Introduction

Overview

Drinking water system best management practices (BMPs) aim to assist in the delivery of safe, high quality drinking water. They outline processes to optimize efficiencies within a drinking water or quality management system and provide information to aid in future planning.

Operating authorities for municipal residential drinking water systems are required to consider the BMPs identified on this page under Element 21 (Continual Improvement) of Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS).

The relevance and effectiveness of any BMPs will be system-specific. BMPs are not mandatory, unlike legislation, regulations or conditions in a municipal drinking water licence or drinking water works permit issued by the ministry. The ministry recommends implementing BMPs that will result in improvements to the drinking water system or quality management system where possible. Partial implementation and deviation from the BMPs will be necessary in certain situations.

In addition to the BMPs outlined in this document, drinking water system owners and operating authorities should seek out and consider best practices published by industry, including those published by the Ontario Water Works Association and American Water Works Association.

More information

For more information about BMPs and the DWQMS contact: 
The Client Services and Permissions Branch
Environmental Assessment and Permissions Division
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
MDWLP@Ontario.ca 
Tel: 416-314-4300

1. Treatment system best management practices

1.1 Filter monitoring and inspection

Best management practice

Develop and implement a plan for monitoring and inspecting filters to maintain optimal performance and include or reference the plan in the operations and maintenance manuals for the system.

Guidance

Proactive and routine monitoring and inspection of filters should be undertaken with the objective of identifying issues before they impact treatment system operations.

The following are examples of operating parameters that may be recorded and reviewed to assess performance:

  • influent and effluent turbidity
  • headloss and headloss build-up rate
  • filter run times and unit filter run volume (water produced by filter in a run or by surface area)
  • filter effluent colour
  • process water production
  • backwash water flow rates
  • chemical aid feed rates
  • frequency of backwash
  • time required for turbidity stabilization following backwash

In addition to these parameters, visual inspection is also important for performance assessment. For example, during filter runs, operators should visually check to:

  • ensure that water is maintained over media to prevent scour
  • check filter media surface for sidewall and media cracks
  • observe surface to identify mounding or mudballs
  • look for algae build up on walls of filters and wash water troughs

During backwashing, the operator can visually check for:

  • media expansion
  • media boils and dead zones
  • media carry over into wash water troughs
  • clarity of backwash water
  • mudball accumulation can also be evaluated during this inspection

1.2 Source water quality

Best management practice

Develop and implement a program to monitor source water quality to identify at an early stage, any deterioration in water quality that may lead to challenges with drinking water treatment processes.

Guidance

Early identification of changes to raw water (source water) quality helps make certain that  the drinking water treatment system remains capable of providing  drinking water that meets the requirements set out in legislation and that the log removal or inactivation credits set out in a municipal drinking water licence can be achieved.  If significant fluctuations of the system’s raw water quality are identified, the cause should be determined and an action plan should be developed to prevent or prepare for future fluctuations.

A monitoring program should consider:

  • documentation of typical raw water characteristics, including seasonal variation
  • frequency of collection and review of raw water sample results
  • actions to be taken when results are inconsistent with typical raw water characteristics
  • evaluating longer term trends in raw water quality
  • external sources of information that may contain additional information about trends in source water quality and quantity such as existing groundwater studies or reports or studies prepared by neighboring systems using the same water source
  • including the discussion of trends and any proposed actions as part of the management review required under Element 20 (Management review) of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard

If the well or intake is located in a source protection area, the local source protection plan should be considered and any concerns or trends in source water quality or quantity should be shared with the local Source Protection Authority and the designated Risk Management Official.

2. Water storage

2.1 Cleanout, inspection and maintenance

Best management practice

Develop and implement a program for the inspection of water storage facilities to minimize the potential for water quality issues and maximize the service life of the facility.

Guidance

Routine inspection of water storage facilities is crucial to maintain their proper operation. A program for inspection of water storage facilities should consider:

  • potential issues that may affect each water storage facility (such as sediment accumulation, corrosion or tank material degradation)
  • frequency and scope of inspection for each water storage facility
  • results from inspection of water storage facilities, which can inform:
    • the frequency and scope of inspections
    • the need for additional maintenance, such as cleaning, repair or replacement of the facility

2.2 Covered and secure

Best management practice

Develop and implement a program for the inspection of access points associated with water storage facilities to ensure they are covered to:

  • reduce the risk of airborne contamination from insects, birds and mammals
  • prevent algal contamination

Guidance

Routine inspection of the access points associated with water storage facilities is essential for maintaining the integrity and proper function of the system. A program for inspection of access points should consider prevention and control measures that are in place.

For example:

  • Access hatches or vents should have securely fitted seals and should not be flush with grade, prone to flooding, or have visible gaps into the treated storage area.
  • Air vents and overflows associated with reservoirs and elevated storage structures should be equipped with screens to guard against potential contamination of treated water.
  • Overflows and vents for a ground-level storage reservoir should be screened with a #24 mesh (0.70 mm) non-corrodible screen. The screen should be installed within the overflow pipe at a location least susceptible to damage by vandalism.
  • Overflows and vents for elevated storage tank should be screened with a #4 mesh (5.16 mm) non-corrodible screen. The screen should be installed within the overflow pipe at a location least susceptible to damage by vandalism.

3. Distribution system best management practices

3.1 Watermain flushing

Best management practice

Develop and implement a program to flush watermains at regular set intervals.

Guidance

Routine flushing is important for maintaining water quality by removing accumulated sediment and other impurities that can build up in pipes.  When developing a program for flushing, other objectives may also be considered, including:

  • improving the flow of water
  • reducing chlorine demand
  • refreshing water and maintain free chlorine residual in low demand areas such as dead-end mains
  • addressing aesthetic water quality complaints

Swabs or pigs may be needed to clean older pipes, or pipes with known build-up or fouling, especially where sufficient flow velocities to remove sediment and biofilm cannot be generated through flushing.

3.2 Valve exercise and inspection

Best management practice

Develop and implement a valve inspection and exercise program.

Guidance

A valve inspection and exercise program should:

  • contain a goal for the number of transmission valves to be exercised annually based on the percentage of the total valves in the system
  • contain a goal for the number of distribution valves to be exercised annually
  • include measures to verify that the goals are met and written procedures for action if the goals are not met
  • identify critical valves in the distribution system to be exercised on a more frequent basis

Records of the valve inspection program should be maintained, including frequency of valve-turning and any other potential quality and isolation concerns and information of note should be logged. The program should also track the annual results and set goals to reduce the percentage of inoperable valves.

3.3 Hydrant operation and inspection

Best management practice

Develop and implement a hydrant maintenance and fire flow testing program that includes regular checks and inspection of hydrants, blow-offs, sampling stations and other similar equipment.

Guidance

A hydrant maintenance and fire flow testing program should consider the following minimum requirements:

  • a goal for the number of hydrants to be inspected and tested based on a percentage of the total hydrants in the system
  • procedures for opening and closing hydrants to minimize potential damage to the distribution system
  • fire flow-testing requirements

3.4 Hydrant access

Best management practice

Develop a policy or by-law that restricts access to fire hydrants.

Guidance

In some municipalities, permission may be given to water haulers, contractors, farmers and private users to access water from hydrants for uses such as filling potable water tanks, construction tankers, pesticides tanks and swimming pools.  Where these activities are permitted, measures to protect the water supply against backflow and back-siphoning from sources of contamination should be taken.

Protective measures may include:

  • installation of backflow protection or ensuring an air gap
  • use of flow control port valves on hydrants so the main valve is not used by uncertified persons to control or throttle flow
    • for hydrants equipped with open bottom-drain ports, this is important to protect against back-siphoning dangers due to saturating the ground around the hydrant
  • direct operator supervision or actual operation
  • written agreement, approval, or restrictions governing use
  • designating only specific hydrants for access

Consideration should also be given to available alternatives. For example, where regular and routine access to hydrants is requested, installation of a bulk water dispensing facility may provide better access, control and protection than permitting hydrant access. Note that backflow prevention measures should also be considered at bulk water dispensing facilities (refer to practices outlined for backflow prevention programs).

When developing or updating a policy or by-law that restricts access to fire hydrants, consideration should be given to:

  • enforcement of the policy or by-law and any associated penalties
  • the mechanism of approval (such as verbal confirmation or a time-limited written agreement)
  • increased frequency of inspection or maintenance for hydrants where access may be routinely granted

3.5 Pressure monitoring

Best management practice

Develop a program to monitor distribution system pressure.

Guidance

A program should be developed to monitor distribution system pressure that:

  • identifies actions to be taken when system pressure drops below a set value (for example, below the value under which the system is designed to operate)
  • identifies areas of chronic low pressure or re-occurring low pressure incidents
  • ensures collected information is utilized to develop action plans to address areas of concern that are identified

Pressure records and consumer complaints of low pressure should be reviewed to confirm there are no reoccurring or chronic issues of low pressure. For localized system pressure problems identified through complaints, spot tests can be carried out by attaching a pressure gauge to a hydrant, opening the hydrant and reading the pressure. However, this can only provide a snapshot in time. Comprehensive low-pressure investigations can be conducted using portable pressure dataloggers which attach to hydrants and trend pressures at those locations during periods of low and peak use.

Pressure failure or loss may result from various causes including:

  • water main break
  • high-lift pump failures
  • power outages
  • automatic lockouts
  • pressure tank failure
  • loss of elevated tank level
  • any other condition related to equipment and water storage facilities used to maintain pressure

In small systems which rely on pressure tanks, it may be less practical to continuously chart pressure than to properly wire pressure switch relays to alert the operator (for example via auto-dialer) of low-pressure conditions.  Some systems may employ a pressure gauge at the treatment site and daily logging of the reading.

For continuous monitoring and trending of larger systems where electronic pressure transmitters are used to monitor pressure and alarm to low pressure situations (for example at booster stations or elevated tanks), transmitters can be wired into data loggers or data signals can transmit system pressure elsewhere.

For systems which incorporate multiple pressure zones, alarms will likely be required for each zone. In all instances, some form of monitoring should be in place that can alert the operator to a low-pressure situation.

3.6 Disinfection residuals — maximums

Best management practice

Develop and implement a program to monitor and respond to high chlorine residuals in the distribution system.

Guidance

The Procedure for Disinfection of Drinking Water in Ontario (section 4) states:

The maximum chlorine residual at any time and at any location within the distribution system should not exceed 4.0 mg/L when measured as free chlorine, 0.8 mg/L when measured as chlorine dioxide, and 3.0 mg/L when measured as combined chlorine.

Note: A combined chlorine residual of 3.0 mg/L is equivalent to the maximum acceptable concentration of 3.0 mg/L for chloramines allowed by the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards. Where a test result exceeds 3.0 mg/L, it must be reported as an adverse water quality incident.

The recommended optimum target for free chlorine residual concentration in a water distribution system is 0.2 mg/L at a pH 8.5 or less. The recommended optimum target for combined chlorine residual for systems designed to operate with chloramination is 1.0 mg/L at all locations within the distribution system to suppress bacterial activity that converts ammonia to nitrite and nitrate.

Elevated free chlorine residual levels can result in taste and odour complaints. Sensitive individuals may have such complaints if the  levels are as low as 0.6 mg/L. For that reason, taste and odour concerns should be considered during the selection of operational and management strategies for the water treatment and distribution systems.

Even when taste and odour thresholds are exceeded, it does not mean the water is not safe to consume. The taste of drinking water should be addressed on a system-specific basis given the variability in acceptance of taste and odour in the population and the multitude of factors, besides chlorine itself, that can contribute to taste concerns.

Utilities should maintain sufficiently low levels of free chlorine at the tap. The goal is for adequate disinfection to occur and a chlorine residual in the distribution system to be maintained, while keeping in mind consumer acceptability of drinking water.

3.7 Disinfection residuals — extremities

Best management practice

Develop procedures  to verify at regular intervals that chlorine residual monitoring in the distribution system includes an optimal dispersion of sample locations that are representative of the entire system, including extremities and dead-ends.

Guidance

Locations for disinfectant residual measurement and monitoring in the distribution system should be selected with the objective of identifying areas of low chlorine residual. Results from this monitoring should be used to improve methods for maintaining effective residual (such as using or altering existing flushing, looping or boosting).

The locations should be reviewed and updated at regular intervals so that any alterations or additions to the drinking water system are considered.

3.8 Backflow prevention program

Best management practice

Develop and implement a backflow prevention program that addresses cross connections and connections to high hazard facilities.

Note: Cross-connection is defined as any actual or potential connection between a potable water system and any source of pollution or contamination. Generally, any cross-connection or potential cross-connection involving any substance that could be a danger to health is considered a high or severe hazard.

Guidance

A backflow prevention program may include development and implementation of a combination of practices, policies and bylaws that ensure backflow preventers are installed and existing and new high hazard facilities.  A backflow prevention program should consider, at a minimum:

  • identifying existing industrial, commercial, institutional and agricultural facilities that may be considered high hazard facilities and are required to be equipped with a backflow preventer at each service connection
  • identifying existing cross connections between the distribution system and other non-potable water sources (such as private water supplies or surface water)
  • determining the type and nature of new facilities that may be considered high hazard facilities, where a backflow preventer may need to be installed at each service connection prior to connection to the drinking water system
  • setting out criteria for backflow maintenance, testing and reporting associated with the devices

Any program should ensure that the practices, policy and/or by-law are sufficient to address the use of backflow preventers at high hazard facilities as well as at cross-connections with non-potable water sources. Additional guidance about backflow prevention is available in the “Guide for Drinking Water System Owners Seeking to Undertake a Backflow Prevention Program”.

4. Contingency and security

4.1 Spill containment — chemicals and fuels

Best management practice

Develop a program to review spill containment within the drinking water system.

Guidance

Spill containment in the drinking water system should be evaluated and reviewed at regular intervals.

The following items should be considered in such a review:

  • storage facilities and chemical process areas should have safeguards against accidental spills, for example, construction of dykes around compound to contain the volume of the largest container in the compound, plus an additional 10% as a safety factor
  • double walled or secondary containment should be suitable to the chemicals or fuels that it may come in contact with
  • chemical storage, chemical operations and fuel storage should not be in areas where a spill could come into direct contact with a raw water source, treated water or partially treated water
  • drains in the chemical or fuel storage area must be checked to ensure they do not result in contamination of wells or nearby water sources

4.2 Spill clean-up

Best management practice

Develop and implement procedures for spill clean-up.

Guidance

Developing and implementing procedures can help to make certain that staff are prepared and have the necessary resources available to respond should a spill occur. Consideration should be given to:

  • the potential location(s) where a spill may occur
  • any linked outcomes of the risk assessment (Element 8 — Risk assessment outcomes of the DWQMS)
  • materials and equipment that should be readily available to respond to a spill, such as absorbents, neutralizers, floor brooms, shovels or additional secondary containment such as spill containment pallets or large drums

Large spills that are contained are, in many cases, cleaned up by waste management companies and the names and contact arrangements of these companies should be contained within the Emergency or Contingency Plan, Spill Response Plan or equivalent document. Public works and local fire departments may also be involved in containment and clean-up operations in many locations.

Staff training requirements and procedures for spill containment and clean-up and use of equipment should be included within the operations and maintenance manuals along with any spill clean-up requirements set out by local Source Water Protection Plans.

4.3 Standby power — testing

Best management practice

Develop and implement standby power testing procedures.

Guidance

Regular and routine testing of emergency generators is necessary to make certain that they will perform adequately when required.  Procedures for standby testing should consider:

  • frequency and duration of testing
  • testing under full load conditions
  • how written documentation of the testing is recorded and maintained
  • how outcomes of the testing are evaluated and how any recommendations are actioned

4.4 Security — General

Best management practice

Develop a program to assess site security and determine the potential for intruder access.

Guidance

A review of site security should be undertaken on a regular basis, both proactively and directly after security-related incidents. A program for undertaking this review can outline a consistent approach to the review and define a process for actioning any identified issues or recommendations.

At a minimum, consideration should be given to:

  • securely locking treatment and distribution facilities and equipping doors and access hatches with intruder alarms
  • putting security measures in place for monitoring wells, production wells and surface water intakes
  • restricting access by installing fences and gates to restrict and control access where possible
  • using signage to identify restricted areas
  • installing buoys to identify surface water intake locations
  • conducting physical checks and inspections of sites at regular intervals and documenting them (for example in the facility logbook)

4.5 Cyber Security

Best management practice

Develop a program to assess cyber security and protect systems such as a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) from unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.

Guidance

Systems such as SCADA can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks and measures must be taken to make certain that they are adequately protected.

These attacks can cause significant harm, including the:

  • loss of system process visibility for operators (for example unable to monitor treatment processes)
  • interruption of data recording leading to a loss of critical or compliance data
  • inability to remotely control processes or loss of automatic control
  • installation of malicious programs like ransomware, which can disable the business enterprise until money is paid
  • loss of data (stolen or maliciously deleted)

These attacks can:

  • compromise the ability of municipal utilities to provide clean and safe water
  • erode customer confidence
  • result in compliance issues from loss of data
  • result in financial expenditure
  • cause legal liabilities

Cyber security measures should be implemented, reviewed and updated regularly to secure computer systems such as SCADA from unauthorized access and cyber-attacks. Vigorous computer access and virus protection protocols should be built into computer control systems. All automated control systems should be equipped with manual overrides to provide the option to operate manually. The procedures for manual operation, including a regular schedule for exercising and  making certain of an operator’s competence with the manual override system, should be included in system operation and maintenance manuals.

Cyber security threats are required to be considered in the DWQMS risk assessment for the drinking water system (Element 7 – Risk assessment of the DWQMS).  Outcomes from the risk assessment should be considered when assessing cyber security. Implementing a proactive cyber security program can help to reduce identified risks.

Measures that can be considered in a cyber security program include:

  • encrypting electronic communication
  • developing computer access and virus protection policies and procedures
  • developing data recovery and operating protocols
  • developing override procedures to operate manually
  • operator training on manual operation and awareness or identification of cyber security threats
  • the use of routers and “firewalls” to block access to outside attacker

Note: Effective cyber security requires ongoing effort and vigilance. Regular review and implementation of industry-identified best practices (for example NIST Cybersecurity Framework) is strongly encouraged and should be considered within any program intended to assess cyber security and protect systems.

5. Planning and management

5.1 Water metering

Best management practice

Develop a program to implement water metering for the drinking water system.

Guidance

Metering all sources and uses of treated water allows the system to account for the water from production to the end user. Accurate and timely water use measurement is the primary means used by water utilities to:

  • create equitable charge-out rates for customers
  • reduce water use waste
  • promote water efficiency
  • measure low and peak flow rate
  • minimize environmental impacts
  • minimize loads on wastewater facilities
  • measure use of water resources
  • generate revenue
  • ensure future capital costs for the system are apportioned to users
  • provide information on per capita water use
  • determine unaccounted water losses

Metering needs to be considered as part of an overall plan for managing the resource and sustaining the water system, to achieve the objectives described above.

5.2 Water loss

Best management practice

Develop and implement a program to control and limit water losses within the system

Guidance

A program should be developed to review and implement measures to control and limit water losses within the drinking water system. If all users are metered, a water loss audit should be performed. Proper accounting of water losses will allow utilities to make informed decisions on operations, maintenance, capital investment and customer service programs.

Consideration should be given to the following to help in the reduction of water loss in distribution systems:

  • improving metering inaccuracy via calibration and replacement
  • leak detection and repair for both public and private water systems
  • water efficiency and conservation
  • valve maintenance
  • pressure management including surge suppression
  • infrastructure renewal
  • pricing (water rates)
  • speed and quality of repairs
  • by-law enforcement and system inspection
  • zone metering and district metered areas
  • design standards for construction methods and pipe material
  • a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system
  • identifying and preventing unauthorized use
  • nighttime flow analysis
  • distribution system modelling  

5.3 Water conservation

Best management practice

Develop and implement a water conservation program

Guidance

Water conservation can:

  • reduce energy consumption
  • defer capital cost undertakings

Some water efficiency measures contained in conservation plans include:

  • lawn watering restrictions
  • aggressive leak detection programs
  • metering
  • encouraging or subsidizing the costs for water efficiency fixtures (for example, low water use toilets, shower heads, faucet aerators, etc.)
  • public education programs on water efficiency
  • instituting a rate structure that encourages conservation
  • encouraging the use of water efficient measures at industrial commercial and institutional facilities

6. Logbooks and record keeping

6.1 All log entries

Best management practice

Develop and implement procedures for all logbook entries. Undertake the review of logs on a routine basis to verify that  internal practices are being followed and desired outcomes are being achieved.

Guidance

Record keeping is necessary to maintain adequate communication between operators and ensure critical information used by owners, operating authorities, engineers and other qualified professionals is accessible. Logbooks also allow ministry staff to see how the system has been functioning and operated. Properly maintained logbooks allow operators to see when maintenance was last performed, when adjustments were made, and any unusual or abnormal conditions that have occurred at the system.

Accurate records contribute to optimal system operation and safety whereas poorly written or typed records may lead to errors, misinterpretation, and confusion.

The following practices should be implemented to help ensure logbook entries are accurate and clear:

  • enter records in a consistent manner with care to use appropriate and consistent terminology (for example repair and maintenance activities, versus upgrades)
  • review entry for spelling or typographical errors
  • review entry to clarify inaccurate, ambiguous, vague or misleading statements
  • include a sufficient level of information to describe an occurrence
  • use full names when making a log entry
    • where names of operators are not used to identify the person making log entries (for example initials or employee ID), a legend with corresponding names should be created and maintained to allow the creator of the record to be unambiguously identified
  • clearly document concerns and issues in the logbook for operators on the next shift using factual information
  • review record keeping practices and record entries on a routine basis to ensure that the internal practices are being followed

Improperly correcting mistakes may cast doubt on the accuracy and integrity of the information. To ensure transparency and traceability, the following practices should be implemented when changes are made to log entries.

  • Paper log entries: errors should be corrected by striking through the entry with one line, writing a new entry, and including the date when it was made and the name of the person who entered the information. Corrective fluid or similar methods to alter a previously made entry should not be used.
  • Digital log entries: should show the erroneous entry as well as the corrected entry, including the time (and the date of erroneous entry if not the same day) when it was made and the name of the person who entered the information. In the case of a system outage or non-availability of systems supporting digital logging such as electronic logbooks (e-logs), an alternate method of record keeping needs to be used.

Backing up logs will help avoid loss of records

  • Paper records should be digitized (for example, scanned, photographed) to preserve information that could be lost, stolen, or destroyed.
  • Digital records should be backed up. At least one copy of the backed-up information should be stored at another location, at another site or on the cloud.
  • The frequency of back-ups should be included in the system’s record management policy.

6.2 Digital log entries

Best management practice

Develop and implement strong IT security measures to limit access to e-logs and keep information secure.

Guidance

Strong security features are required to keep digital log information secure and help ensure the integrity of the information. Having access to reliable and accurate digital information significantly improves organizational efficiency and overall operation of the plant, therefore information should be readily available  and retrievable by staff to support operational activities.  A balance must be struck between making the information easy for authorized personnel to access and limiting access by others.

IT security features for e-logs should include:

  • data encryption when accessing logs from outside the internal network
  • secure access to servers
  • unique and strong passwords for accounts used to store electronic logs and operational records
  • consideration of using two-factor authentication when accessing logs from outside the internal network
  • user access levels within organizations such as limited authority for people who can add entries or correct entries after they are saved (if needed)

6.3 Process safeguards

Best management practice

Develop and implement procedures to ensure digital records are secured and protected.

Guidance

Document and record control procedures should ensure:

  • Safeguards are in place to prevent any unauthorized destruction or deletion of digital records and associated metadata.
  • Any changes to electronic log entries are tracked. When using software that does not permit tracking of changes, the owner may consider printing or creating a (PDF) copy of the log entries on a regular basis to help demonstrate electronic records have not been altered.
  • Records are only deleted in accordance with the retention policy. When a digital record is deleted, the metadata of the deleted record should be preserved so that information on historical actions taken on the record may be reviewed. This may assist in looking for any unauthorized activity.
  • Business expectations and legal requirements for managing records and metadata are satisfied.

6.4 Verifying accuracy of records

Best management practice

Develop and implement procedures to verify accuracy of documented information to help prevent mistakes and record falsification, and to take measures to rectify issues.

Guidance

False or misleading information can have significant consequence when the information is used to support decisions relating to drinking water system operation. Providing false or misleading information to a provincial officer, the ministry or a laboratory is an offence under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.

Processes should be put in place to ensure and verify the accuracy of records created during the operation of the system, including:

  • training on ethical conduct and appropriate logbook and recordkeeping techniques
  • auditing records and logbook entries
  • utilizing information to confirm record accuracy, such as:
    • GPS tracking in vehicles to verify samples are collected from required locations
    • access logs and surveillance footage to verify presence in a location at a time specified in a record
    • review and cross-reference details on daily operating sheets, chain of custody and more to confirm consistency of data

Additional resources

The following resources include additional information on topics covered in this best management practices guidance document.

Other resources

The following resources are for information only and not maintained by or available from the Government of Ontario. Inclusion on this site does not imply endorsement or a guarantee of the accuracy of contents of any of these documents.

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

AWWA Manuals of Water Supply Practices:

  • M6 Water Meters — Selection, Installation, Testing and Maintenance
  • M17 Fire Hydrants: Installation, Field Testing and Maintenance
  • M14 Manual Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control
  • M42, Steel water Storage Tanks, Revised Edition
  • M44 Distribution Valves: Selection, Installation, Field Testing and Maintenance
  • M37 Operational Control of Coagulation and Filtration Processes, Third Edition
  • M20 Water Chlorination and Chloramination Practices and Principles
  • M36 Water Audits and Loss Control Programs.
  • M52 Water Conservation Programs — A Planning Manual

InfraGuide: National Guide to Sustainable Infrastructure:

  • Establishing a Metering Plan to Account for Water Use and Loss
  • Methodology for Setting a Cross Connection Control Program
  • Monitoring Water Quality in the Distribution System
  • Small System Operation and Maintenance Practices
  • Water Quality in Distribution Systems
  • Water Use and Loss in Water Distribution Systems

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

  • NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
  • NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants
  • Ten States Standards
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Resilience, Cybersecurity for the Water Sector