Conservation Authorities are partnering with the Provincial Government to assist in delivering the second phase of a popular drinking water stewardship program. The Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP) is designed to protect municipal sources of drinking water. A $28 million, four-year commitment from the Provincial Government is assisting landowners, businesses and municipalities in protecting municipal drinking water. 2011 marks the introduction of the second phase of the voluntary program moving from Early Actions to Early Response. The Early Response program will address particular local drinking water threats identified by Source Protection Committees through local Assessment Reports.

Specifically, $406,700 in funding will be available for voluntary stewardship projects by property owners in the Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula Source Protection Region. Landowners who may be eligible for these grants are those located in an area surrounding a municipal well. "Landowners in our region may be eligible to receive assistance to complete projects that will help protect local sources of drinking water," states Mike Traynor, Chair of the local Source Protection Committee. "What a great opportunity for local residents to make a difference!"

The ODWSP is delivered in the Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula Source Protection Region by Drinking Water Source Protection, located in Owen Sound, Ontario. Created under the Clean Water Act, 2006, the ODWSP provides financial assistance for landowners within vulnerable areas to complete projects that will protect local water sources. Such projects include well and septic upgrades, manure storage facilities, fuel and chemical storage projects, and many more. Nearly $700,000 in grants has already been provided to local landowners over the past three years.

"Almost all 36 conservation authorities collaborate with the province to deliver the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program," says Dick Hibma, Chair of Conservation Ontario, Grey Sauble Conservation and Grey Sauble Source Protection Authority. "Through our partnership we work directly with landowners and businesses to implement best management practices, prevent or reduce threats to drinking water and raise public awareness about the importance of protecting water sources."