Safe and Reliable Source of Drinking Water (Motion #23-05)

Approved on March 24, 2005, by the Sudbury & District Board of Health.

Motion

WHEREAS it is recognized by all levels of government that safe and reliable sources of drinking water are essential to the well being of the communities that we serve; and

WHEREAS in Part Two of the Report of the Walkerton Inquiry, Commissioner Dennis O’Connor recommended that the Ontario government enact a Safe Drinking Water Act to deal with matters related to the treatment and distribution of drinking water; and

WHEREAS Ontario Regulation 170/03 made under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 addresses responsibilities related to safe drinking water; and

WHEREAS drinking water system owners and operators are required under Regulation 170/03 to ensure that their drinking water systems meet prescribed drinking-water quality standards, are operated in accordance with the Act and regulations and are kept in a good state of repair, are appropriately staffed and supervised and that all sampling, testing and monitoring and reporting requirements are complied with; and

WHEREAS complying with Regulation 170/03 creates a significant resource and financial burden; and

WHEREAS many owners and operators of regulated water systems are challenged to meet the demands of the legislation and are struggling with continuing operation of drinking water systems; and

WHEREAS enforcement of the legislation is an essential and critical component to the provision of safe drinking water;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Sudbury & District Board of Health requests the Government of Ontario seek mechanisms to financially support owners, operators and regulators of regulated water systems to ensure initial and continued compliance with Regulation 170/03;

AND FURTHER THAT this Board of Health requests other Ontario Boards of Health and municipalities to advocate for similar funding.

This item was last modified on June 12, 2015