Enhanced Water Quality Assurance Program

Drinking water testing is regulated in each province. Environmental laboratories performing drinking water tests for public health purposes must meet regulatory requirements.  

The purpose of the Enhanced Water Quality Assurance Program (EWQA) is to ensure drinking water microbiology testing for public health purposes is carried out using current best practices.

BC’s drinking water suppliers are required to have the water from their systems analyzed for the presence of Escherichia coli and total coliform bacteria by a laboratory that has been approved by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). The EWQA acts on behalf of the province of British Columbia, and through its programs of auditing and certification, strives to ensure that laboratory testing of drinking water is in compliance with the British Columbia (BC) Drinking Water Protection Act, and regulation.

EWQA Brochure (Aug 2010 PDF)

Latest Bulletin - EWQA/CMPT Bulletin 13 - April 2010