If two tests are required to show potability of water, does it matter when they are taken?
Yes, it matters. The first sample is to be taken after the operation’s start date but prior to use of the
What is a composite water sample? Are these allowed in the CanadaGAP Program?
A composite water sample is ONE sample which is made by combining water samples from two or more sources/uses/locations. For example,
Where are the potable water sample tests supposed to be taken from? Does it matter?
Yes it matters. Final rinse water must be taken from the final rinse equipment: this will determine if the rinse equipment
Does documentation need to be obtained proving that the laboratory used for water testing uses appropriate sampling and testing methods to perform analyses in accordance with the applicable requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 standards?
No. The CanadaGAP manual [in various sections such as 15.1 (Water Assessment)] does not require the operation to obtain a record to
An operation uses ONLY municipal water. Do they need to have any of their water tested?
It depends on their water uses and what is being done to the water. If water is used for a final
Is municipal water in other countries considered the same as municipal water in Canada?
In Canada, municipal water is assumed to be potable. The glossary definition of “potable water” according to the CanadaGAP Food Safety
In some provinces, the provincial standards for potable water are different from the CanadaGAP requirement of 0 total coliforms and 0 E. coli. Does an operation have to meet the CanadaGAP requirement (which is the same as the microbiological parameters in Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality), or do they follow their provincial standards?
In the manual, it would usually depend on which is the stricter requirement and this would need to be followed. However,
If an operation requires potable water/ice do they have to test EACH of their water uses individually?
No. Operations must show that ALL of their water uses are potable. The only way to do this is to take a