Welcome to our new website!

Welcome to our new City of Niagara Falls website! Explore our updated pages, improved navigation, and new features designed to serve you better.

Please note that for approximately 24 hours, you may experience intermittent changes or minor glitches as the update is completed. By January 8, the website will be fully updated and operating smoothly.

If you encounter any issues after January 7, please report them by emailing service@niagarafalls.ca or by calling 905-356-7521.

Drinking Water Quality

Every time you turn on the tap, you can trust that your water is safe, clean and ready to use. We’re proud to deliver high-quality water and wastewater services that protect your health, the environment and public property.

 

Report a water quality concern

If you notice changes in the taste, colour, odour, or clarity of your water, reporting the issue helps the City investigate and ensure safe, clean drinking water.

Ways to report

You can report a water quality concern in a few easy ways:

Note: Please provide your property address and a detailed description of the issue.

Report a water quality concern

How to find information about water disruptions in the City 

Visit the Notifications page to find out if there are any water disruptions happening in your area that could be causing water quality concerns. If there are, the best remedy is patience while we fix whatever issues are happening. 

How to remedy water quality concerns yourself

After a watermain break or maintenance work, you might notice your tap water looks a bit discoloured. This happens because the water supply was temporarily disrupted. Don't worry; it is normal, and you can usually fix this easily.

Steps to clear discoloured water

  1. Run cold water: Find the cold water tap closest to where the water enters your house (i.e. the water meter, usually in the basement). Using the closest tap will help prevent debris, sediment, etc., from travelling through the rest of your house.  Turn it on and let the water run for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes clear.
  2. If water remains discoloured: If the water doesn't clear after the first try, wait for one hour without using any water in your home. Then, run the same cold water tap for another 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Persistent discolouration: If the water is still discoloured after the second attempt, contact us

Additional tips:

  • Check other taps: If the water clears in one tap but remains discoloured in others, run those taps for a few minutes to flush out the system
  • If only the hot water is discoloured: The city provides cold water, not hot water. If only your hot water is discoloured, you might have a private plumbing issue. You may wish to contact a plumber.

About drinking water quality management

  • Our Water and Wastewater Services meet all legislative and regulatory requirements. We continuously improve the City’s Drinking Water Quality Management System to maintain high standards.
  • We deliver reliable, safe and clean drinking water
  • We keep sanitary and storm sewer systems working smoothly. Our systems remove wastewater, rainwater, and snowmelt to protect the environment.

Review the official QMS Policy/Water & Wastewater Mission Statement

A Quality Management System (QMS) is a set of policies and procedures that guide how we manage resources and responsibilities. Industries like food production and manufacturing use QMS to ensure quality, and we do the same for your drinking water.

Why is QMS important for drinking water?

After the Walkerton Water Inquiry, Justice O’Connor recommended a municipal drinking water licensing program. Part of this program is the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS). This system ensures your water stays clean and safe.

How does DWQMS benefit you?

  • Your water meets the highest safety standards
  • Risks to water quality are identified and addressed quickly
  • Our operations are efficient, effective, and transparent

The DWQMS outlines 21 elements municipalities must include in their operational plans, such as:

  • Describing the drinking water system
  • Setting up internal audits to ensure quality
  • Preparing for emergencies related to drinking water

The City of Niagara Falls Water Distribution Operational Plan is reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment and accredited by NSF International Strategic Registrations (NSF-ISR).

Niagara Falls has received full accreditation. You can view copies at City Hall or the Municipal Service Centre. We’re proud to provide safe, clean water and are happy to share more about how we do it!

Contact Us

City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Canada
905-356-7521
service@niagarafalls.ca