Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS)
Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS), this plan/system will be implemented in response to Justice Dennis O'Connor's recommendation in Part Two of the Walkerton inquiry requiring the adoption of a quality management system (QMS) for municipal drinking water systems. Having a QMS in place will be one of the steps which will ensure that the Township of King can operate its water systems and the drinking water quality is not just maintained but continually improved.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is part of a comprehensive legislative framework established by the Ontario government to protect the safety and quality of Ontario’s drinking water. As part of this legislation, every municipal residential system must be licensed under the Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program. Licenses and permits are issued based on the requirements of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) and the SDWA. The DWQMS is the Quality Management Standard approved under s. 21 of the SDWA.
The Township currently has Municipal Drinking Water Licenses (MDWL) and Drinking Water Works Permits (DWWP) for three Large Residential Drinking Water Systems (King City, Nobleton, and Schomberg) and one Small Residential Drinking Water System (Ansnorveldt).
In order to maintain a license, an operating authority in charge of a municipal residential drinking water system must be accredited at all times. To be accredited an operating authority must establish and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) that meets the requirements of the DWQMS.
As the operators of the Township of King’s water distribution system we are committed to:
- Providing safe sustainable drinking water to our residents and businesses;
- Complying with applicable legislation and regulations as related to the provision of safe drinking water;
- Maintaining and continually improving our Quality Management System.
The Township has developed an Operational Plan that implements all of the elements of the required Quality Management System.
Licences and Permits for the Township's drinking water systems are available here.
For more information on the Township of King’s DWQMS, please contact the Engineering and Public Works Department at (905) 833-5321.
Where to get information
- For information on lead in drinking water and regulatory requirements visit the Ministry of Environment website at Ministry of the Environment - Water
- For more details on lead exposure, visit the Health Canada website at Environmental Contaminants - Lead