the bacterial analysis of drinking water samples be carried out by an accredited laboratory.
3 pages. (March 2001)

Fact Sheet #3:
"What Do I Do When a Boil Water Advisory is Issued?"

As a precautionary measure, the chief medical officer of health for Manitoba advises that all people using water from wells or other sources that may have been affected by flooding should boil their water before using it or find alternative supplies of drinking water until flooding subsides and appropriate tests are satisfactory.
3 pages. (March 2001)

Fact Sheet #4:
"How Do I Disinfect My Well?"

While Manitoba has an abundance of good quality water, private wells can become contaminated with bacteria. The risk for contamination is increased by several factors. This fact sheet provides step-by-step instructions for disinfecting your well.
3 pages. (March 2001)

Fact Sheet #5:
"Guidelines For Food Establishments During a Boil Water Advisory"

Food establishments can continue to operate during the boil water advisory, as long as the measures outlined in this fact sheet are strictly adhered to.
2 pages. (March 2001)

Fact Sheet #6:
"What Water Treatment Devices Are Available?"

Water treatment devices for drinking water can be divided into two groups, according to function - point-of-use and point-of-entry devices.
2 pages. (March 2001)

To reach staff and for general inquiries:

Environmental Health
Public Health and Primary Health Care
Manitoba Health
4th Floor - 300 Carlton St.
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9
CANADA
Phone: (204) 788-6735
Fax: (204) 948-2040

Manitoba Health