Safe Water and Sewage Systems
Safe drinking water is vital to our health and quality of life. In the Porcupine Health Unit Region, we are fortunate to have access to high quality drinking water. Residents living outside of urban areas rely primarily on the use of lake and well water for their drinking. Unprotected water sources can result in potential exposure to numerous types of microorganisms that can cause illness.
There are a number of pools, spas, hot tubs and wading pools in the Porcupine Health Unit district that are inspected on a regular basis. These facilities are often public but in some cases are reserved for campgrounds, apartment complexes or hotel guests. Pool/spa/wading pool operators must know the operating systems, regulations and guidelines that pertain to operating these facilities at their premise. Operator education is critical in the proper operation of any of these facilities.
During the summer months, area beaches that have a lifeguard are sampled weekly to ensure that the water people are swimming in remains safe to enjoy. When the sampling results indicate the water contains enough E.coli to cause a possible concern, the beach will be posted with a sign indicating that the water is "Unsafe for Swimming". Beach results and closures can be found on the PorcupineBeachWise site.
Proper waste management is important to protect the health of your family and surrounding community. Rural residences and commercial properties require a private septic system when municipal services are not available. Systems are designed and installed as directed by the Ontario Building Code.
Porcupine BeachWise - Beach Sampling Results
The Porcupine BeachWise program has ended for the season. Check back for updates next June.
How to use water safely during a Boil Water Advisory and Drinking Water Advisory
A boil water advisory is issued when harmful germs may be in a drinking water supply. A drinking water advisory is issued when harmful chemical contaminants may be in a drinking water supply. Follow these general recommendations on how to use the water if a water advisory has been issued in your community.
Keep Your Drinking Water Safe
Over 80 percent of Ontarians receive their drinking water from municipal drinking water systems. Those that do not have access, install some sort of private drinking water system, they may have a well or they may draw and treat water from surrounding surface water sources.
Public Pools, Spas, Splash Pads, and More
All public pools, spas, and wading pools in the Porcupine Health Unit`s district are inspected on a regular basis. To ensure that these facilities are safe for public use, operators of these facilities must know the regulations and guidelines that pertain to their operation.
Septic Systems and Land Development
Proper waste management is important to protect the health of your family and surrounding community. Rural residences and commercial properties require a private septic system when municipal services are not available. Systems are designed and installed as directed by the Ontario Building Code.
Swimmer's Itch
Swimmer's itch, also called schistosome dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. Swimmer's itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months.
Lead in Drinking Water
Lead is present in many sources including food, dust, soil, some paint products, and drinking water.