City warns against door-to-door salesmen

The City of Ottawa is asking residents to be on the lookout for door-to-door sales people spreading false information about the city’s water quality.

Several residents have already complained about sales people coming to their door trying to sell water filtration systems, which are supposedly needed due to the poor quality of Ottawa’s drinking water, the city said in a public safety announcement on Thursday. 

But nothing is wrong with the water quality in the city and no special systems are needed to make the water safe to drink. In fact, it’s among the safest in the world, the city release said. 

“The city reminds residents that Ottawa’s drinking water undergoes rigorous, ongoing testing to ensure it is completely safe and of the highest quality,” the release said. “The drinking water delivered to city residents exceeds all federal and provincial health-based water quality guidelines and standards.”

It also told residents that city employees don’t sell anything door-to-door, often schedule visits in advance and have photo identity cards. 

Any residents who received unsolicited calls are advised to call the Ottawa police.