Fall Flushing
October 3 - October 31, 2025 - West Perth Environmental Services will be performing maintenance on the municipal water mains, including flushing and flow testing.
Customers may experience discolored water at any time during this period. Please check your cold water for discolouration prior to using water for cooking, laundry or dishwasher. If water is discoloured, discontinue use and run a cold water tap for a few minutes until the water clears.
Flushing hydrants helps clear sediment from water lines, maintains water pressure, and ensures high water quality for users connected to Municipal Water. Flushing occurs twice per year, in spring and fall.
If you have concerns, please contact water@westperth.com or (519) 348-8428 x 234
Fluoride in Perth and Huron County Water
Fluoride is a mineral that protects teeth against tooth decay. Many communities in Canada, including Goderich, add fluoride to the local water supply to help prevent teeth from developing cavities. In Perth County and some wells in Huron County, fluoride is found naturally in the groundwater. This means levels of fluoride in drinking water vary across the region. If the fluoride level in water is more than 1.5 milligram/litre, there is a risk of dental fluorosis. The level of fluoride in your drinking water is only a concern if you have a family with young children, as dental fluorosis develops in early childhood. Dental fluorosis can change the appearance of teeth, from small white flecks to larger white areas, and in severe cases, to pitting or brown areas. However, most cases are mild. Mild fluorosis is not a health problem, but it can be avoided.
With the exception of dental fluorosis, scientific studies have not found any credible link between fluoride in water and adverse health effects at the levels that people in Perth and Huron counties experience.
In Mitchell, fluoride levels higher than ideal (greater than 1.5 milligram/litre). If the fluoride level in your water is more than 1.5 milligram/litre and you have young children and are worried about fluorosis:
- consider using water with a lower fluoride level from another source for drinking and cooking
Examples of other sources of water:
- Non-fluoridated bottled water
- Use a water treatment device, such as reverse osmosis, to remove fluoride
Note: Pitcher filters, such as Brita, do not remove fluoride from water.
If you live on a well, you can test your water for fluoride through a licensed private laboratory.
Sodium
Sodium is a mineral that can be found in drinking water supplies. Sodium (Na) is one of the chemical elements found in table salts (known as sodium chloride). Naturally occurring sodium is common in the Huron and Perth County geographical area. The human body needs sodium in order to maintain blood pressure, control fluid levels and for normal nerve and muscle function. Sodium occurs naturally in most foods. Natural levels vary considerably for different types of food, and food processing can significantly increase sodium levels. Sodium in drinking water is not a health concern for most people but may be an issue for someone with severe hypertension, congestive heart failure or on a sodium-restricted diet. Water Softeners Softening use sodium-ion exchange and will also increase the sodium level in drinking water and may contribute a significant percentage to the daily sodium intake for a consumer on a sodium-restricted diet. View the fact sheet for more information.
The Ontario Drinking Water Systems Regulation 170/03 under the Safe Drinking Water Act 2002 requires reporting to the local Medical Officer of Health when sodium levels in public drinking water supplies exceed 20mg/L. The aesthetic objective for sodium in drinking water is ≤200mg/L. The taste of drinking water is generally considered offensive at sodium concentrations above the aesthetic objective.
Recent water test results from Mitchell Drinking Water System indicated Sodium levels of 41-49 mg/L (milligrams per litre). This level exceeds the drinking water requirements under Ontario Regulation 170/03 of 20 mg/L. This is important for people who are on a sodium-reduced diet. It is recommended that residents who are on a sodium-reduced or restricted diet consider an alternative source of drinking water (i.e. bottled water). This would also be recommended for water that is used for cooking as well as the concentration of sodium can increase when water is boiled. For more information please see this notice from Huron Perth Public Health.
