Sodium in Drinking Water

The Regional Municipality of York tests the sodium levels in water at the source and in the community four times a year. According to the federal guidelines and provincial standards for drinking water quality, the aesthetic objective for sodium is 200 mg/L.  The provincial regulation requires York Region to advise the local Medical Officer of Health of any water systems where the test results for sodium exceed 20 mg/L. The Local Medical Officer of Health then informs local physicians of the situation.

 “All natural waters contain some sodium. The guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality set an aesthetic objective of 200 mg/L. Sodium concentrations above 200 mg/L may alter the taste of water.
The Ontario Drinking Water Systems Regulation 170/03 under the Safe Drinking Water Act is more stringent and requires reporting to the local Medical Officer of Health when sodium levels in public drinking water exceed 20mg/L or more. At this point, the local Medical Officer of Health informs local physicians, as such information is intended to help persons on sodium restricted diets control their sodium intake.”
York Region Community and Health Services factsheet – “Sodium in Drinking Water”

The complete fact sheet is available by following the link below:
http://www.york.ca/Services/Water/Water+Quality/Sodium_New.htm

Water Quality Reports