Using bulk water in New Brunswick
During periods of dry weather, some residents may consider using bulk water to fill their private drinking water wells.
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly discourages this practice due to the public health risks of drinking contaminated water, particularly for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
- If your well has been impacted by low groundwater levels, bottled water is safest for drinking, food preparation, preparing infant formula and dental hygiene.
- Bulk water trucks are not provincially regulated in New Brunswick, as they are typically not used for potable water.
- If bulk water is used to fill your well, boiling is required before the water is used for drinking, food preparation, preparing infant formula and dental hygiene. Otherwise, limit its use to non-drinking purposes, as bulk water can become unsafe during delivery if proper practices are not followed from the source through to storage and distribution.
This guidance has been developed for private well owners only who may consider using bulk water delivery to fill their wells or storage tanks. This guidance does not apply to licensed or regulated facilities such as:
- Food premises
- Early learning and childcare centres
- Long-term care facilities
If your licensed or regulated facility has run out of water or is about to, contact your regional Health Protection Services office for advice.
Public health risks of drinking bulk water
- Bulk water may not meet drinking water standards unless it comes from an approved municipal supply.
- Contaminants such as bacteria or chemicals may be introduced into your well. Improper storage and handling of bulk water can introduce.
- Contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and other health problems, especially for children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.
What to expect from a safe water hauler
- Water must come from an approved municipal water supply.
- Tanks must be made of or lined with food-grade material and be dedicated to drinking water only. If previously used for food (e.g. milk or juice), tanks must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use. Tanks that previously carried chemicals or other materials not fit for human consumption must never be used for drinking water.
- Materials that come in contact with the water must be of food-grade standard or certified safe for drinking water use (NSF 61). These materials must be disinfected with a chlorine solution regularly, be capped when not in use and stored and handled in a clean and sanitary manner.
- At least 0.2 mg/L chlorine residual must be present at the source and in delivered water to ensure the water is safe. Haulers should test chlorine residual at delivery and show results.
- Haulers should keep written records of source supply, filling location, cleaning, disinfection, and chlorine residual monitoring results and make them available for inspection if requested.
Precautions if bulk water is used to fill your well
- Boil the water before drinking for at least one minute at a rolling boil to destroy harmful bacteria. This is especially important for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Important: Boiling does not remove chemical contamination.
- Continue boiling your water until your regular supply is restored. Afterward, disinfect your well with chlorine to reduce harmful bacteria that may be present in your well, and have the water tested to confirm it is safe to drink.
- Individuals who use a shallow-dug well for their water should strongly consider installing a certified treatment device, such as a UV disinfection system. Shallow-dug wells are easily contaminated by surface water and are not a reliable source of drinking water.
- If you already use a bacteria treatment device (UV, filters, or chlorination), you should still boil the water before drinking and make sure your device can handle the extra turbidity (cloudiness) or increased sedimentation after bulk water is added.
- Check that your treatment device filters are not clogged and that your system is working properly.
Bulk Water that has not been boiled should only be used for:
- Household cleaning
- Bathing (avoid swallowing water)
- Laundry
- Flushing toilets