Interested in Getting Involved in Protecting Our Drinking Water?
We are looking for a new member for the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe (SGBLS) Source Protection Committee!
Drinking water is important for everyone and it is vital that drinking water sources are protected. Source Protection Plans play a key role in this effort by identifying threats to municipal drinking water and strategies to mitigate them. The Source Protection Committee helps keep these plans up-to-date to ensure the continued protection of drinking water sources.
The South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe (SGBLS) Source Protection Region is looking to add a new public member to their Source Protection Committee (Under Ontario Regulation 288/07, Clean Water Act, 2006). This is an opportunity for individuals who are interested in drinking water protection to have hands-on experience working with source protection authorities and scientists; and have a positive impact on drinking water quality in your region.
Summary of Committee Member Obligations and Requirements
- Make a five-year commitment to participate;
- Attend committee meetings (3 to 4 meetings per year);
- Attend training and orientation sessions as required;
- Act as liaison by bringing forward common concerns from knowledge and experience of respective sector to the committee;
- Provide input and make decisions at the committee table;
- Understand source protection science concepts and technical reports;
- Review reports/documents as required.
- Members must reside, own property, rent property, be employed in, or operate a business within the boundaries of the SGBLS Source Protection Region;
- Cannot be a current Source Protection Authority Board or staff member;
- Respect confidential information and abide by the process in place to safeguard confidential information;
- Comply with the committee’s code of conduct.
How to Apply
Application is available at this link. Please note that a pdf form is available upon request at SWP@LSRCA.on.ca
Deadline is October 18th, 2024
A selection committee will review all applications and make recommendations to the lead Source Protection Authority to endorse the preferred applicants. The selection committee may require applicants to participate in an interview.
Questions or Comments?
Contact: Bill Thompson, Manager, Watershed Plans and Strategies
120 Bayview Parkway, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 3W3
Tel: 905-895-1281 ext. 271
E-mail: b.thompson@lsrca.on.ca
Other Ways You Can Help
Practice water conservation – Half our water use is in the bathroom. Fix that leaky tap. Install a low flow shower head or dual flush toilet. In summer, half our water is wasted outside. Get a rain barrel to collect water for your gardens. Sweep your driveway it with a broom instead of using a hose. Wash your car on the grass instead of the driveway (but not on your septic or leaching bed!).
Maintain your well – Unmaintained, old or unused wells on your property can become a direct pathway for pollution to contaminate groundwater. Contact a licensed well contractor and have your well inspected and maintained. Have unused wells properly decommissioned.
Maintain your septic system – Have it pumped regularly. A failing septic system can contaminate sources of drinking water and cause serious environmental and health problems. Regular, proper maintenance is money well spent and reduces the likelihood of a costly system replacement.
If you heat your home with oil or other fuels – Consider replacing your fuel tank with a double walled or double bottomed tank and installing a drip tray alarm (on indoor tanks). This will help to protect your property and drinking water sources.
In the yard – Take care when handling fuel and other hazardous liquids. Even small amounts of spilled or leaked fuel can contaminate many thousands of litres of groundwater. Plant native plants that require less watering once established. Bonus… they provide food and habitat for local wildlife like bees, butterflies and birds.
In the garage/basement – Be careful and alert when handling, storing or using chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers. Spills of these substances can make our water supplies unsafe for human or animal consumption.
Dispose of your hazardous substances properly – Participate in your municipality’s Household Hazardous Waste program. These programs make sure that substances are disposed of properly and don’t end up contaminating our water supplies.
If you have a shoreline – Keep it natural. Maintain natural vegetation along the shoreline to reduce run-off of pollutants into the water. Vegetation along the shoreline also discourages Canada geese from taking residence on your property.