Health Canada

Health Canada recently completed its review of MTBE in drinking water. Based on this review, it was concluded that the odour of MTBE would make drinking water unacceptable to Canadians at concentrations much lower than those that may pose a health risk. An aesthetic objective of 0.015 mg/L is...

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for metolachlor in drinking water is 0.05 mg/L (50 µg/L).

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for metribuzin in drinking water is 0.08 mg/L (80 μg/L).

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for monochlorobenzene in drinking water is 0.08 mg/L (80 µg/L); the aesthetic objective (AO) is ≤ 0.03 mg/L ( ≤ 30 µg/L).

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with lead in drinking water. It assesses new studies and approaches and takes into consideration the availability and limitations of appropriate treatment and analytical technologies. The information...

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with manganese in drinking water. It incorporates new studies and approaches and takes into consideration the availability of appropriate treatment technology. Based on this review, the drinking water...

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with lead in drinking water. It assesses new studies and approaches and takes into consideration the availability and limitations of appropriate treatment and analytical technologies. The maximum...

This Guideline Technical Document reviews the health risks associated with haloacetic acids in drinking water. It assesses all identified health risks, taking into account new studies and approaches, as well as treatment considerations. Exposure to haloacetic acids from drinking water through...

Although hardness may have significant aesthetic effects, a maximum acceptable level has not been established because public acceptance of hardness may vary considerably according to the local conditions. Water supplies with a hardness greater than 200 mg/L are considered poor but have been...

The aesthetic objective for iron in drinking water is ≤0.3 mg/L (≤300 µg/L).

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for glyphosate in drinking water is 0.28 mg/L (280 µg/L).

Health Canada recently completed its review of the health risks associated with enteric protozoa in drinking water. This Guideline Technical Document reviews and assesses identified health risks associated with enteric protozoa in drinking water. It evaluates new studies and approaches and takes...

Health Canada recently completed its review of the health risks associated with enteric viruses in drinking water. This guideline technical document reviews and assesses identified health risks associated with enteric viruses in drinking water. It evaluates new studies and approaches and takes...

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a species of bacteria that is naturally found in the intestinal system of humans and animals. It is present in feces in high numbers and can be easily measured in water, which makes it a useful indicator of fecal contamination for drinking water providers. E. coli is...

Health Canada recently completed its review of the health risks associated with fluoride in drinking water. This review assesses all identified human health risks, taking into account new studies and approaches. Based on this review, the guideline for fluoride in drinking water is a Maximum...

Available data on formaldehyde concentrations in drinking water indicate that intake of formaldehyde from this source is well below the level at which adverse health effects may occur. It is therefore not considered necessary to establish a maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for formaldehyde...

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for diclofop-methyl in drinking water is 0.009 mg/L (9 µ g/L).

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for dimethoate in drinking water is 0.02 mg/L (20 µg/L).

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for diquat in drinking water is 0.05 mg/L (50 µg/L) (measured as the cation).

A drinking water screening value of 0.03 mg/L (30 µg/L) is established for diuron.