Stewardship Program tries to protect local drinking water

Health & Fitness

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Funding is being announced today through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program – Early Actions. This initiative will provide financial assistance to eligible local landowners who take action to protect source drinking water by:

• Upgrading or decommissioning wells and septic systems
• Installing runoff and erosion control measures
• Implementing agricultural best management practices
• Conducting pollution prevention reviews
   

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is receiving $100,000 in new funding. This local conservation authority works in partnership with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority to deliver the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program for the region.

Ontario is investing $7 million provincewide in 2010 this year as part of the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program under the Clean Water Act. This program is designed to help property owners, farmers and small businesses who are near municipal drinking water intakes and wells, protect municipal drinking water sources.

Protecting drinking water sources is the first line of defense in Ontario’s approach to safeguarding drinking water. The government is committed to ensuring every Ontarian has access to safe, high quality drinking water.

“Communities across Ontario have benefited greatly from the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program. We are pleased to work together with the local community to help protect local drinking water sources,” says John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment.

MPP Carol Mitchell also said that, “We have a shared responsibility for protecting drinking water. Our government is making it easier for people who live and work in Huron-Bruce communities to do their part and take actions to help protect local drinking water sources now and into the future.”

“Financial incentives for improvements by owners of business, farm and residential properties near municipal wells are an essential way to protect drinking water sources. The Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program financial support provided in this region demonstrates the long-term commitment of the Province of Ontario to this approach,”  adds Jim Ginn, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA)

Since 2007, the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program has funded more than 800 completed projects with another 400 currently underway. Since 2005, the Ontario government has invested more than $150 million to protect drinking water sources.

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Friday, May 21, 2010