NEWMARKET (January 11, 2016) – The Ontario Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) program has reached a significant milestone with the approval of all 22 Source Protection Plans by Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). The DWSP program is funded by the MOECC and is part of the government’s plan to protect its drinking water and the environment.
“Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities are pleased all 22 plans are approved,” says Kim Gavine, General Manager of Conservation Ontario, the association which represents Conservation Authorities. “From its inception to now, we have worked hand-in-hand with the Province to ensure the success of the source water program. The Conservation Authorities will continue to play an important role in the implementation of the Ontario DWSP program and will build on the successful delivery of technical and policy development and interpretation, implementation resource sharing, education and outreach, and risk management services to name just a few.”
The Clean Water Act, 2006 ensures communities protect their municipal drinking water supplies through prevention – by developing collaborative, watershed-based source protection plans that are based on science. Source protection planning and implementation helps to ensure drinking water is protected in communities across the province.
“With the support of MOECC, the Conservation Authorities are an integral part of the Ontario DWSP program and have achieved significant technical, policy and awareness milestones, under the guidance of their multi-stakeholder Source Protection Committees – effectively, protecting our drinking water for generations to come,” says Kim Gavine.
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Conservation Ontario represents Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities, which are local watershed management agencies, mandated to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs.
For more information:
Chitra Gowda B.Eng., M.A.Sc.
Source Water Protection Lead, Conservation Ontario
Phone (office): 905-895-0716 ext. 225
Phone (cell): 905-251-2802