Health Canada

The maximum acceptable concentrations (MAC) and aesthetic objectives (AO) for 1,2- and 1,4-dichlorobenzene in drinking water are established.

Because cyanide is toxic to humans, a maximum acceptable concentration of 0.2 mg/L (200 µg/L) for free cyanide in drinking water has been set.

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses the identified health risks associated with cyanobacterial toxins in drinking water. It assesses new studies and approaches and takes into consideration limitations in analytical methods and treatment technologies. Based on this review, the...

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with chromium 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...

An aesthetic objective of ≤ 15 true colour units (TCU) has been established for colour in drinking water.

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for chlorite in drinking water is 1 mg/L. The MAC for chlorate in drinking water is 1 mg/L. A guideline for chlorine dioxide is not required because of its rapid reduction to chlorite in drinking water.

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for chlorpyrifos in drinking water is 0.09 mg/L (90 µg/L).

There is no evidence of adverse health effects specifically attributable to calcium in drinking water. Insufficient data are available to set a specific value for an aesthetic objective for calcium in drinking water. A guideline for calcium has therefore not been specified.

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for carbaryl in drinking water is 0.09 mg/L (90 µg/L).

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for carbofuran in drinking water is 0.09 mg/L (90 µg/L).

This Guideline Technical Document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with carbon tetrachloride in drinking water, incorporating multiple routes of exposure from drinking water, including ingestion and both inhalation and skin absorption from showering and bathing. It...

This guideline technical document focuses on the health effects related to exposure to chloramines in drinking water supplies, also taking into consideration taste and odour concerns. It does not review the benefits or the processes of chloramination; nor does it assess the health risks related...

An aesthetic objective of ≤250 mg/L has been established for chloride in drinking water. At concentrations above the aesthetic objective, chloride imparts undesirable tastes to water and to beverages prepared from water and may cause corrosion in the distribution system.

This Guideline Technical Document focuses on the health effects related to exposure to chlorine in drinking water supplies. It does not review the benefits or the processes of chlorination, nor does it assess the health risks related to exposure to by-products formed as a result of the...

The tables in this document summarize the values and key information from each of the guidelines. Health Canada updates the summary tables regularly, but you should always consult individual guideline technical documents and guidance documents available on the website Water Quality - Reports and...

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with copper in drinking water.

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with 1,4-dioxane in drinking water.

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with natural uranium in drinking water.

This guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with bromate in drinking water.

This guideline technical document was prepared in collaboration with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water and is based on assessments of bromoxynil completed by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency and supporting documents.