Clean drinking water is important for your health. Some water sources may contain harmful substances like bacteria or heavy metals. Over time, exposure to these substances can lead to health problems. Testing your water can help you know if water treatment or plumping updates are needed.
Municipal water
The Government of Yukon’s Environmental Health Services branch regulates municipal drinking water in the territory. They ensure that the drinking water going to your home meets the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
While municipal drinking water meets Canadian water quality guidelines, old pipes or fixtures in buildings can affect water quality. These fixtures may also raise levels of metals in your water, like lead or copper.
Private wells and holding tanks
If your home uses a private well, unregulated water source or holding tank, you are responsible for making sure it meets Canadian water quality guidelines.
Water quality can change over time, so regular testing is recommended. If you need help, you can contact Environmental Health Services for advice.
If you use a private well, unregulated water source or holding tank for drinking water, test it regularly. Testing helps to confirm that your drinking water is meeting Canadian guidelines.
Testing well water:
- Chemical testing: every 5 years for chemical parameters (heavy metals, nitrates, and other dissolved elements)
- Bacteria testing: at least once a year for bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli)
Testing holding tanks:
- Bacteria testing: at least once a year for total coliforms and E. coli, after you have cleaned and disinfected the tank.
Where to test drinking water:
- Bacteria testing: Environmental Health Services Water Laboratory, Whitehorse
- Chemical testing: Accredited laboratories in British Columbia or Alberta
Municipal water is regulated and tested, but contaminants like lead or copper may still enter through household plumbing.
Consider testing if:
- your home was built before 1990 and has older plumbing;
- the water has an unusual taste, colour, or smell;
- there has been recent plumbing work or system changes;
- a household member has health concerns related to water quality; or
- your home is in an area with known water quality concerns.
How to test municipal water?
Contact Environmental Health Services for advice and recommendations on testing municipal drinking water from your home.
If you have questions about drinking water, email [email protected], phone 867-667-8391, or visit Environmental Health Services at #2 Hospital Road in Whitehorse.