Source Water Protection

COURSE OVERVIEW

Source water is untreated water from streams, lakes, rivers, or underground aquifers that people use for potable water supply. By stopping contaminants from getting into sources of drinking water lakes, rivers and underground aquifers and preventing overuse of these water resources, we can provide the first line of defense in the protection of our environment and the health of Ontarians. Source Water Protection is an initiative to protect Ontario’s drinking water from overuse and contamination and complements water treatment and monitoring by reducing risks to water supplies in the first place.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Background: multi-barrier approach, intake protection zone, timelines, guidance on developing a source water protection plan, worksheets.
• Water characteristics: physical, chemical, microbiological, surface water, groundwater. Water sources: source protection.
• Threats to source water: microbiological contamination, summary of pathogens, chemical contamination, radiological contamination, other sources. Appendices: glossary and FAQs, the Clean Water Act.

PREREQUISITE

Open.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Public works personnel, band councillors, water and wastewater plant managers.