Safe drinking water is essential for human health
and survival. It is used for human consumption, food
preparation, or other normal household purposes. Safe
drinking water is water that is safe to drink and fit
for household use without further treatment.
British Columbia's drinking water at the tap is generally very
safe. However, outbreaks of water-borne disease caused
by micro-organisms do occur from time to time, not
only in B.C. but throughout North America. Organisms
usually get into drinking water supplies when lakes
or streams or community water supply pipes or storage
reservoirs are contaminated by animal wastes or human
sewage.
The following BC HealthFiles outline the types
of concerns that can affect drinking water and the
steps individuals can take to help protect their health.
Information on B.C.'s Drinking Water Program.
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