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District scores well on drinking water quality 

A review of the District of Muskoka’s drinking water quality has earned top marks.

District staff recently prepared the 2024 review of the area’s drinking water quality management system for District council review.

In the wake of the Walkerton E-Coli outbreak, the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard was created in 2002. The system outlines a framework for planning, documenting, and continually improving the management systems in place to support the production and delivery of safe drinking water. 

District staff report that last year there were no incidents of regulatory non-conformance reported. 

“District water systems continue to achieve a 100% rating on the Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Report,” says Michael Currie Director, Water and Wastewater Services, in the report. “The District continues to maintain the highest provincial drinking water standards and meet all operational performance requirements for its drinking water systems.”

The Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks also conducts annual inspections of all drinking water systems, and Currie says they anticipate that the Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Report, released each March, will reflect a 100% rating. 

Work is underway to replace aged automated controllers and fuel systems for several drinking water plants across the District, says Currie. 

Assessments have been completed on all District facilities, and upgrades were completed in 2024 at various water facilities, including the Bala, Huntsville, MacTier, Port Severn, and Port Carling drinking water systems. 

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3 Comments

  1. W Kimmel says:

    Isn’t this a bit misleading? What percentage % of households in the District are NOT on municipal water systems? I’m not aware that the District does much to ensure those on private systems meet provincial standards. Please tell me more …

  2. Mac Redden says:

    Top marks???
    In Muskoka the water sometimes stinks so bad of chlorine the District says you have to let it sit before you can drink it.

    “Smell chlorine in Muskoka tap water? ‘It’s safe,’ staffer says”
    “chlorine would dissipate if allowed to sit in a container after coming out of a tap.”
    “If you don’t like it, leave it in a jug,” he said.”

    Or just hold your nose.
    Other times it’s muddy and yellow and not usable.
    “Check your taps for rusty water this month in Muskoka”

    The District says you have to let it run until the water is clear while they rack up water and sewer charges as it goes down the drain.

    Water was totally off in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. 
    People had to melt snow to flush their toilet.
    It takes a lot of snow.
    Boil water for a week after it was on again.
    In Gravenhurst they thought the water was contaminated so “The town was under a do-not-use advisory until 5 p.m.”
    “Missing label on fluoride drum cause of Gravenhurst water emergency, says district”

    $2,400/year for water and sewer in Muskoka is typical.
    Including costs shown/hidden on our property taxes.
    Highest cost in Ontario.

    Costs are so high here it’s possible to save $1000/year with extreme water conservation/substitution.
    Search “Oppose Bracebridge Sewers” for the website describing inexpensive techniques.
    A list of some of the sewage spills is also on the website.

    Also check your property tax bills for another $300K!!, 11 year!! water and sewer billing mistake.

    https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/scammers-are-everywhere-even-apparently-in-muskoka/

  3. Doug Beiers says:

    Is fluoride added to the water in Muskoka? What else is added if anything?