Parameter Viewer

Document ID ca-gwpdw-2022-09-8 Title Guidance on waterborne pathogens in drinking water URL unknown Jurisdiction /ca Subdomain(s) none Language Status completed Analyzed at 2026-05-13 15:11:56.646140+00:00 Relevance inventory_targeted_fetch

Q Qualitative Requirements (51)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Context Conditions Confidence
#Q001administrativeoperationalrecommendedWater Safety Plan Strategydrinking watera priority focus on drinking water process management, for example, through the implementation of a source-to-tap or water safety plan approach, is the recommended strategy for water utilities to manage potential risks.high
#Q002operationalreportingrecommendedEducation and Outreach Programsdrinking waterWater utilities should also have education and outreach programs to make consumers aware of how water quality can deteriorate within residential and building plumbing systems.high
#Q003administrativehealthrecommendedBuilding Water Management Plansdrinking waterBuilding water management plans are the recommended best practice for building owners/managers.high
#Q004operationaloperationalrecommendedMulti-parametric Risk Managementdrinking waterwater utilities and building owners/managers should have appropriate risk management strategies that utilize multiple parameters to assess the performance of drinking water treatment and/or distribution operations.high
#Q005monitoringhealthrecommendedSource Water Assessment Scopedrinking waterSource water assessments should include: the identification of potential sources of microbiological contamination in the watershed/aquifer; potential pathways and/or events (low to high risk) by which microorganisms of concern can make their way into the source water and affect water quality; and conditions likely to lead to peak concentrations.high
#Q006monitoringoperationalrecommendedSubsurface Source Assessmentsdrinking waterAssessments for subsurface sources should include, at a minimum, a hydrogeological assessment, an evaluation of well integrity and a survey of activities and physical features in the areaWhen evaluating subsurface drinking water sourceshigh
#Q007monitoringhealthguidanceInclusion of Aerosol-generating Activities in Assessmentsdrinking waterIt is important that risks from both land-based and aerosol-generating activities (e.g., spray irrigation, pressure washers) be considered in the source water assessment.high
#Q008monitoringoperationalrecommendedSource Nutrient Characterizationdrinking watersurface and subsurface sources should be characterized with regard to organic and inorganic nutrient concentrationshigh
#Q009treatmenthealthrecommendedBiological Stability Goaldrinking waterWater utilities should therefore aim to produce biologically stable water to minimize the potential for problems to occur in distribution and premise plumbing systemshigh
#Q010treatmenttreatmentguidanceOptimize Treatment for Turbidity and NOMdrinking wateroptimize treatment performance for turbidity and natural organic matter removalhigh
#Q011treatmenttreatmentguidanceApply Primary Disinfectiondrinking waterproperly apply primary disinfection technologies to meet appropriate CT (disinfectant concentration in mg/L x time in minutes) requirements when using chemical oxidants (i.e., free chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide) or IT (intensity measured in mW/cm2 or W/m 2x time measured in seconds resulting in a computed fluence in mJ/cm2) requirements when using ultraviolet (UV) disinfectionhigh
#Q012treatmenttreatmentguidanceMinimize Nutrient Concentrationsdrinking waterminimize nutrient concentrations in treated water and have a good understanding of their concentrations in the distribution systemhigh
#Q013treatmenttreatmentguidanceMinimize Scaling and Corrosiondrinking wateroptimize treatment to minimize the amount of scaling and/or corrosion in the distribution systemhigh
#Q014treatmenttreatmentguidanceApply Secondary Disinfectiondrinking waterproperly apply secondary disinfection technologies (i.e., free chlorine or monochloramine) for residual maintenance in the distribution systemhigh
#Q015monitoringoperationalguidanceConduct Plant Performance Testingdrinking waterconduct performance testing using multiple parameters (e.g., disinfectant residual, microbiological indicators, pH, turbidity)high
#Q016operationaloperationalguidanceProvide Operator Trainingdrinking waterprovide operator training to assure the effectiveness of the water safety plan at all timeshigh
#Q017prohibitiontreatmentrecommendedMonochloramine Application Restrictiondrinking waterIt is important to note that monochloramine is recommended only for secondary disinfection and residual maintenance in the distribution systemhigh
#Q018treatmenthealthguidanceMaintain Effective Disinfectant Residualdrinking waterMaintaining an effective disinfectant residual is essential to manage risks.Within drinking water distribution systemshigh
#Q019monitoringoperationalrecommendedMulti-parametric Distribution Monitoringdrinking waterComprehensive, multi-parametric monitoring programs (e.g., disinfectant residual paired with temperature and biofilm formation rate) are recommended to confirm system-specific requirementshigh
#Q020designoperationalguidanceUse Proper Construction Materialsdrinking wateruse proper construction materialsDistribution system operationshigh
#Q021corrective_actionhealthguidancePreventive Action for Low Residualsdrinking watermaintain an effective disinfectant residual and take preventive/corrective actions when low disinfectant residuals occur, particularly during warm water temperature conditions when biofilm growth accelerateshigh
#Q022operationaloperationalguidanceManage Water Age and Temperaturedrinking watermanage water age and the effects of temperaturehigh
#Q023operationalhealthguidanceMinimize Contaminant Entry Potentialdrinking waterminimize the potential for contaminant entry from external sources (e.g., maintain positive pressure, implement cross-connection/backflow control programs, practice strict hygiene during mains constructions and repairs)high
#Q024operationaloperationalguidanceClean Distribution Systemdrinking waterkeep the distribution system clean by removing biofilm, loose deposits and sediment from watermains and storage facilities (e.g., use of appropriate flushing and cleaning techniques)high
#Q025reportingreportingrecommendedCustomer Premise Plumbing Educationdrinking waterwater utilities should educate their customers of the potential for water quality deterioration in premise plumbing.high
#Q026operationalhealthmandatoryBuilding Owner Responsibilitydrinking waterBuilding owners/managers are responsible for managing water quality within their buildings and therefore should be aware of practices that reduce the risk of microorganism growth.high
#Q027designoperationalguidanceLimit Nutrient Levels in Plumbingdrinking waterlimiting nutrient levels through an emphasis on system design and materialshigh
#Q028designoperationalguidanceMinimize Stagnation Areasdrinking waterminimizing areas of low flow/stagnationhigh
#Q029operationaloperationalguidanceManage Plumbing Temperaturesdrinking waterkeeping temperatures of cold and hot water systems outside of the ideal range for microorganism growth (e.g., cold water less than 20C, hot water tank temperature greater than 60C; hot water lines at distal points ideally greater than 55C)high
#Q030operationalhealthguidanceReduce Contaminated Aerosolsdrinking waterreducing the formation and transmission of contaminated aerosols from system components such as cooling towers, showers, faucets, hot tubs and humidifiers.high
#Q031administrativereportingrecommendedConfirm Jurisdiction Requirementsdrinking waterIn addition, building owners/managers should contact the responsible authority in the affected jurisdiction to confirm if specific requirements will apply to their system (e.g., cooling tower registry).high
#Q032administrativeoperationalrecommendedConsult Climate Forecastsdrinking waterThe responsible authority should be consulted to discuss relevant forecast scenarios.high
#Q033administrativeoperationalrecommendedIntegrate Climate Change Risksdrinking waterThus, water utilities and building owners/managers should integrate the risks associated with climate change into their management strategies to maximize the reliability, robustness and resilience of their water systems.high
#Q034monitoringhealthguidanceResidential Well Inspection and Testingdrinking waterFor residential-scale systems and private wells, regular physical inspection to identify deficiencies and testing of the water system (e.g., for Escherichia coli and total coliforms) to confirm the microbiological quality of the water are important.high
#Q035designtreatmentrecommendedUse of Certified Treatment Devicesdrinking waterWhere treatment is necessary, Health Canada recommends that consumers use devices certified by an accredited certification body as meeting the appropriate NSF International (NSF)/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) drinking water treatment unit standardshigh
#Q036prohibitiontreatmentrecommendedMonochloramine Prohibition for Primary Disinfectiondrinking waterMonochloramine should not be used for primary disinfection due to its low oxidation potential; monochloramine is recommended only for secondary disinfectionhigh
#Q037administrativeoperationalrecommendedObtain Local Guidancedrinking waterSpecific guidance on construction, operation, maintenance and testing should be obtained from the responsible drinking water authority in the affected jurisdiction.high
#Q038monitoringhealthrecommendedFacility Environmental Monitoringdrinking waterenvironmental monitoring at individual facilities should be informed by a site-specific risk assessment as part of a Water Management Planhigh
#Q039operationaltreatmentrecommendedConsult Professional for Supplemental Disinfectiondrinking waterA water treatment professional should be consulted before applying any supplemental disinfection.high
#Q040administrativehealthrecommendedPseudomonas Management Plansdrinking waterWater management/water safety plans are recommended for the management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in building water systemshigh
#Q041operationalhealthrecommendedContact Lens Safety Guidancedrinking waterIndividuals in the home who wear contact lenses should also follow guidance from their eye care providers on proper lens handling, cleaning and wearhigh
#Q042treatmenthealthrecommendedNaegleria Control with Free Chlorinedrinking waterMaintaining a minimum free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/L throughout the distribution system is recommended for the control of N. fowleri in vulnerable drinking water systemsIn vulnerable drinking water systemshigh
#Q043operationalhealthrecommendedNasal Rinse Safetydrinking waterindividuals should ensure that they conduct nasal rinses using water that has been boiled and cooled, or distilled water.high
#Q044administrativeoperationalmandatoryFWQMS Program ConformityotherThe Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Surveillance (FWQMS) program activities are accomplished in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, and in conformity with the Canada Water Act.high
#Q045monitoringoperationalmandatoryRisk-Based Monitoring ConductotherECCC conducts the monitoring and surveillance activities based on the level of risk to water quality in a watershed.high
#Q046monitoringoperationalmandatoryMonitoring Jurisdictional Scopeaquatic life, otherEnvironment and Climate change Canada (ECCC) monitors freshwater quality on: federal lands, transboundary watersheds, inland watershigh
#Q047monitoringoperationalmandatoryRisk Assessment MethodologyotherThe risk is assessed regarding the stress determined by: the nature, the probability, the frequency, the severityhigh
#Q048monitoringoperationalmandatoryCEPA Surveillance MandateotherSurveillance studies under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, including the Chemicals Management Planhigh
#Q049reportingreportingmandatoryFSDS Indicator Reportingaquatic life, otherReports on national and ecosystem-based indicators under the Federal Sustainable Development Strategyhigh
#Q050monitoringoperationalmandatoryPriority Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessmentaquatic life, otherMonitoring and assessment of Government of Canada priority ecosystems and programs, like the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River Basin, Lake Winnipeg, and northeastern British Columbia, and through participation in initiatives such as the Canada-Alberta Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Programhigh
#Q051reportingreportingmandatoryFreshwater Quality Indicator Developmentaquatic life, otherDevelopment of the freshwater quality indicator (WQI) for the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI).high

P Quantitative Requirements (54)

Req ID Category Intent Legal Status Name Subdomain(s) Limit Type Limit Value Context Conditions Confidence
#P001operationaltreatmentrecommendedMinimum disinfectant residual concentrationdrinking waterrequirement> 0.2 mg/LRequired to control microbiological (re)growth in the distribution system.Drinking water distribution systems.high
#P002operationaltreatmentrecommendedFree chlorine residual for controlling biofilm formationdrinking waterOG1.0 mg/LFor systems that chlorinate, to control biofilm formation.Drinking water distribution systems.high
#P003operationaltreatmentrecommendedTotal chlorine residual for controlling biofilm formationdrinking waterOG1.8 mg/LFor systems that chloraminate, to control biofilm formation.Drinking water distribution systems.high
#P004physicaloperationalrecommendedCold water system temperaturedrinking waterOG< 20 °CKeeping temperatures of cold water systems outside of the ideal range for microorganism growth.Premise plumbing systems.high
#P005physicaloperationalrecommendedHot water tank temperaturedrinking waterOG> 60 °CKeeping temperatures of hot water systems outside of the ideal range for microorganism growth.Premise plumbing systems.high
#P006physicaloperationalrecommendedHot water lines at distal points temperaturedrinking waterOG> 55 °CIdeally greater than 55°C to prevent microorganism growth.Premise plumbing systems at distal points.medium
#P007microbiologicalhealthguidanceLegionella action leveldrinking water, otherrequirement50,000 CFU/LA concentration that warrants concern and should be considered an action level to trigger remedial activities.Routine sampling programs at various water systems (cooling towers, wastewater, etc.).high
#P008physicaloperationalrecommendedWater outlet temperature for showerheads and bathtubsdrinking waterOG<= 49 °CSpecified by the National Plumbing Code (NPC) to reduce the risk of scalding.Water valves supplying showerheads and bathtubs.high
#P009operationaltreatmentrecommendedMinimum free chlorine residual for control of N. fowleridrinking waterOG0.5 mg/LRecommended for the control of N. fowleri in vulnerable drinking water systems.Vulnerable drinking water distribution systems.high
#P010operationaltreatmentrecommendedChloramine residual for N. fowleri controldrinking waterOG> 1.5 mg/LSuggested best practice throughout the distribution system, sufficient for N. fowleri control.Drinking water distribution systems.high
#P011operationaltreatmentguidanceCryptosporidium oocysts UV dose (4 log inactivation)drinking watertreatment_goal22 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 4 log inactivation.high
#P012operationaltreatmentguidanceGiardia cysts UV dose (4 log inactivation)drinking watertreatment_goal22 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 4 log inactivation.high
#P013microbiologicaloperationalguidanceLegionella Action Level (Cooling Towers)otherrequirement> 1000 to > 1,000,000 CFU/LRange of recommendations from various agencies for action levels.Cooling towers.high
#P014microbiologicalhealthguidanceLegionella Action Level (Potable Water Systems)drinking waterrequirement> 1000 to > 10,000 CFU/LRange of recommendations from various agencies for potable systems.Potable water systems in buildings.high
#P015operationaltreatmentguidanceFree chlorine residual for health-care facilitiesdrinking waterrequirement0.3 to 0.5 mg/LRecommended targets for Legionella control in health-care and aged care facility water systems.Plumbing systems in health-care/aged care facilities.high
#P016operationaltreatmentguidanceMonochloramine residual for health-care facilitiesdrinking waterrequirement1.5 mg/LRecommended target for Legionella control in building water systems.Health-care facility plumbing systems.high
#P017operationaltreatmentguidanceFree chlorine residual for Pseudomonas controldrinking waterOG> 0.3 mg/LUseful for control of Pseudomonas spp. in bulk water.Bulk water in distribution systems.high
#P018microbiologicaltreatmentguidelineUV dose for 4-log Adenovirus inactivationdrinking watertreatment_goal51 to 261 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for virus inactivation.Drinking water treatment.high
#P019microbiologicaltreatmentguidelineUV dose for 4-log Naegleria fowleri cysts inactivationdrinking watertreatment_goal121 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for cysts.Drinking water treatment.high
#P020microbiologicaltreatmentguidelineFree chlorine CT for 3-log Mycobacterium avium inactivationdrinking watertreatment_goal51 to 1552 mg*min/LInactivation requirements (5-25°C, pH 6-9).Drinking water treatment.high
#P021operationaloperationalguidelineAeromonas monitoring target limit (Netherlands)drinking waterOG< 1000 CFU/100 mLTarget limit specified in Dutch drinking water legislation based on treatment achievability.Netherlands jurisdiction operational parameter.high
#P022designtreatmentrecommendedThermal shock temperature for Legionella remediationotherOG70 °CStringent thermal shock used as an extreme remediation measure in building systems.Applied for a duration of 30 minutes.high
#P023operationaltreatmentguidanceCT for 2 log inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella (Free chlorine)drinking waterrequirement8.86 mg·min/LCT values determined for Legionella pneumophila strain Philadelphia-1 serogroup 1 associated with biofilm on PVC.pH = 8, temperature = 21 °C.high
#P024operationaltreatmentguidanceCT for 2 log inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella (Monochloramine)drinking waterrequirement17.16 mg·min/LCT values determined for Legionella pneumophila associated with biofilm on PVC.pH = 8, temperature = 21 °C.high
#P025designtreatmentrecommendedTypical design CT for 4 log virus inactivationdrinking waterrequirement12 to 15 mg·min/LTypical design CTs required to achieve 4 log virus inactivation using free chlorine.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P026designtreatmentrecommendedTypical design CT for 0.5 log Giardia inactivationdrinking waterrequirement35 to 65 mg·min/LTypical design CTs required to achieve 0.5 log Giardia inactivation using free chlorine.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P027operationaltreatmentguidanceSuperheat and flush temperature for Mycobacterium controlotherrequirement> 50 to 70 °CSupplemental control measure in health care facilities involving hot water disinfection.Healthcare facility plumbing systems.high
#P028microbiologicaltreatmentguidelineFree chlorine CT for Acanthamoeba species cystsdrinking watertreatment_goal1300 mg·min/LCT values required for 2 log reduction using free chlorine (5-25°C, pH 6-9).Free chlorine treatment.high
#P029microbiologicaltreatmentguidelineUV dose for 4 log Acanthamoeba spp. cysts inactivationdrinking watertreatment_goal167 mJ/cm2UV dose requirements for 4 log reduction.UV disinfection.high
#P030microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceAeromonas species 2-log CT (Free chlorine)drinking watertreatment_goal0.2 to 1.4 mg·min/LRelative CT values for 2 log inactivation at 5-25°C, pH 6-9.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P031microbiologicaltreatmentguidancePseudomonas species 2-log CT (Free chlorine)drinking watertreatment_goal0.0073 to 4.3 mg·min/LRelative CT values for 2 log inactivation at 5-25°C, pH 6-9.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P032microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceEnteric pathogens (E. coli, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia) 2-log CT (Free chlorine)drinking watertreatment_goal0.034 to 5.1 mg·min/LRelative CT values for 2 log inactivation at 5-25°C, pH 6-9.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P033microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceEnteric viruses 2-log CT (Free chlorine)drinking watertreatment_goal0.01 to 12 mg·min/LRelative CT values for 2 log inactivation at 5-25°C, pH 6-9.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P034microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceLegionella pneumophila 3-4 log CT (Free chlorine)drinking watertreatment_goal0.1 to 0.3 mg·min/LRelative CT values for 3-4 log inactivation at 5-25°C, pH 6-9.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P035microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceNaegleria fowleri cysts 4-log CT (Free chlorine)drinking watertreatment_goal31 to 37 mg·min/LRelative CT values for 4 log inactivation at 5-25°C, pH 6-9.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P036microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceGiardia cysts 2-log CT (Free chlorine)drinking watertreatment_goal25 to 99 mg·min/LRelative CT values for 2 log inactivation at 5-25°C, pH 6-9.Free chlorine treatment.high
#P037microbiologicaltreatmentguidancePseudomonas species UV Dose (4-log)drinking watertreatment_goal3.1 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 4 log inactivation.UV disinfection.high
#P038microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceAeromonas species UV Dose (2-log)drinking watertreatment_goal2.5 to 8 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 2 log inactivation.UV disinfection.high
#P039microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceLegionella pneumophila UV Dose (4-log)drinking watertreatment_goal11 to 30 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 4 log inactivation.UV disinfection.high
#P040microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceMycobacterium avium UV Dose (4-log)drinking watertreatment_goal12.3 to 64 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 4 log inactivation.UV disinfection.high
#P041microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceEnteric Pathogens UV Dose (4-log)drinking watertreatment_goal5 to 51 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 4 log inactivation of E. coli, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia.UV disinfection.high
#P042operationaltreatmentguidanceCT for 3 log inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella (Free chlorine)drinking waterrequirement36.11 mg·min/LCT values determined for L. pneumophila Philadelphia-1 serogroup 1 on PVC.pH = 8, temperature = 21 °C.high
#P043operationaltreatmentguidanceCT for 4 log inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella (Free chlorine)drinking waterrequirement63.67 mg·min/LCT values determined for L. pneumophila Philadelphia-1 serogroup 1 on PVC.pH = 8, temperature = 21 °C.high
#P044operationaltreatmentguidanceCT for 3 log inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella (Monochloramine)drinking waterrequirement62.80 mg·min/LCT values determined for L. pneumophila Philadelphia-1 serogroup 1 on PVC.pH = 8, temperature = 21 °C.high
#P045operationaltreatmentguidanceCT for 4 log inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella (Monochloramine)drinking waterrequirement108.44 mg·min/LCT values determined for L. pneumophila Philadelphia-1 serogroup 1 on PVC.pH = 8, temperature = 21 °C.high
#P046operationaltreatmentrecommendedThermal shock durationotherOG30 minutesStringent thermal shock used as an extreme remediation measure in building systems.Conducted at 70°C.high
#P047microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceHepatitis A, Coxsackievirus, Poliovirus, Rotavirus UV Dose (4-log)drinking watertreatment_goal16.4 to 61 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for 4 log inactivation.UV disinfection.high
#P048microbiologicaltreatmentguidanceSpecific Mycobacterium strains UV Dose (2-5 log)drinking watertreatment_goal96 to 192 mJ/cm2Relative UV dose requirements for inactivation of some strains of Mycobacterium species.UV disinfection.high
#P049chemicalhealthguidelineTotal microcystinsrecreational waterMAC10 µg/LGuideline value for primary contact recreation. Includes dissolved and intracellular variants and all measurable microcystin variants.Primary contact recreation.high
#P050microbiologicalhealthguidelineTotal cyanobacteria cellsrecreational waterrequirement50000 cells/mLIndicator of potential cyanotoxin presence for primary contact recreation; excludes picocyanobacteria.Primary contact recreation.high
#P051microbiologicalhealthguidelineTotal cyanobacterial biovolumerecreational waterrequirement4.5 mm3/LIndicator of potential cyanotoxin presence for primary contact recreation.Primary contact recreation.high
#P052physicalhealthguidelineTotal chlorophyll arecreational waterrequirement33 µg/LIndicator of potential cyanotoxin presence for primary contact recreation.Primary contact recreation when cyanobacteria are dominant.high
#P053physicaloperationalguidanceSecchi depth threshold (vigilance level)recreational waterrequirement1-2 mTransparency threshold suggested as a vigilance level to trigger further investigations.high
#P054chemicaloperationalguidanceTotal phosphorus concentration (bloom prevention)recreational waterrequirement<= 20 µg/LConcentration threshold below which cyanobacteria blooms are unlikely to develop.Clear water.high

D Definitions (0)

No definitions.