Winnipeg Water Quality: What Manitobans Should Know

What Is the Current Water Quality Status in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg’s water quality status is generally good. The Water and Waste Department conducts tests for chlorine, turbidity, and bacteria on water samples at multiple locations throughout the distribution system. There were only three positive tests for coliform bacteria out of 3,118 tests, according to the 2023 annual water quality report. 

Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and other pathogens that cause waterborne diseases were also at safe levels. Chlorine levels were maintained at 0.1 milligrams per liter, in line with the Office of Drinking Water’s Operating Licence. 

Some minerals, such as iron and manganese, occasionally exceeded Health Canada guidelines in 2023, due to naturally occurring mineral deposits. 

Winnipeg adds orthophosphate to the water as part of its corrosion control program, and fluoride as a public health measure at target levels of 0.7 parts per million. 

How Clean Is Winnipeg’s Water Supply? 

Since Shoal Lake is a surface water source, its quality can change over time. According to the Water and Waste Department’s FAQs, the lake “regularly meets 46 of 49 physical water quality guidelines prior to treatment,” while the other three (color, temperature, and hardness) can fluctuate seasonally. 

The City of Winnipeg also monitors blue-green algae blooms and invasive zebra mussels, which are not yet a problem in Shoal Lake but have been found in other water systems in Manitoba and are spreading due to climate change. 

Other concerns include high phosphorus levels, which can lead to excessive plant growth, according to a report by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. 

Learn more about water quality throughout the Lake Winnipeg watershed at Lake Winnipeg DataStream, which gathers data from 4,200 monitoring sites. 

How Does Winnipeg Treat Its Drinking Water? 

Winnipeg extracts water from Shoal Lake through a pumping station that delivers it to the 155-kilometer-long Greater Winnipeg Water District Aqueduct (GWWDA). Due to the difference in elevation, the water naturally flows downhill. 

It’s stored at the Deacon Reservoir and then treated at the Winnipeg Drinking Water Treatment Plant, where it goes through the following treatment process: 

• Coagulation and flocculation: First, the city adds ferric sulfate and sulfuric acid to the water to reduce its pH and form clumps of solid particles. 
• Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF): Next, the plant uses dissolved air flotation to drive those clumps of particles to the water’s surface. 
• Ozonation: Then, they add ozone to improve the taste and smell of the water and to kill microbial contaminants. 
• Filtration: Winnipeg utilizes biologically activated carbon filters to remove tiny parasites and organic matter. 
• Disinfection: Chlorine is used to kill any remaining viruses and bacteria, and ultraviolet (UV) light serves as one more form of disinfectant. 

Winnipeg’s water quality testing program ensures that the water is safe for drinking as it leaves the treatment plant and moves through the water mains. The city will take action if any of its water quality parameters fall outside of public health guidelines. 

What Are the Most Common Contaminants Found in Winnipeg’s Water Supply? 

Winnipeg’s water quality is generally high, especially when compared to other cities like Hamilton and Mississauga, Ontario, which draw their water from the Great Lakes. But that doesn’t mean it’s free of all contaminants, some of which may be harmful in large quantities. Here are a few key contaminants to look out for: 

Disinfection byproducts 

Disinfection byproducts are chemicals that are created during the treatment process, such as chlorine and chloramines. Some of these disinfection byproducts, including haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes, are linked to an increased risk of cancer. 

Winnipeg aims to keep disinfection byproducts within safe levels, but they exceed the recommendations of some groups, such as the Environmental Working Group. 

According to the 2023 water quality report, haloacetic acid levels are below 1.2 parts per billion (ppb), and total trihalomethanes are below 2.7 ppb. Residents can further reduce their exposure by using an activated carbon filter. 

Manganese and other minerals 

Water’s mineral content can be either good or bad for public health. Some, like calcium and magnesium, are beneficial, but others, like manganese, are harmful. Winnipeg’s manganese levels occasionally exceed public health guidelines. 

Discolored drinking water (often a “purplish or dark brown color”) may be a sign of high manganese levels. Although you can use it for washing your hands, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living discourages people from drinking it. 

Leaving your tap open for a few minutes should flush out any discolored water. If the issue persists, you may need to test your tap water to determine the cause. 

There are three laboratories in Winnipeg accredited for manganese testing: 

• ALS Environmental 
• Bureau Veritas Canada Inc. 
• Horizon Lab Ltd 

What Resources Are Available for Winnipeg Residents to Check Their Tap Water Quality? 

Winnipeg provides several ways for residents to get more information about their tap water or test it for contaminants. First, you can see if your problem is due to a water main break or shutdown by checking the map at MyUtilityInfo.Winnipeg.ca. 

If you need to get your water tested, seek out a lab that’s accredited for the type of test you need. If you have a well, Manitoba recommends testing your water for bacteria at least once a year, and recommends four accredited laboratories in the province. 

Winnipeg has warned residents to be on the lookout for water testing scams, such as text messages or door-to-door services. However, it does offer “free water quality testing to residents who may have lead water pipes” and posts the test results online. 

Are There Specific Areas of Winnipeg That Experience Different Water Quality Levels? 

Since all of Winnipeg’s water goes through the same treatment plant, its water quality is generally consistent throughout the city. However, some homes may be at a greater risk of lead exposure. Winnipeg’s lead testing and control program identifies parts of the city where homes are more likely to have lead pipes. 

Historically, residents of the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, who live near the border with Ontario, have experienced disparities in water quality. Starting in 1997, the community was under a boil water advisory due to the risk of bacteria and other toxins. 

In 2021, the community opened a $33 million water treatment facility, ensuring that residents of Shoal Lake 40 also have access to safe drinking water. 

What Steps Are Winnipeg’s Authorities Taking to Maintain or Improve Its Water Quality? 

The City of Winnipeg has several initiatives in place to protect and conserve its water resources, including wastewater treatment, water main cleaning, and flood control. 

Winnipeg’s advanced water treatment plant at Deacon Reservoir has been operational since 2009 and has a 75-year lifespan. It can process up to 400 million liters of water per day and store 8.8 billion liters, or a 30-day supply. 

Much of Winnipeg’s historic infrastructure still stands. The aqueduct is still operational, and the Greater Winnipeg Water District Railway transports supplies to and from Shoal Lake, while also providing “security and surveillance along the aqueduct.” 

Can a Home Water Filter Improve Winnipeg’s Water Quality? 

If your tap water has elevated levels of lead, manganese, or heavy metals, then a home water filter can be an appropriate fix. A reverse osmosis system will be most effective at removing these contaminants, as well as other unwanted contaminants like disinfection byproducts and forever chemicals. 

If you only want to remove disinfection byproducts or improve the taste and smell of your tap water, consider an activated carbon filter like the EZChange Single Stage Under Counter Water Filter — a simple solution with a 15-minute installation. 

Should I Worry About Frozen Water Pipes? 

Another issue that can affect drinking water in Winnipeg is frozen pipes. According to Winnipeg’s frozen pipe statistics, several dozen city- and privately-owned pipes froze over the winter of 2023/24. The first sign of an issue may be little to no water coming out of your tap, flooding from burst pipes, or frost on your pipes. 

Prevent frozen pipes by insulating them, keeping the heat on during winter, and turning off your water in an emergency. You can either thaw a frozen pipe yourself, call a contractor, or call the City of Winnipeg’s pipe thawing services at 311 (for a $382 fee). 

Is Winnipeg’s Tap Water Safe to Drink? 

Winnipeg’s tap water is generally safe to drink, but has a relatively high mineral content and may occasionally be discolored. Avoid drinking discolored water, and consider getting your tap water tested for iron and manganese. You may also want to install a home water filter to remove disinfection byproducts and improve the taste. 

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