Water Testing and Monitoring - Town of Gibsons

A pair of hands wearing gloves with water sample vial.

Water Tests

The Town of Gibsons regularly tests its drinking water with a goal to supply and deliver potable water to customers within the Town’s boundaries. These tests, based on the Drinking Water Quality Program, are carried out to ensure that the drinking water supplied is top quality.

Bacteriological Samples

Each sampling site is tested monthly for total coliform and E. coli. In addition to monitoring water quality at the well sources, water quality must also be monitored in the distribution system to ensure contaminants are not entering the piping network. These tests are carried out on a monthly basis. View the wells and reservoir test results of the Gibsons well and the School Road and Parkland reservoirs.

Visit BC Ministry of Environment for ground water quality fact sheets that describe the results of these tests, including general information on total and fecal coliform bacteria. The fact sheet explain what the bacteria is, where it comes from, what the health concerns are, and what to do when there are higher levels of coliforms.

Enhanced Potability

Enhanced potability tests are conducted annually to ensure chemical and physical characteristics meet Canadian Drinking Water guidelines. Click the link below to view the 2022 water potability results of Gibsons’ well water:

2022 Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report

Visit BC Ministry of Environment for ground water quality fact sheets that explain these test results, including general information on nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, sodium, iron and manganese, and hardness.

For more information on the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines, visit Health Canada Website: Water Quality or visit the Provincial Ministry of Environment Water Stewardship Division.

Does Gibsons have lead pipes?

The Town of Gibsons does not have any lead pipes within its water infrastructure. However, Vancouver Coastal Health does recommend that pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant, and young children take extra precautions to protect themselves against possible lead contamination from drinking water and other sources. To learn more, please read this: Protecting yourself from lead in drinking water.