Metro Vancouver uses a multi-barrier approach
A multi-barrier approach is used to ensuring high quality water. This includes protected watersheds, water treatment, and maintenance of water quality in the system. A monitoring program is in place across the entire system from the treatment facilities through the distribution system to our customers, the municipalities.
Daily drinking water testing
Metro Vancouver conducts daily tests on our drinking water—analyzing more than 45,000 water samples each year. Results are public and found in annual Water Quality Control reports.
Volume 1 uses data summaries and graphics to highlight water quality issues, and Volume 2 provides chemical and physical monitoring results (actual data), including numerous water quality parameters with potential health effects.
Metro Vancouver operates monitoring sites throughout the watersheds. These monitoring sites gather data on weather conditions, precipitation, river levels, reservoir storage, snowpack, and wildfire indicators.
Learn more about how Metro Vancouver takes care of the watersheds.
Additional testing by your municipality
Municipalities that purchase water wholesale from Metro Vancouver and deliver it to residents and businesses also test for water quality regularly. Check with your municipality if you want to see a water quality report.
Common questions about your drinking water