Have Your Say about Drinking Water Source Protection (UTRCA weekly, June 17, 2022)
The Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan is a science-based plan aimed at protecting sources of local municipal drinking water. The plan determines areas where these drinking water sources are vulnerable, identifies potential threats, and develops plans to deal with the threats.
Staff with the drinking water source protection program have started public consultation on an update to the Source Protection Plan and related Assessment Reports. This effort is part of a five year review as outlined in the provincial Clean Water Act.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed update, which include boundary adjustments to wellhead protection areas in Oxford County, new policies, and other minor changes.
A webinar on Wednesday, July 6 at 7 pm will give an overview of the proposed changes, with the opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide feedback. If you would like to attend the webinar, you can register in advance.
This public consultation follows a recent campaign aimed at raising awareness of actions people can take to help protect sources of drinking water.
“It’s important to do a regular, comprehensive review of the Source Protection Plans and Assessment Reports to ensure they reflect current science and any changes on the landscape, to keep municipal drinking water sources protected,” says Julie Welker, UTRCA’s Source Protection Coordinator.
The Upper Thames River, Lower Thames Valley, and St. Clair Region Conservation Authorities have partnered together to coordinate the development of the Plans for our watersheds.