Water Quality
Thousands of Tests Each Year
Peterborough Utilities Commission meets or exceeds the government’s requirements for water testing in Peterborough. We conduct more than 20,000 tests a year to ensure your drinking water is of the highest quality – more tests than government regulations require. We conduct tests annually, quarterly, weekly and there are even some that run continuously. We perform on-going facility maintenance, and constantly upgrade and improve our water infrastructure including Peterborough’s water treatment plant.
Our staff members are well trained in all aspects of water quality management and know the importance of following proper procedures in facility maintenance. Everyone who operates the water system at PUC is licensed by the Ministry of the Environment.
The water utility staff is deeply committed to ensuring everyone served by the Peterborough Utilities Commission has the safest, highest quality drinking water.
Water Quality Reports
PUC is constantly testing our water and we are are proud to share the results with you. Our test results show that Peterborough's drinking water continues to meet the highest standards for quality and cleanliness. 
If you would like a copy of Peterborough’s latest water quality report, you can pick one up at Peterborough City Hall or the Peterborough Utilities office.
Chief Drinking Water Inspector Report
To provide the residents of Ontario with confidence that their regulated drinking water systems are delivering safe, high quality tap water, the Ministry of the Environment releases annually the Chief Drinking Water Inspector's report. This report provides an overview of the state of Ontario's drinking water including quality tests, inspection and performance. The report details actions the Ministry has taken to protect drinking water between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010.
Reports for the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield can be found on the Township's website or obtained at the Township Offices on the Centre Line of Smith.
Facilities in Norwood are maintained and tested by the Township of Asphodel Norwood in association with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA). Reports can be picked up at the Township office.
Facts & Filters
If you're thinking about buying a water filter, you've probably discovered how confusing the information and literature can be. Before you buy a water treatment system, visit our water Facts & Filters to obtain additional information.
Tastes and odours in your drinking water
Peterborough's drinking water meets or exceeds all provincial standards for quality, but some customers may have noticed an earthy taste in their tap water. More noticeable when our source water, the Otonabee River, gets warm in the summer months, the earthy odour comes from a non-toxic compound produced by some types of river algae. These odour-causing compounds are not harmful to your health but can be detectable, even in extremely small concentrations (parts per trillion).
To improve the taste, it helps to keep an open pitcher of tap water in your fridge. You may choose to use an activated charcoal filter device. When using these products, it is important to follow the manufacture's instruction. For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of home treatment products, see Facts & Filters.
Revised:2013-03-07| Revised by: Peterborough Utilities Group Login