Public invited to comment on draft proposed source water protection plan

London Community News

The public is invited to review and comment on the Draft Proposed Source Protection Plan for the Thames-Sydenham and Region. The plan contains policies that address activities that are regarded as significant threats to sources of municipal drinking water, or that could become significant threats in the future. “The policies, when combined with the treatment, monitoring, training and notification that municipalities already undertake, result in a multi-barrier approach to protecting our drinking water,” said Chris Tasker, Source Protection project manager, in a news release. The local Source Protection Committee is asking for comments to be submitted in writing by Sept. 26. “The Committee will also hold four public meetings in September for anyone who wants to meet with staff and committee members to discuss the Plan,” Tasker said. “Information about the meetings is posted on our website.” The local Source Protection Committee has been working since 2007 to study the region and its 30 municipal drinking water systems and to develop policies to protect those water sources. Similar plans are being prepared in regions all across Ontario under the Clean Water Act, 2006. This work is directed and funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. The plan, along with the dates for the upcoming meetings, is available for viewing by visiting www.sourcewaterprotection.on.ca or at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority in London.