| #Q001 | administrative | reporting | mandatory | Chain of Custody Form Approval | drinking water | Under the Drinking Water Testing Services regulation (Ontario Regulation 248/03), the content of the chain of custody form must be approved by the ministry. | | high |
| #Q002 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Chain of Custody Form Criteria | drinking water | The ministry requires that the forms meet the following criteria and may assess them at the laboratory during an inspection: 1. They must be traceable as to the origin of the sample. 2. They must contain, at minimum, the following fields: identification of the laboratory, including name, address, telephone number Drinking Water System (DWS) name, number, physical address and contact information identification of the regulation that applies to the sample(s) name and signature of person who collected the sample name and signature of person submitting the samples sample type (raw, treated, distribution, plumbing) sample location name date and time the sample was collected chlorine residual (where applicable) requested parameters (i.e., E. coli, metals) person who received the samples at the laboratory — signature, date, time 1. They must have a unique identifier and version number (example: form 1, version 1). | | high |
| #Q003 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Client-Generated Chain of Custody Forms | drinking water | If the laboratory agrees to use a client-generated chain of custody form, it must: 1. Review and pre-approve the chain of custody form as being fit for the laboratory’s use for drinking water samples. 2. Retain documentation of having done so. | If the laboratory agrees to use a client-generated chain of custody form | high |
| #Q004 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Identification of Reporting Exemptions | drinking water | The laboratory client (for example, DWS owner/operator) must identify and document any applicable reporting exemptions for regulated drinking water samples. | | high |
| #Q005 | reporting | reporting | recommended | Treatment of Samples as Reportable | drinking water | Laboratories should treat all samples as reportable unless a clear exemption from reporting as set out in the regulations or in an approval or order has been identified and documented. | | high |
| #Q006 | administrative | operational | recommended | Review of Chain of Custody Forms | drinking water | Laboratories should review the forms and request missing information. | | high |
| #Q007 | reporting | reporting | recommended | Identification of Non-Potable Samples | drinking water | Samples of water that are non-potable should be identified as non-potable or not for consumption on the form. | If samples of water are non-potable | high |
| #Q008 | operational | operational | mandatory | Sample Drop-off Depot Requirements | drinking water | Laboratories must ensure that drinking water samples that have been collected for the purpose of the SDWA and/or HPPA that are left at sample drop-off depots are: traceable to a particular sample drop-off depot accompanied by a chain of custody or submission form protected against degradation and/or chemical or biological changes secured against loss and tampering | When samples are left at sample drop-off depots | high |
| #Q009 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Undue Delay in Processing and Reporting | drinking water | There must be no undue delay: during the analytical processing of a drinking water sample at a licensed laboratory as outlined in Table 1: Steps to recognize and report adverse test results in reporting the adverse test result to the local medical officer of health, the SAC and the associated DWS owner/operator, as required, once an adverse test result is accepted by qualified staff of a licensed laboratory | Upon acceptance of an adverse test result | high |
| #Q010 | operational | operational | mandatory | Adverse Test Result Authorization Procedure | drinking water | Laboratories must have a written procedure for authorization of an adverse test result for release and this procedure is reviewed during an inspection to evaluate its acceptability. | | high |
| #Q011 | corrective_action | operational | mandatory | Corrective Action for Unacceptable Procedure | drinking water | Where a procedure is not acceptable, the ministry will require the laboratory to take corrective action. | Where a procedure is not acceptable | high |
| #Q012 | operational | operational | mandatory | Staff Requirements for Immediate Reporting | drinking water | Laboratory staff analyzing drinking water samples also have requirements tied to immediate reporting of adverse results. They must: adhere to documented training requirements and policies for determining/comparing test results against the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards (Ontario Regulator 169/03) and/or limits specifically cited in drinking water legislation develop, document, and adhere to, laboratory policies/procedures relating to the business processes described in Table 1 document and adhere to the same immediate adverse test result reporting timeframes for chemical testing as are in place for microbiological testing and include them in laboratory policies and procedures (i.e., there must be no undue delay in the reporting of any adverse test results to the required authorities) | | high |
| #Q013 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Analytical Uncertainty Estimation | drinking water | Estimation of the analytical uncertainty of a measurement is a requirement of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 — General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories and must be available if requested by the client. | If requested by the client | high |
| #Q014 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Reporting Adverse Results Regardless of Uncertainty | drinking water | Adverse results must be reported as required without any regard to calculated uncertainty estimations. | | high |
| #Q015 | reporting | operational | guidance | Duplicate Data Analysis Guidelines | drinking water | The following guidance is for licensed laboratories that analyze drinking water samples in duplicate: ensure that all quality control criteria is properly documented and understood by analysts ensure that prescribed criteria are met when analyzing regulated drinking water samples ensure that duplicate analyses are not averaged for the purpose of notification and reporting under the SDWA follow the reporting requirements outlined in Table 2 ensure that an Adverse Water Quality Incident is reported to the required authorities if found in either the first or second aliquot of a duplicate drinking water analysis (outlined in Table 2) upload the correct result into the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Park’s Drinking Water Information System (DWIS) and the Ministry of Health’s Laboratory Results Management Application (LRMA) | When analyzing drinking water samples in duplicate | high |
| #Q016 | corrective_action | reporting | mandatory | Reporting Provisional Adverse Results for Sample Interference/Contamination | drinking water | Where a laboratory reasonably believes that an adverse result may be erroneous due to laboratory sample interference/contamination (but not as a result of QC failure), the laboratory shall: 1. Document all details relating to the possibility of result error on the analyst worksheet, logbook, final reports, etc. 2. Report the adverse result to all required parties, indicating that the result is provisional until further notice due to the possibility of interferences/contamination associated with the result. 3. If the issue is not resolved within 24 hours, a written report is required providing details in writing to all required parties. 4. Immediately take and document steps to investigate the possibility of interferences/contamination, requesting a resample, if necessary. 5. Keep SAC/PHU/DWS client updated on the laboratory’s internal investigation and provide a completion time where warranted. 6. If the result is confirmed as adverse, notify all parties (SAC, PHU and the DWS owner/operator) of the confirmed result and, where applicable, the reason for the error/contamination. 7. If the result is not adverse, instruct SAC to discard the adverse water quality incident. 8. Record all steps taken. | Where a laboratory reasonably believes that an adverse result may be erroneous due to laboratory sample interference/contamination | high |
| #Q017 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Provisional Adverse Reporting Rules for Dilution | drinking water | Provisional adverse reporting must follow reporting rules of all other regulated reporting requirements. | In situations where a dilution and subsequent re-analysis is necessary | high |
| #Q018 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Reporting No Data Overgrown (NDOG) Results | drinking water | Where an observation of “over-crowding/confluent/non-identifiable microbial growth” is detected on a plate relating to analyses under the SDWA, licensed laboratories are required to report the results to the required parties as no data overgrown (NDOG) results. | When over-crowding/confluent/non-identifiable microbial growth is detected | high |
| #Q019 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Uploading Overgrown Qualifiers to DWIS or LRMA | drinking water | When uploading overgrown qualifiers to DWIS or LRMA, the laboratory will leave the result field blank and use the applicable NDOG qualifier (i.e., NDOGT) in the value qualifier field. | When uploading overgrown qualifiers | high |
| #Q020 | reporting | reporting | recommended | Reporting TCB Analysis Excess Counts | drinking water | When a client requests a laboratory perform a total coliform background (TCB) analysis and a high number of individual, discrete TCB colonies in excess of the method’s maximum counting limit (X) is obtained, this does not constitute an overgrown result and there is no requirement to report the result as adverse. In these circumstances, the count should be reported to the client and uploaded as > Xcfu/100mL. | When a client requests a TCB analysis and excess limit is obtained | high |
| #Q021 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Data Reporting Requirements to Clients | drinking water | Data reported to the laboratory’s clients from samples collected for analysis in accordance with the SDWA or the HPPA must: be produced by properly licensed and accredited analytical methods be numerically identical to any data reported to SAC/PHU /MOH/DWS owner/operator and uploaded to DWIS/LRMA meet the ministry’s reporting detection limit (RDL) requirements, where applic able be expressed in proper and defensible significant figures be expressed to two to three significant figures for the expression of chemical data | | high |
| #Q022 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Reporting Limits (RDL and MDL) | drinking water | Analytical results must be reported down to the ministry’s RDL, where no RDL exists, the results must be reported to the licensed method’s method detection limit (MDL). | | high |
| #Q023 | operational | operational | mandatory | Data Transfer Error Checking Procedures | drinking water | The ministry requires that laboratories have procedures in place to ensure that data transfer mechanisms and routines, both manual and electronic, are checked for errors. | | high |
| #Q024 | operational | operational | mandatory | MDL Requirements for Certain Organic Parameters | drinking water | For these parameters, a licensed laboratory must be able to achieve MDL at least equal to the RDL. | For certain organic parameters (Benzene, Terbufos, Benzo[a]pyrene) | high |
| #Q025 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Timeframe for Uploading Test Results | drinking water | Results must be uploaded within 10 days of them being authorized for reporting. | | high |
| #Q026 | corrective_action | reporting | mandatory | Steps for Upload Issues (O. Reg. 170/03 and 243/07) | drinking water | If a laboratory is experiencing issues with uploading test results, they must follow the steps outlined below: For Ontario Regulation 170/03 DWS and Ontario Regulation 243/07 facilities 1. Document all actions taken to upload the information. 2. Verify that the upload failure is caused by a LSN issue by contacting lsb.reg170_lsb@ontario.ca. 3. If the problem is related to a profile issue, contact the Registration Team at: Toll-free: 1-866-793-2588 or email waterforms@ontario.ca. 4. Contact the client to request the submission of the completed or corrected LSN. 5. Attempt to upload again within 20 days of the original failure. 6. If the upload is still unsuccessful after 20 days, contact the Laboratory Licensing and Compliance Program by emailing LLCP@ontario.ca for further follow up. | If a laboratory is experiencing issues with uploading test results | high |
| #Q027 | corrective_action | reporting | mandatory | Steps for Upload Issues (O. Reg. 319/08 Small DWS) | drinking water | For Ontario Regulation 319/08 Small DWS 1. Document all actions taken to upload the information 2. Contact the local PHU for a resolution | If a laboratory is experiencing issues with uploading test results for Small DWS | high |
| #Q028 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Reporting Aggregated Parameters | drinking water | In the case where aggregated parameter data are to be reported to DWIS, the ministry requires that the “total” sum of the aggregate be reported, not individual parameters. | When aggregated parameter data are to be reported to DWIS | high |
| #Q029 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Licensing for Aggregated Tests | drinking water | Laboratories hired to perform the analyses of various aggregated parameters (i.e., Aldrin + Dieldrin, DDT + metabolites, etc.) must be licensed to analyze all parameters of that specific aggregated test. | | high |
| #Q030 | operational | operational | mandatory | Single Laboratory for Total Analyses | drinking water | Additionally, the SDWA requires that the “total” analyses must be conducted at one laboratory. | | high |
| #Q031 | corrective_action | reporting | mandatory | Correcting Erroneous Data Reporting | drinking water | When a laboratory identifies an error in their data reporting, the laboratory shall: 1. Document all details pertaining to the erroneous data 2. Contact the required parties 1. If the erroneous result was reported as an adverse water quality Incident, verbally contact SAC, DWS owner/operator and PHU and retract the erroneous result. Provide details about the error and the correct result. 2. Provide written notification to the required parties indicating the retraction of the erroneous data directly on the ministry’s “Notice of Adverse Test Results and Other Problems and Notice of Issue Resolution at Drinking Water Systems” form. Include the correct result. 3. If the data has already been uploaded to the ministry databases, the lab shall: | When a laboratory identifies an error in their data reporting | high |
| #Q032 | corrective_action | reporting | mandatory | Correcting Erroneous Data in DWIS | drinking water | Contact the Help Desk at opssd@ontario.ca or by calling the help desk at Toll-free: 1-888-677-4873. Request the removal of the erroneous data, including the sample submission ID that used to upload all erroneous results. Upload correct results and any other results that were inactivated within the submission ID to DWIS. | If the data has already been uploaded to DWIS | high |
| #Q033 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Using New Submission ID for DWIS Resubmission | drinking water | A new submission ID must be used to upload the results. We encourage labs to use the same submission ID used to upload the original data appended with an A, i.e., original submission ID 123456 will be re-uploaded as submission ID 123456A. | When re-uploading corrected results | high |
| #Q034 | corrective_action | reporting | mandatory | Correcting Erroneous Data in LRMA | drinking water | Log onto LRMA and toggle the "ignore" button to “true”. Upload the correct result under a new sub-mission ID. | If the data has already been uploaded to LRMA | high |
| #Q035 | operational | reporting | mandatory | Data Reporting System Validation | drinking water | The ministry expects that the process or system that reports data for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the SDWA is validated with respect to transmission accuracy and content. | | high |
| #Q036 | prohibition | reporting | mandatory | NDOGT Disclosure Prohibition | drinking water | Labs must not disclose to SAC whether they have seen TC or EC — this is irrelevant to the reporting | When reporting NDOGT (Bacteria overgrown on an EC/TC plate and target bacteria are visible) | high |
| #Q037 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Written Adverse Report Timeline | drinking water | Written report of adverse test to SAC, DWS owner/operator, PHU and MOH as required. Please refer to applicable regulation for specific reporting requirements. Not greater than 24 hours after immediate report | | high |
| #Q038 | reporting | reporting | guidance | Dilution Provisional Reporting Authorization Conditions | drinking water | Provisional adverse reporting can be used in situations where a dilution and subsequent re-analysis is necessary. This can be used if the following conditions are met: all QC criteria has been met with the exception of the result being greater than the calibration range, the result is known to be greater than the standard, the dilution analysis cannot be completed in a timely manner. | When dilution and subsequent re-analysis is necessary | high |
| #Q039 | administrative | operational | mandatory | MLAS Registration Requirement | other | Per the Mining Act and the regulations claimholders, lessees, patent holders, or prospector licensees must be registered users in MLAS to do business for mining purposes, in Ontario. | | high |
| #Q040 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Mandatory Mining Act Awareness Program Completion | other | You must complete the MAAP if you: are applying for or renewing an existing prospector's licence; hold a lifetime prospector's licence; are listed as a "qualified supervisor" on an exploration plan or permit; are a private landowner or a member or representative of an Indigenous community that may engage or work with prospectors and the mineral exploration industry | When applying for or renewing prospector's licence, holding lifetime licence, listed as qualified supervisor, or representing Indigenous community/landowner | high |
| #Q041 | administrative | operational | recommended | MAAP Completion through MLAS | other | If you are completing MAAP to conduct business with the ministry and/or to satisfy a mandatory requirement under the Mining Act, you should complete MAAP through MLAS. | When completing MAAP to conduct business or satisfy mandatory requirement | high |
| #Q042 | administrative | reporting | mandatory | Class Environmental Assessment Requirement | other | A Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) describes a planning and decision-making process for groups (or classes) of activities where a proponent must conduct an environmental assessment. | For classes of activities subject to the Class EA under the Mining Act | high |
| #Q043 | design | operational | mandatory | Mine Rehabilitation Code Compliance | other | The Mine Rehabilitation Code (PDF), effective April 1, 2024, contains standards, procedures, and requirements for mine closure and is incorporated by reference into Ontario Regulation 35/24. | | high |
| #Q044 | operational | operational | mandatory | Early Exploration Standards Compliance | other | Provincial Standards for Early Exploration, (PDF) effective April 10, 2018, lists requirements that must be met when carrying out exploration plan or permit activities, including requirements for rehabilitation when the early exploration activities have been completed. | When carrying out exploration plan or permit activities | high |
| #Q045 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Technical Standards for Reporting Assessment Work | other | Technical Standards for Reporting Assessment Work (PDF), effective April 10, 2018, lists the minimum requirements for Assessment Work reports for the different work types and costs and expenses that are eligible under Ontario Regulation 65/18. | | high |
| #Q046 | administrative | reporting | mandatory | Small Drinking Water System Identification and Notification | drinking water | The Small Drinking Water System Identification form is to be used by owners of small drinking water systems to notify in writing the medical officer of health in the health unit where their system is located before supplying drinking water to users of the system following construction or alteration of the small drinking water system or following a shut-down of the system that lasts longer than 7 days. | following construction or alteration of the small drinking water system or following a shut-down of the system that lasts longer than 7 days | high |
| #Q047 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Laboratory Services Notification | drinking water | The Laboratory Services Notification (LSN) form is to be used by small drinking water system owners/operators to notify the local public health unit in writing as to which licensed laboratories will test drinking water samples for their small drinking water systems. | | high |
| #Q048 | reporting | reporting | mandatory | Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution | drinking water | The Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution form is to be used by licensed laboratories and owners/operators of small drinking water systems to support required written notifications pertaining to small drinking water system adverse water quality incidents (AWQI). | pertaining to small drinking water system adverse water quality incidents (AWQI) | high |
| #Q049 | operational | operational | mandatory | Compliance with Public Health Inspector Directives | drinking water | Public health inspectors conduct individual site-specific risk assessments then issue a directive, setting out individual requirements for each system. | Based on site-specific risk assessments | high |