Toronto residents advised to be cautious of door-to-door water testing

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  November 15, 2013        

Toronto residents advised to be cautious of door-to-door water testing

The City of Toronto has received complaints from Toronto residents who have been approached by companies offering door-to-door water tests or requesting water samples with the aim of selling water-related products.

The City is aware of these companies and does not endorse or sponsor private water testing or any related products or services. Residents should be aware that, in Ontario, only fully accredited laboratories are licensed to perform health-based tests on drinking water. Water quality tests take approximately 24 to 48 hours to process. 

The City of Toronto's drinking water is tested every four to six hours to ensure it meets or exceeds the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards set by the province. 

Residents are advised to exercise caution when solicited for a water test and with sharing personal information with people unknown to them.

If you suspect fraud, call Toronto Police Services at 416-808-2222 or the Ministry of Consumer Services at 416-326-8800.

More information about Toronto's drinking water quality is available at http://www.toronto.ca/water.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Lyne Kyle, Senior Communications Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8259, lkyle@toronto.ca