Source Water Protection
The Conservation Ontario News Release:
CONSERVATION ONTARIO
MEDIA RELEASE Monday, December 5, 2005
CONSERVATION ONTARIO ENCOURAGED BY GOVERNMENT'S SUPPORT FOR SOURCE WATER PROTECTION
December 5, 2005
NEWMARKET - The introduction of the Clean Water Act is an important step toward ensuring safe drinking water for all Ontarians and Conservation Ontario is encouraged by the government's support of source water protection planning.
"While we haven't examined it in detail, we are pleased that the government has maintained its commitment to introduce legislation this session," said Peter Krause, Chair of Conservation Ontario, the organization that represents Ontario's network of 36 Conservation Authorities.
"Water is critical to all aspects of our lives. Significant attention and resources are essential to guarantee enough clean water for Ontarians now and in the future," said Mr. Krause. "Our water supply is not inexhaustible. We have an obligation to care for what we have."
Conservation Authorities are this province's leading watershed managers. Source Protection legislation will provide an important framework on how best to protect sources of drinking water such as rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater.
Since the tragedy at Walkerton in May 2000, Conservation Ontario and its member Authorities have worked with the province and other stakeholders, including municipalities and the farming community, to provide expertise in developing the best approach to source water protection.
Conservation Authorities currently deliver a variety of watershed management programs to improve water quality, reduce flood and erosion damages, provide an adequate water supply, protect natural areas and biodiversity, and provide environmental education to watershed residents. Because they are structured on a watershed basis, Conservation Authorities are able to co-ordinate and streamline local delivery of water management and source protection activities.
Conservation Ontario represents the 36 Conservation Authorities in the province which are local, community-based environmental organizations that manage natural resources with a particular emphasis on water. The Conservation Authorities have a strong track record of partnering with municipal, provincial and federal governments in developing practical solutions to watershed issues.