For Immediate Release
March 23, 2005

MOE Advisory Council suggests new way for regulating small water systems

Simcoe – Drinking water systems at community halls, churches, bed and breakfasts, camps and tourist outfitters may become the responsibility of the public health units.

Last June, Environment Minister Leona Dombrowsky appointed the Advisory Council on Drinking Water Quality and Testing Standards – the council’s mandate was to provide recommendations and advice on the requirements of Regulation 170, which affects small waterworks.

“The Advisory Council found that the requirements under Regulation 170 were costly and stringent,” said PC Environment Critic Toby Barrett. “This is exactly what my colleagues and I have been telling the Minister in the Ontario Legislature.

The council’s report contains 22 recommendations that propose an alternative framework for administering small water works – recommendations include:

· Transferring the responsibility for administering drinking water programs for all commercial and institutional systems to the public health units;
· Covering the costs of the safe drinking water program would be covered by user fees as well as provincial funding;
· Continuing to regulate private systems that serve year-round residences such as rural subdivisions, apartments/condominiums and mobile home parks under Reg. 170, but to have the municipalities and province work together to develop a framework for providing technical and financial assistance.

“These recommendation exemplifies the success of people signing petitions and rallying outside of Queen’s Park,” concluded Barrett.

Barrett encourages those who may operate a small waterworks to view the entire report at: www.odwac.gov.on.ca/reports/020805_Reg_170_Final_Report.pdf

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For more information please contact Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629