Can I tell if my drinking water is safe to drink just by looking at it, tasting it, or smelling it?

Germs generally cannot be detected by the naked eye, taste, or smell. Even very good tasting stream water can contain germs. Chemicals are a somewhat different matter. Although chemicals can't be seen in water, many do impart tastes or odours. Potable water should be clear, nearly taste-free and odour-free. Any changes in your water could signal a problem. If you do encounter an issue with your water changing, please contact the CSRD's operations department at 250-833-5950.

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1. Can I tell if my drinking water is safe to drink just by looking at it, tasting it, or smelling it?
2. If my immune system is compromised, what should I drink?
3. How can I conserve water?
4. Do the water meters transmit at all times?
5. Do the water meters transmit to other meters in the neighbourhood?
6. How are the water meters read?
7. How do I get my water connection turned off?
8. How do I pay my water bill?
9. People swim and boat in our water source. Should I be concerned?
10. What is Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)?
11. What is the definition of safe water? Why is it called potable water?
12. What style of water meters are used?
13. When I'm working in the yard, I'm tempted to drink from the garden hose. Is this safe?