Drinking Water Safety in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Drinking Water Safety in Newfoundland and Labrador “Water – A Mixed Solution” Provincial Rural Water Quality Workshop The Harris Center, MITACS and NEIA November 18, 2009 Haseen Khan, P.Eng. Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

2. Overview of Government Initiatives • Drinking water safety is one of high priority areas • Actively involved in drinking water safety since 2001 Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

3. Government Initiatives • Multi-Barrier Strategic Action Plan Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

4. Accomplishments of MBSAP • Source to Tap Report (2001) • Annual Drinking Water Safety Report (2002 – present) • Annual Drinking Water Safety Workshop (2001 – present) Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

5. Accomplishments of MBSAP • Source water protection program • Drinking water quality monitoring program Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

6. Accomplishments of MBSAP • Operator, Education and Training Section established in 2003 • Provides training and certification to operators through: • Classroom training • Hands-on training • Certification exams Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

7. Accomplishments of MBSAP • Public Reporting • Quarterly and annual interpretive reports • Annual report to the House of Assembly • On-line DWQ GIS Application • Boil water advisories ALL DRINKING WATER DATA IS PUBLIC Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

8. Accomplishments of MBSAP • Boil Water Advisories are issued as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of drinking water quality Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

9. Government Initiatives • Rural Drinking Water Safety Initiative • Issues identified in rural communities • The Initiative was announced in 2008 • Designed to deal with only rural areas • $20 million allocated over a three year period Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

10. Accomplishments of RDWSI • Completion of: • Sustainable Options for the Management of Drinking Water Quality in Small Water Systems Report • Studies underway: • PWDUs • Operation and maintenance of water systems Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

11. Accomplishments of RDWSI • 7 potable water dispensing units (PWDUs) currently in operation • Received 47 applications for PWDUs • Design completed for 26 PWDUs to be installed in Spring 2010 Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

12. Areas of Collaboration Government Regulatory Agency Academia Research and Development • DBP formation • Community outreach • Drinking water treatment technologies • Other projects as agreed upon through mutual discussion Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

13. Newfoundland and Labrador The approach undertaken by the Government of NL has made us a leader in the country on Drinking Water Safety Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation

14. Thank You Questions? Water Resources Management Division Department of Environment & Conservation