March 1, 2007
New Regulations To Further Protect Drinking Water Quality In Manitoba: Melnick
New regulations under the Drinking Water Safety Act that come into effect today will help protect and improve drinking water quality across Manitoba, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick has announced.
The new regulations establish clear water-quality standards, including bacterial and microbial levels, that are to be met by public and semi-public water systems. Other areas covered by the new regulations include the construction and alteration of water-supply facilities and protocols on reporting of laboratory results.
“This is another step in our efforts to ensure drinking water supplies are safe and reliable for all Manitobans,” said Melnick. “Protecting drinking water is a top priority. These new regulations under the Drinking Water Safety Act, combined with other initiatives under the Water Protection Act, work to protect the well-being of Manitobans and the environment while promoting safe and sustainable use of this precious resource.”
The new regulations address the terms and conditions for operating a water-supply system and define the responsibilities for water-system owners and operators, to ensure a supply of safe drinking water. The regulations also call for mandatory testing and record keeping for such water systems.
The new regulations will also require water utilities serving 1,000 or more people to issue an annual report which will help ensure accountability to their customers and assist the public to better understand their local water systems.
Related requirements under the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Regulation take effect May 1, requiring water and waste-water facility owners to be properly classified and their operators certified.
Combined with other initiatives, Manitoba has now addressed nearly all 29 recommendations from the Drinking Water Advisory Committee report, Melnick said.
Further information on the new Drinking Water Safety Act regulations is available by contacting Manitoba’s Office of Drinking Water at 204-945-5762.
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