Beware of water treatment sales tactics in the Durham and South Oshawa area

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham reminds residents that the Region does not sell or endorse water filters or water treatment equipment, after being contacted by residents inquiring about door-to-door salespersons who want to test the water or install water filtering systems. In the past, residents have also received phone calls from salespersons who want access to their home to test the water or inspect the water service.

The Region of Durham supplies safe drinking water and is currently installing cathodic protection in South Oshawa to help maintain the water system. Cathodic protection of the watermain greatly reduces the extent of corrosion damage to watermains and extends the service life of the watermain by many years. This testing does not require homeowners to install water filtration systems.

Regional employees will not show up at your door without a pre-arranged appointment or without your consent to do so. Remember the following to protect yourself from scams:

• Ask for identification. All Regional employees and authorized contractors carry photo ID.
• Did you request this house call? Regional staff will not visit without sending an official letter and/or scheduling an appointment.
• Don’t feel pressured to sign contracts on the spot, or to let anyone into your home.
• If you receive a phone call, don’t feel pressured to agree to a home visit.
• Call the Region at 311 (within Regional limits) or toll-free at 1-800-372-1102 to confirm that the phone call or visit is legitimate.
• Never give out your personal information.

Information on water quality testing is available from the Region by contacting the Works Department at 311, and from our Water Quality Reports, available online at durham.ca/Water.

For more information about understanding your rights when signing contracts at your door, please visit ontario.ca/DoorToDoor.

Quote

“The Region provides safe drinking water to residents through the municipal water supply system, meeting Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards. Our water is monitored and tested continuously—24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year—by trained professionals who follow strict provincial regulations. It does not require further filtration or monitoring at residents’ expense.”

 – Mike Hubble, Director of Environmental Services, Region of Durham

– 30 –

For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.