While Canada does not have a single comprehensive 'Clean Water Act' like the United States, various federal guidelines and provincial legislation establish drinking water quality standards that municipalities must meet. Health Canada develops the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, which provinces adopt and enforce. Provincial legislation (like Ontario's Safe Drinking Water Act or Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act) sets legal requirements for water treatment, testing, and reporting. Municipalities operating water systems must meet these standards, investing in treatment infrastructure, conducting regular testing, and reporting results. Water quality failures can result in regulatory action, liability, and loss of public trust.