Thames Centre delegates Upper Thames River Conservation Authority as Risk Management Official and Inspector (media release, March 25, 2024)

Under the Ontario Clean Water Act, the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan (SPP) was developed to protect municipal sources of drinking water in the Upper Thames River, Lower Thames Valley, and St. Clair Region watersheds. These three regions make up the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region (TSR). Various policies included in the SPP are to be carried out by municipalities or delegates.

Thames Centre officially delegated the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) to implement the SPP policies for Dorchester and Thorndale. On March 18th, 2024, a Source Protection Joint Risk Management Services Agreement was signed for a 21-month term.

TSR Risk Management Officials and Inspectors will begin working with residents and landowners engaged in activities identified as threats to drinking water sources. Often, this results in the development of Risk Management Plans which outline actions to prevent risks from becoming significant drinking water threats.

“Together with Thames Centre, we’re looking forward to ensuring a safe source of drinking water for Dorchester and Thorndale residents. Our Risk Management Officials and Inspectors will work diligently to determine vulnerable areas, identify possible threats, and develop plans to protect the communities’ drinking water,” said Julie Welker, UTRCA Source Protection Coordinator.

Other municipalities with a Source Protection Joint Risk Management Services Agreement with the UTRCA include St. Marys, Stratford, Perth East, and West Perth.

Contact: Julie Welker, Source Protection Coordinator, UTRCA