Licensing and Regulations

The City of Kawartha Lakes owns twenty-one drinking water systems, six wastewater collection systems and six wastewater treatment facilities. 

Each of the twenty-one drinking water systems is licensed through the Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program (MDWLP). In Ontario, all municipal, residential drinking water systems must have a license from the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP). Every municipal, residential drinking water system is inspected at least once each year by the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks.

Licensed City and Ontario Clean Water Agency staff operate our drinking water systems. Water is continuously monitored and tested to protect the health and safety of our community. We operate all of our drinking water systems in accordance with the following regulations:

• Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act
• Municipal Drinking Water License Specifications
• Ontario Drinking Water Standards

Drinking Water Quality Management Standard

The City is required by the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks Safe Drinking Water Act and Drinking Water Quality Management Standard to have an accredited Operating Authority operating our water systems at all times. The Operating Authority must meet strict, mandated requirements in the production and delivery of drinking water.

As part of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard, the City must maintain a Quality Management System. This system follows the requirements of the standard and is regularly audited by an accredited third party. We continue to meet and surpass all applicable legislation and regulations. We are committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water to residents, visitors and businesses.

You can learn more about the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard and the City's Quality Management System by reading the:

• Water and Wastewater Rate Study and Ontario Regulation 453/07 Financial Plan
• Quality Management System Policy
• Drinking Water Quality Management Standard

The operation of wastewater systems is also regulated. Operators who work in these systems and facilities must be licensed and strict adherence to government regulations is required. The treatment and collection of wastewater is an important part of ensuring that the environment, human and animal health and plant life are protected.