Water Treatment & Quality
The City of St. John’s operates three water treatment facilities located at Windsor Lake, Petty Harbour Long Pond, and Bay Bulls Big Pond. At these facilities, water goes through several treatment steps to improve water quality and make it safe to drink. Fluoride is not added to the City of St. John’s drinking water.
Each facility includes a water quality laboratory staffed by qualified technologists who work closely with system operators to monitor water quality. Water samples are collected and tested regularly to ensure the safety and reliability of the drinking water system.
Windsor Lake Water Treatment Facility
The Windsor Lake Water Treatment Facility treats drinking water collected from the Broad Cove River, Windsor Lake, and Little Powers Pond watersheds.
The facility can treat up to 70,000 cubic metres of water per day.
Bay Bulls Big Pond Water Treatment Facility
The Bay Bulls Big Pond Water Treatment Facility treats drinking water collected from Bay Bulls Big Pond.
The facility can treat up to 85,000 cubic metres of water per day.
Petty Harbour Long Pond Water Treatment Facility
Petty Harbour Long Pond Water Treatment Facility is the City's newest water treatment plant.
The rated capacity of Petty Harbour Long Pond is 14,500 cubic meters per day.
Water Reservoirs
The City maintains more than 95,000 m³ of water storage in reservoirs that hold treated water before it enters the distribution system. These reservoirs help maintain adequate flow and pressure for homes, businesses and industry. They also store water during periods of low demand, provide supply during short power outages, and maintain reserves for fire protection and other emergencies.
Water Quality
Drinking water in the City of St. John’s is regularly tested and meets or exceeds provincial and national guidelines. Each day, water samples are collected from more than 70 sampling locations throughout the distribution system to ensure water remains safe to drink.
Detailed community water quality results are also tested and reported by the provincial government as part of its monitoring of public water supplies.
If you have concerns about water quality at your property, contact Access St. John’s to report the issue.
Home Water Treatment
People do not need to treat the drinking water supplied by the City of St. John's to make it safe, but some people still want that extra reassurance. If you buy a home water treatment unit, read the product information carefully. Make sure you understand what you are buying. Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance such as changing the filter on a regular basis.
The City of St. John's does not endorse or recommend specific home water treatment units.
No single unit takes out every kind of drinking water contaminant. You must decide which type best meets your needs.
Common Water Conditions
Even when water meets Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines, you may occasionally notice temporary changes:
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Cloudy water is usually caused by air bubbles and should clear quickly.
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Chlorine taste or smell can occur; letting the water sit exposed to air may reduce it.
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Discoloured hot water may indicate corrosion in a hot water tank or boiler.
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A chemical smell in summer can sometimes occur if a garden hose is left turned on at the house.
Private Wells
If your home uses a private well, you are responsible for ensuring the water is safe to drink. The provincial government provides information to help well owners understand proper well maintenance, operation, and safety practices.
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