News Release                            For Release:

                                                                                                                     August 22, 2006

Health Inspection Managers Support Clean Water Act

Walkerton- Health inspection managers support the passing of Bill 43, the Clean Water Act, 2005.  That support with thirteen accompanying recommendations and comments highlight the submission from the Association of Supervisors of Public Health Inspectors of Ontario (ASPHIO) to the Standing Committee on Social Policy at hearings in Walkerton today. The association recognizes the Act will help protect existing and future sources of drinking water in Ontario but they also note the tremendous amount of work ahead to implement the legislation.

Klaus Seeger from the  Oxford County Public Health and Emergency Services and Lou D’Alessandro with the Grey-Bruce Health Unit made a joint submission on behalf of the Association of Supervisors of Public Health Inspectors of Ontario, representing members in public health unit management teams in all areas of Ontario.

Their submission outlines the critical need for the Province to commit to providing the necessary funding before any implementation of the programs and requirements of any regulations developed under the Act. Clarification of mandates and specific roles is of the utmost importance in a source water protection framework. The association invites more consultation in this area.

Concerns by ASPHIO include the need for establishing protocols to report imminent drinking water health hazards to the local Medical Officer of Health. Currently the Act only requires notification to the Ministry of Environment.

Terms of reference and protocols need to be developed for Source Protection Committees. The committees will develop regional Source Protection Plans and the role of Public Health on those committees requires further discussion.

 The association also calls for mandatory disclosure of well water potability and a septic system operational report at the time of a transfer of ownership of any property with private sewage and water services. Often new purchasers do not know age, condition or location of a property’s well or septic system.

Over all the association identifies the key challenge is to find adequate human and financial resources committed to the implementation of the legislation.

For more information:

Lou D’Alessandro                                                    Klaus Seeger

Manager, Health Protection                                      Manager, Health Protection

Grey Bruce Health Unit                                            Oxford County Public Health

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 223               519-539-9800 or 1-800-755-0394