Drinking Water Source Protection
What is drinking water source protection?
Source water is the raw, untreated water that we take from lakes, rivers and underground aquifers to supply people with drinking water. “Drinking water source protection” means protecting these sources of drinking water from contamination and overuse. The focus is on prevention.
What are source protection plans?
Source protection plans contain the policies to protect local drinking water sources. The Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan, which took effect on December 31st, 2015, was developed by a local source protection committee. The policies range from prohibition of activities that threaten drinking water to education policies that encourage best management practices.
In these protection zones the water sources are particularly vulnerable to contamination activities such as fuel storage, septic systems, chemical storage, and application of pesticides, fertilizers and manure. Source protection plan policies regulate these types of activities to prevent potential contamination.
Road Signs: Drinking Water Protection Zone
These signs are appearing across Ontario to raise awareness about our drinking water sources and to protect our health. You may see the signs as you enter and exit the drinking water protection zone surrounding the municipal well. Governments at the provincial and local level are placing signs where a spill could have a significant negative impact on our drinking water. The signs are a very visible and cost-effective way to educate and remind everyone of the need to protect our water sources.
An important part of protecting water supplies is knowing where the most vulnerable areas are around our municipal water sources. The new road signs will help to create public awareness and remind us that our actions and activities in these sensitive areas matter.
Other potential benefits of the signs include alerting emergency responders that there is a nearby well. In the event of a spill, emergency responders can notify Ontario’s Spills Action Centre and water operators. Quick action will protect the public drinking water source and public health.
For more information on:
- Drinking water protection
- Fact sheets on fuel, chemicals, agricultural activities, etc.
- The Source Protection Plans
- The Assessment Reports and maps
Go to www.sourcewaterprotection.on.ca
To view the Government of Ontario overview of drinking water source protection and the Ontario Clean Water Act visit: www.ontario.ca/page/source-protection
Contact Us
Jake Collings
Manager of Public Works
Township of Perth East
25 Mill Street East
Milverton, Ontario N0K 1M0
T.: 519-595-2800 x234
Toll Free: 1-888-712-0618
F.: 519-595-2801
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