PROTECTING OUR SOURCE WATER
Protecting our drinking water is a collaborative effort – and it begins at the source. The BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA) is committed to supporting the water sector with resources on source water protection and working with partners, like American Water Works Association (AWWA). By protecting our rivers, lakes and vital water sources and keeping them free from pollution and contaminants, we can reduce risks to public health, control water treatment costs and ensure access to drinking water for generations.
There are a number of resources available on source water protection in BC and the Yukon including:
PROVINCE OF BC
The Province of BC's Water Quality Information page provides information and reports related to drinking and recreational water quality, guidelines, objectives and monitoring.
The Watershed Security Strategy and Fund will build on efforts inside and outside of government to ensure our water and watersheds are respected and valued for all they provide. The government's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples will be foundational to this work.
Water Data & Tools is a resource used to find scientific data, information and tools that assist in planning and protecting our water resources.
OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER
This report is an update on drinking water in BC. It covers fiscal years 2012-13 through 2016-17. It reports on progress towards the Action Plan for Safe Drinking Water in British Columbia and introduces new indicators and a reporting structure for drinking water in BC that is consistent with a multi-barrier approach.
BC GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION
The Ground Water Protection Regulation Handbook is intended to be used as a reference tool for well owners and industry practitioners to:
- Understand their responsibilities in relation to wells as set out by the Groundwater Protection Regulation under the Water Sustainability Act;
- Access specific information in relation to well siting, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, deactivation, decommissioning, and reporting using simple language and clear illustrations; and
- Gain awareness of industry best practices, additional information sources, and other legislation that relates to the well drilling industry in BC.
OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD
The Source Water Protection Toolkit was crafted to simplify the source protection planning process, and to inspire a more holistic approach to drinking water management – one where we work together to take care of the land so that it can take care of the water.
BC SMALL WATER SYSTEMS ONLINE HELP CENTRE
Source Assessments and Source Protection Plans help with understanding your water source, documenting the observed hazards and managing the risks associated with natural and human-made hazards. It is also the first step in protecting your water source.
GOVERNMENT OF YUKON
This report is intended to assist in advancing water protection through fostering knowledge-sharing between different governments and organizations. It includes 60 summaries of drinking water systems throughout Yukon.
AWWA RESOURCES
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has compiled a reservoir of resources to support knowledge-sharing during Source Water Protection Week:
This report is intended to help drinking water utilities of all sizes identify and document quantitative and/or qualitative metrics to assess the benefits of source water protection measures and programs over time. This information will help to evaluate the success of measures and the program relative to program goals, to demonstrate the value and results of investments in source water protection and to adjust the program as needed.
The AWWA developed the Protecting Drinking Water at the Source brochure to provide a concise overview of, and to suggest ways to protect, water – an invaluable natural asset.
Outreach and education are critical components of source water protection but finding the right means to reach customers and deciding what to say may seem like a challenge. This report is designed to help small- and medium-sized utilities more effectively communicate on source water protection in their Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs).