Local Water

Ottawa has two water purification plants

The plants together produce approximately 275 million litres of drinking water each day.

Each year, the City of Ottawa perform more than 100,000 water quality tests in municipal, provincial, federal, private and university laboratories using the most up-to-date technologies and equipment.

The results are then analyzed to confirm that quality is maintained as the water travels through the distribution system on its way to homes and workplaces in Ottawa.

1. Intake

"Ottawa River water enters the treatment plant through a large intake pipe with a screen that removes objects such as weeds or fish."

2. Coagulation and flocculation

"Small impurities such as organic matter, algae, and bacteria are captured."

3. Sedimentation

"Heavy particles sink to the bottom of the settling tank and clear water is collected from the top. Approximately 95% of the impurities are removed at this stage."

4. Filtration

"Water then flows through several filters removing 99.99% of fine particles."

5. Primary disenfection

"Chlorine is added to get rid of any remaining microorganisms."

6. PH Correction

"The water’s pH is adjusted to protect water pipes and household plumbing from corrosion."

7. Secondary disenfection

"Chloramine (a mild disinfectant) is added to keep the water safe as it travels throughout the distribution network."

8. Fluoridation

"Fluoride is added to prevent dental cavities."

9. Testing

"More than 100,000 tests are performed each year to make sure your tap water is safe. Water quality is tested at each treatment stage and at more than 50 locations across the city."

10. Distribution

"Clean water is pumped through more than 3,000 km of water mains – roughly the distance between Ottawa and Calgary. Approximately 250 million litres of water is stored each day in reservoirs."

The City of Ottawa is responsible for distributing water to approximately 900,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers.

They are responsible for :

- More than 3,000 kilometres of water mains
- 32 pumping stations
- 14 reservoirs
- More than 23,000 hydrants
- More than 48,000 valves