The Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Plan means new rules for properties near drinking water sources
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Changes are coming for property owners who live, farm or work in close proximity to drinking water sources in Oxford County.
Almost 10 years in the making, the changes can be attributed to the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Plan, which saw the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority working with municipalities, agricultural and industry representatives, to develop a plan for their region.
The science-based plan, designed to protect lakes, rivers and sources of underground water, goes into effect on Dec. 31, 2015 and outlines actions to eliminate, manage or reduce risks to drinking water sources.
“We developed a plan that is reasonable and fair,” said Deborah Goudreau, Oxford’s water service manager. “It will ultimately make sure our water is safe.”
The plan is the result of post-Walkerton legislation that included the Safe and Clean Water Acts.
“One of the recommendations out of Walkerton Inquiry was the protection of drinking water should be source to tap — a multi-barrier approach,” she said. “It’s a different way of looking at it.”
The County of Oxford spent years mapping out, studying and determining where wellhead protection was necessary.
“We’ve done quite a bit of modeling and studying to determine where the water comes from,” Goudreau said. “The new plan is improved and looks at activities on the land and has policies in it designed to prevent significant threats to the system.”
Recent figures prepared by county staff have indicated that there are 578 significant threats to water occurring on 341 properties.
Goudreau said they county will be targeting chemical storage on properties, septic systems and the spread of manure on agricultural lands.
“Property owners will be required in certain areas to have risk management plans in places where those activities impact the drinking water,” she said. “Septic systems will now be inspected every five years to ensure they are functioning properly. We’re recommending an incentive program so there wouldn’t be a fee for an inspection.”
In a recent report to county council, staff recommended costs associated with source protection plans be funded through a source water charge of $1.20 per month or $0.03/m3 that would generate $500,000 annually for incentive and operating costs, including the septic system program.
“Should the funding model and incentive program presented not be adopted, the county’s ability to meet its requirements under the Clean Water Act will be compromised,” the report read.
Goudreau acknowledge that among property owners affected by the plan there is “a lot of concern and uncertainty,” but she said the county is working with them to explain the new process.
The new plan is one of four source protection plans applicable to Oxford County that have been under development, including the Catfish Creek Source Protection Plan. The Long Point and Grand River source protection plans will likely be approved next year.