Water Quality

Our water is regularly tested and meets or exceeds provincial and national guidelines.

Every day, we collect a number of water samples from over 70 dedicated water sample ports throughout the distribution system to ensure your water is safe to drink.

For detailed water quality results on your drinking water, the provincial government tests and reports on community water quality and other information on provincial water supplies.

If you have a concern about the water quality at your property, contact Access St. John's to report it.

Learn more about lead in our water.

Home Water Treatment

People do not need to treat the drinking water supplied by the City of St. John's to make it safe, but some people still want that extra reassurance. If you buy a home water treatment unit, read the product information carefully. Make sure you understand what you are buying. Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance such as changing the filter on a regular basis.

The City of St. John's does not endorse or recommend specific home water treatment units.

No single unit takes out every kind of drinking water contaminant. You must decide which type best meets your needs.

Don't like the taste, smell or appearance of your water?

Even when water meets or exceeds Canadian Drinking Water standards, you may still dislike the taste, smell or appearance. Some common conditions people experience with their water include:

temporary cloudiness - typically a temporary condition caused by air bubbles in your water. This should not persist.
Chlorine taste or smell - letting the water stand exposed to the air helps ease these conditions
discoloured hot or warm water – a sign of corrosion inside your hot water boiler
chemical smell from your water in the summertime - check to see if your garden hose is turned off at the house

What if I have a compromised immune system?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. People with severely compromised immune systems can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

What should I do if I have my own drinking water well?

If you have your own well, you are responsible for making sure that your water is safe to drink. The provincial government has developed a booklet to help private well owners to understand the basics of well maintenance, operations and the necessary actions to keep your well in safe running order.