We tour the treatment plant south of Woodstock, Ontario rebuilt in 2006. Much of what we see is similarly done in the county’s 18 other water systems.

Tap water in Oxford County is regularly tested for bacteria like E. coli and more than 70 different chemicals, such as lead at 30 separate treatment points.

Monitoring is 7/24. Data collected throughout the year shows our water systems are among the safest anywhere. Annual Reports are required to disclose the presence, if any, of harmful bacteria or chemicals and must also show any steps taken to address any adverse, or unusual, test results in the water system.

Deborah Goudreau, manager of water services for Oxford County said annual system reports are a requirement of Ontario’s Safe Water Drinking Act. “Essentially the purpose of this is to give the general public confidence that the water systems are run professionally and the quality is good,” she says.

For Deb, water conservation is “incredibly important.” “It allows us to defer expanding our water system. It’s very expensive to find new well sources and it can take years to bring them on line. The longer you can get by with your current well supply, the lower your water rates will be."

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