How is drinking water quality regulated?
Our drinking water quality is regulated by the BC Drinking Water Protection Regulation (BCDWPR) under the Drinking Water Protection Act, promulgated in 2001. The BCDWPR requires drinking water purveyors to hold an Operating Permit issued by Vancouver Coastal Health upon demonstrating an approved water supply, effective monitoring and reporting, and emergency response plan. In accordance with this, Metro Vancouver (as the source water provider) tests and treats the supply water before delivery to its member municipalities. The City of Vancouver further monitors and tests the drinking water once it enters the distribution system. Water quality samples are tested against the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and standards set out in the British Columbia Drinking Water Protection Act.
