Ontario Drinking Water Quality Management System Accreditation (DWQMS)
Obtaining third-party accreditation of your Operating Authority demonstrates that the Quality Management System (QMS) for your municipal drinking water system meets the requirements of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS).
The operating authority’s accreditation to the DWQMS is one of the key requirements under the province’s Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program. Please refer to https://www.ontario.ca/page/municipal-drinking-water-systems-licensing-registration-and-permits for more information.
Effective May 1, 2026, AET Group (AET) is designated as an accreditation body under subsection 22 (2) of the Safe Drinking Water Act to perform accreditation and auditing services related to the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) in the Province of Ontario.
As recognized QMS leaders in Ontario’s drinking water sector, AET has unrivaled expertise and experience providing DWQMS audits to hundreds of municipalities across Ontario for over 16 years and our team likely has more experience in this realm than any other firm.
The AET auditing group’s expertise includes over 20 years of drinking water system and operations experience that includes water supply, treatment and distribution.
AET DWQMS auditors understand that a value-added audit provides improvement ideas as well as identification of sector best management practices. We work with our clients to provide:
- Confirmation of DWQMS conformity
- Opportunities for improvement
- Efficient audit planning and scheduling
- Effective communication, including timely feedback to questions and DWQMS Accreditation Certificate delivery
- Smooth transition/transfer from your current accreditation provider
Our people are our greatest asset. Our team’s integrity, professionalism, thoroughness, knowledge, skills and experience are our strengths.
To obtain more information about DWQMS accreditation or to request a quote, email us at dwqms@aet98.com.
Resources
The following resources provide additional information on Ontario’s accreditation program for municipal drinking water system operating authorities.
Municipal Drinking Water Systems: Licensing, Registration and Permits
Information and rules for owners or operators of systems supplying drinking water to municipalities.
Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Management Standard – Pocket Guide
This guide examines the requirements of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard, providing high level overview of what each of the requirements means in the context of a municipal residential drinking water system.
Accreditation Protocol – Operating Authorities – Municipal Drinking Water Systems
This protocol details the establishment and administration of an accreditation program for municipal drinking water system operating authorities who are required to be accredited.
Director’s Directions: Minimum Requirements for Operational Plans
Learn about the preparation and content of operational plans prepared by owners of municipal residential drinking water systems.
Operating Authority Accreditation: How to Respond to Audit Findings
This document outlines four items that should be addressed when preparing Corrective Action Responses to the audit findings.
Implementing Quality Management: A Guide for Ontario’s Drinking Water Systems
Guidance document to assist owners and operating authorities in developing, implementing, and maintaing a quality management system for their drinking water systems.
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