Can I Drink Tap Water in Toronto?

Toronto tap water is generally safe for travelers and residents, and the City publishes tap water quality system reports and monitoring information. Toronto Water treats Lake Ontario source water using multi-barrier treatment processes. As in many North American cities, the main caution for visitors is older building plumbing and potential lead exposure from premise pipes rather than the treated municipal supply itself.

Toronto Water supplies drinking water sourced from Lake Ontario and publishes tap water quality system reports and related public information through the City of Toronto. The city uses a multi-barrier approach that includes coagulation/flocculation, filtration, disinfection, and monitoring to meet drinking-water requirements. This supports a high-confidence safe rating for most travelers staying in hotels and modern residences. The main traveler caveat in Toronto is building plumbing. Older properties may have internal plumbing materials or service lines that affect taste and may increase lead risk at the tap, especially if water has been stagnant in pipes. For most short stays, flushing cold water and using a certified filter (if the building is old or unknown) is a reasonable precaution. Ice and restaurant water are generally safe in reputable establishments.

Toronto is a low-risk tap-water city for most travelers. In hotels and newer accommodations, tap water is usually fine for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice. If you are in an older apartment or rental and want extra precaution, flush the tap and use a certified filter, especially for infants or pregnant travelers.