Introduction

Access to clean, safe drinking water is something every Ontario community depends on — and it’s not something that can be taken for granted. Behind every drop of safe water lies a complex system of infrastructure, monitoring, and regulatory oversight.

That’s where Drinking Water System Audits come in.

At Canadian Shield Consulting Agency (CSCA), we specialize in conducting comprehensive Drinking Water System Audits to help municipalities, First Nations, and private operators across Ontario ensure that their systems are safe, compliant, and performing at their best.

What Is a Drinking Water System Audit?

A Drinking Water System Audit is a detailed, systematic review of how a water system is managed, operated, and maintained — with a focus on compliance, safety, and performance.

These audits evaluate everything from water treatment processes to recordkeeping and operator training, ensuring that systems meet the rigorous standards of Ontario’s Safe Drinking Water Act (2002) and Ontario Regulation 170/03 – Drinking Water Systems.

In short, a water system audit helps ensure that your community’s drinking water remains safe, reliable, and compliant — every single day.

Why Drinking Water System Audits Are Essential

In Ontario, regulated drinking water systems are required to undergo regular audits to verify compliance with provincial requirements. These audits are critical for:

• Protecting public health by ensuring safe and clean drinking water
• Maintaining compliance with MECP (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks) standards
• Identifying operational or maintenance deficiencies before they lead to system failures
• Supporting funding applications for infrastructure improvements
• Ensuring continuous improvement of water quality and reliability

CSCA’s audits go beyond basic compliance — they help system owners understand and optimize every component of their water infrastructure.

What’s Included in a Drinking Water System Audit

When Canadian Shield Consulting Agency conducts a Drinking Water System Audit, our team of licensed engineers and certified environmental technicians evaluates all key aspects of the system, including:

1. Source Water Assessment

Reviewing raw water quality, source protection plans, and risks to contamination.

2. Treatment Process Review

Examining filtration, disinfection, and chemical treatment systems for performance and compliance with MECP standards.

3. Distribution System Evaluation

Inspecting pipelines, reservoirs, pumps, and control systems to assess reliability and identify potential issues like pressure loss or leaks.

4. Operational Procedures & Documentation

Auditing logs, standard operating procedures, and maintenance records to confirm they meet regulatory expectations.

5. Compliance Verification

Cross-checking system operations against the Safe Drinking Water Act, Ontario Regulations 170/03 and 188/07, and any applicable municipal or federal guidelines.

6. Operator Training & Certification Review

Ensuring operators are properly trained and licensed, as required by MECP.

7. Audit Report & Recommendations

Providing a detailed audit report outlining findings, non-conformances, and practical recommendations for system improvements or upgrades.

Why Choose Canadian Shield Consulting Agency

At CSCA, we combine environmental engineering expertise with a deep understanding of Ontario’s regulatory landscape.

Our clients — from small municipalities to large industrial facilities — rely on us for:

✅ Comprehensive and objective audits conducted by licensed engineers
✅ Local knowledge of Ontario’s environmental conditions and regulatory expectations
✅ Clear, actionable recommendations for improving performance and compliance
✅ Support with implementation and follow-up reporting
✅ 24/7 availability for ongoing technical and compliance support

With a head office in St-Charles, Ontario, CSCA is ideally positioned to serve Northern Ontario communities including Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Thunder Bay, and beyond — while also supporting clients in Central and Eastern Ontario.

The Benefits of Partnering with CSCA

Working with Canadian Shield Consulting Agency means gaining a trusted partner in protecting your community’s most vital resource — water.

We help clients:

• Improve operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs
• Stay ahead of compliance issues before they become penalties
• Extend infrastructure lifespan through proactive management
• Maintain public confidence in the safety and reliability of drinking water systems

Supporting Ontario’s Commitment to Safe Water

Ontario’s commitment to safe drinking water is one of the strongest in Canada — and compliance audits are a cornerstone of that system.

Canadian Shield Consulting Agency proudly supports this mission by helping system owners and operators uphold the highest standards of water safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Our engineers work collaboratively with clients and regulators to ensure that every audit results in meaningful improvements — not just paperwork.

Get Started with a Drinking Water System Audit

If you operate or manage a drinking water system in Ontario, an up-to-date audit isn’t just a regulatory requirement — it’s a safeguard for your community and environment.

Contact Canadian Shield Consulting Agency today to schedule your next Drinking Water System Audit or discuss customized audit and compliance support services.

From St-Charles and Sudbury to North Bay and Thunder Bay, CSCA is your trusted Ontario partner for Drinking Water System Audits and Environmental Engineering Services.