DAOD 5022-0, Potable Water Quality Management Framework

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Policy Direction
4. Consequences
5. Authorities
6. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2025-07-31

Effective Date: 2025-07-31

Application: This DAOD is a directive that applies to employees of the Department of National Defence (DND employees) and an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).

Supersession: CFAO 34-6, Water Supplies at DND Establishments

Approval Authorities:

• Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)
• Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment) (ADM(IE))

Enquiries:

• Director of Architecture and Engineering Services (DAES) (for matters pertaining to water supply and distribution systems within the DND Real Property Portfolio)
• Administrative Response Centre (ARC) (for all other matters)

2. Definitions

contaminant (contaminant)

Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance in air, soil, or water that has an adverse effect.

Note – Any chemical substance whose concentration exceeds background concentrations or which is not naturally occurring in the environment. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 694788)

potable water (eau potable)

Water that does not contain any contaminants in concentrations that may result in adverse health effects and that is safe from a medical point of view for human consumption, preparation of food and all domestic use, including personal hygiene and brushing teeth. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697001)

3. Policy Direction

Context

3.1 In Canada, water quality is regulated under the Health Canada Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ). By adhering to these standards, the DND and CAF commit to producing, treating, and distributing water of the highest quality to support the health and well-being of all personnel.

3.2 In addition to the GCDWQ, various publications, legislation, and policies inform the DND and CAF's potable water quality management practices. These documents outline DND's potable water management-related responsibilities associated with both DND and leased real property. To align with these responsibilities, the DND and CAF ensures that all aspects of water quality management, including identification, risk assessment, and mitigation of waterborne contaminants, are conducted in accordance with industry standards of quality assurance and quality control.

3.3 The commitment to these standards is reflective not only of a legal and regulatory obligation but also of the DND and CAF's dedication to the health and operational readiness of its personnel. The policy direction in this DAOD is to ensure DND provides potable water in compliance with the GCDWQ to all DND employees and CAF members and other water consumers.

Potable Water Quality Standards Outside of DND or Leased Real Property

3.4 Potable water quality management requirements extend beyond DND or leased Real Property (e.g. onboard Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships, Royal Canadian Airforce (RCA) aircrafts, on training exercise within Canada and on operational locations outside Canada). In all circumstances, due diligence should be exercised at all levels to ensure potable water supply meets or exceeds the GCDWQ. If deviation from the standard is deemed necessary, a health risk assessment must be completed and approved by the Commander. Close coordination with Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) is expected to ensure risk mitigation measures are considered.

Policy Statement

3.5 The DND and the CAF are committed to:

1. guaranteeing the production and treatment; or alternatively procurement; and provision of potable water across all DND/CAF operations to ensure availability by all individuals within the organization;
2. maintaining expertise in the field of water quality, allowing for the provision of quality advice to strategic, operational, and tactical levels;
3. establishing and maintaining a water quality management system which includes sanitary control and surveillance as per policies and guidance; and
4. collaborating with federal, provincial, and municipal partners to ensure water supply to DND employees and CAF members and other water consumers meets the GCDWQ standards.

Requirements

3.6 The DND and the CAF must:

1. implement a "source to tap" water management framework as per Health Canada's guidance. This comprehensive approach will ensure all phases of water provision—from sourcing and treatment to distribution and consumption—are secure and meet safety standards;
2. develop a proactive process for addressing water supply management issues promptly and effectively, preventing potential water quality problems before they arise;
3. engage in ongoing collaboration with municipal, provincial, and federal authorities to manage water supplies, ensuring that DND-owned or leased facilities have access to water that meets GCDWQ standards;
4. maintain a high standard of training and certification for all personnel responsible for operating water systems, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge;
5. ensure that potable water infrastructure maintenance and upgrade plans are developed and implemented in accordance with relevant regulations and best practices to sustain water quality; and
6. provide accurate and timely advice on potable water management to L1 commanders.

4. Consequences

General

4.1 Should clarification of the policy statement, requirements or authorities set out in this DAOD be required, DND employees and CAF members may seek direction through their channel of communication or chain of command, as appropriate. The anticipated results set out in the policy statement may not be achieved by the DND and the CAF if the requirements specified in this DAOD are not properly implemented. Not achieving the anticipated results could affect the ability of the DND and the CAF to ensure that the CAF is prepared to undertake missions for the protection of Canada and Canadians and the maintenance of international peace and stability. Failure to comply with this DAOD could also have health and safety and legal implications.

5. Authorities

Authority Table

5.1 The following table identifies the authorities associated with this DAOD:

6. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

• Canada Labour Code, Part II, Occupational Health and Safety
• Department of Health Act
• Food and Drugs Act
• National Defence Act
• QR&O Volume I - Chapter 4, Duties and Responsibilities of Officers
• QR&O Volume I - Chapter 34, Medical Services

Other References

• DAOD 1000-7, Policy Framework for Military Personnel Management
• DAOD 1000-11, Policy Framework for Infrastructure and Environment Management
• DAOD 4001-0, Real Property Life Cycle Management
• Directive on Potable Water, ADM(IE)
• Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
• Guidance for providing safe drinking water in areas of federal jurisdiction
• Occupational Health and Safety Directive, National Joint Council
• STANAG 2136, Requirements for Water Potability During Field Operations and in Emergency Situations (available in English only)