History
Water treatment was originally established to provide safe drinking water. In the 19th century, the water off the city's shores was severely polluted by dumping of waste from residences and businesses.
Before 1842, Toronto's water supply was manually pumped from the Lake, streams and wells.
Water carters would take the water and distributed across the city.
From 1843 to 1873 water was privately provided by Furniss Works and there after by the City.
Each of the former municipalities had their own treatment plants and pumping stations:
- North York
- Oriole 1923
- Steeles 1930s
- Sheppard West 1940s
- Scarborough 1921
- New Toronto 1924
Prior to the 1950s, the municipalities were responsible for water treatment. The current system was introduced in the mid 1950s with the formation of Metro Toronto in 1954 and was managed by Metro Toronto. Following amalgamation in 1998, Toronto Water was created from the Toronto Works and Emergency Services and once part of Metro Toronto Works department. Since 1975, Toronto has supplied water to York Region (mostly to residents in the south end of York).
Read more about this topic: Toronto Water
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