Changes to the Protocol of Accepted Drinking Water Testing Methods and Practices for the Collection and Handling of Drinking Water Samples Documents

We are proposing to update the Protocol of Accepted Drinking Water Testing Methods (Testing Protocol) document referenced by Ontario Regulation 248/03 (Drinking Water Testing Services) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. The changes will reflect:

• advances in drinking water testing methods
• current industry knowledge

These changes will improve the document’s usefulness to drinking water testing laboratories, owners and operators of drinking water systems and ministry staff by making the most current industry information available so they can continue to properly carry out the actions necessary to keep water clean and safe to drink.

We are also proposing to update the Practices for the Collection and Handling of Drinking Water Samples Document (Sampling Document) in conjunction with the Testing Protocol to ensure consistency. This document is used by drinking water testing laboratories, drinking water system owners/operators and ministry staff as guidance for the collection and handling of drinking water samples.

Description of policy

The Drinking Water Testing Services regulation requires that drinking water tests are done in accordance with acceptable testing methods. The Testing Protocol is used by licensed laboratories and ministry staff to ensure proper testing methods are followed.

Proposed changes

The Testing Protocol (Protocol of Accepted Drinking Water Testing Methods) will be updated to:

• align with the current drinking water parameters and standards as outlined in Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Standards and Drinking Water Systems regulations
• reflect advances in testing methodologies and to streamline content so that it contains relevant information for stakeholders
• include general guidance for laboratory licensing and the sample collection and handling requirements

The Sampling Document (Practices for the Collection and Handling of Drinking Water Samples) will be updated to:

• streamline the focus solely on drinking water sampling practices
• remove technical specifics that are now housed in the Testing Protocol (i.e. hold times, temperatures and preservatives)
• improve readability and make it easier for a sampler to follow