Public health protection

• A safe water supply is critical to protecting the public health - the first obligation of all water suppliers. Without our modern water systems, diseases such as cholera and dysentery would be part of everyday life.
• In Canada, drinking water quality is stringently controlled through federal guidelines, provincial regulations, and individual utility performance standards. 
• Many North American water systems, including Edmonton, add small amounts of fluoride to their water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Child cavity rates have been reduced by 20-40% where fluoridation was implemented. Health Canada provides more information on fluoride.
• See Water Quality for more information about Edmonton's drinking water supply.

Presented in cooperation with the American Water Works Association.