Kingston Water Department

Utilities Kingston takes pride in providing this annual water quality report to our community. This document has been prepared in accordance with Section 11 of Ontario Regulation 170, which establishes requirements for public waterworks regarding testing, treatment standards, staff certification, and notification procedures.

Free copies of this report and the Summary report (prepared according to Schedule 22 of Ontario Regulations 170 03) are available upon request at any City of Kingston office, at water plant locations, or at www.utilitieskingston.com. Availability updates are communicated through local newspapers and radio stations.

For more information about drinking water regulations, visit the Ministry of the Environment website at www.ene.gov.on.ca. Questions about this report or accessibility can be directed to Megan Lockwood at mlockwood@utilitieskingston.com or by calling 613-546-1181 Ext 291.

The Prison Well system was established in the early 1950s as a cooperative effort by homeowners on Marian Crescent, Rochdale Crescent, and Cana Blvd. Initially operated independently, management transferred from the Ministry of the Environment to the former Township of Pittsburgh, and eventually to Utilities Kingston following the 2001 amalgamation with Kingston and Kingston Township.

The system's raw water source is groundwater pumped from a 150mm diameter, 18.6m deep well. A submersible pump capable of 75 L/min delivers water through a 75mm header to the chlorine contact tank. Flow monitoring equipment includes a magnetic flow meter, conductivity/temperature sensor, and turbidimeter for quality assessment. A pressure transmitter at the well base monitors groundwater levels to determine draw down and recharge rates.

For disinfection, sodium hypochlorite (diluted to 2-3% Cl2 solution with de-ionized water) is added to the raw water before it enters the 45,000L underground contact tank. Chlorinated water passes through this baffled tank to high lift pumps, with continuous monitoring of free Cl2 residuals and pH levels. This ensures compliance with the "Procedure for Disinfection of Drinking Water in Ontario" standards.

Two submersible high lift pumps (92 L/min capacity each) distribute treated water from the contact tank through the system. Water passes through 5-micron cartridge filters, with two 450L pressure tanks maintaining system pressure between pumping cycles. Pump operation maintains pressure between 40 and 60psi, with continuous monitoring of flow, turbidity, chlorine, and pH levels.

Secondary disinfection via sodium hypochlorite ensures ongoing water safety throughout the distribution system.

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