The Vancouver Island Health Authority provides a number of services that ensure:
Complaints/Concerns with Drinking Water
If you have a concern or complaint about your drinking water, first contact your water supplier. If you don't know who your water supplier is, or are unsatisfied with their response to your concerns, please contact the local Environmental Health Office for assistance. An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will handle your complaint. EHOs have the authority to act as Drinking Water Officers under the Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulations
To submit a complaint
Please provide
- Your contact information
- The name and/or location of the drinking water system in question
- Details of the complaint
- Any other relevant information including any actions you may have taken to address the situation
Complaint Process
- The information is forwarded to your district EHO
- Follow up will be initiated by the EHO within 1-3 working days
- The EHO will undertake to resolve your concern and may contact you for more information
- If your complaint indicates a circumstance that may threaten the safety of your water supply the EHO will provide information on your right to request a formal investigation under Section 29 of the Drinking Water Protection Act.
- If you do not wish to request a formal investigation the EHO will still respond to your complaint
- You will be advised of the action taken by the EHO and any outcomes
Formal Request for Investigation
If you feel that a threat to your drinking water exists you may consider requesting an investigation under Section 29 of the Drinking Water Protection Act.. A “ threat” is defined in the DWP Act as a circumstance, condition or thing that may result in water that is unsafe to drink. The request must be made in writing and include all the information you have available to support your concerns.
Vancouver Island Health Authority has adopted the BC Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport Interim Best Practices on Requests for Investigation of a Drinking Water Threat under the Drinking Water Protection Act The document contains a questionnaire designed to provide as much information as possible to help the Drinking Water Officer make a decision about whether an investigation is to be carried out.
To make a Request for an Investigation
- Print the on-line questionnaire (Interim Best Practices - Request for Investigation) and fill it out to the best of your ability. Fax, mail or bring the form to the local Environmental Health Officer OR
- Call or visit your local Environmental Health Office and ask for assistance.
Investigation Process
- The Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will review the request and contact you if more information is needed.
- The EHO will consider whether an investigation is warranted
- You will be advised if the EHO decides against doing an investigation.
- You will be advised of the results of any investigation that the EHO does undertake.