Municipal Water Approval Protocols
On October 17, 2002, the Province of Nova Scotia released a comprehensive drinking water strategy. As stated in the Minister's message, the success of the strategy rests on the ability of all the stakeholders to work together effectively in the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to all Nova Scotians.
An important responsibility of the provincial government is to issue approvals for the construction and operation of water treatment and distribution facilities. The strategy identified that Nova Scotia Environment and Labour is required to renew and standardize all municipal water systems approvals to verify that each system is technically capable of achieving current environmental standards.
The Department has developed a comprehensive approach to achieve this initiative within a realistic framework and time line. The key components of the approach are:
System Assessment Report and Terms of Reference
The purpose of the System Assessment is to:
- characterize source water quality;
- identify infrastructure necessary to adequately treat the source water;
- review facility classification and identify staffing needs and training requirements;
- identify distribution system monitoring requirements.
A clear Terms of Reference (PDF: 65k) document has been prepared to assist municipal water system owners when completing these reports.
Treatment Standards and GUDI Protocol
The Treatment Standard (PDF: 10.8mb) outlines the requirements for surface water supplies and groundwater supplies under the direct influence of surface water (GUDI). GUDI supplies are impacted or susceptible to contamination by surface water and therefore must be treated as a surface water source.
The GUDI Protocol (PDF: 142k) has been prepared to enable municipal water system owners to identify whether their groundwater supplies are under the influence of surface water.
The Natural Filtration Guidelines (PDF: 59k) have been prepared to outline the criteria for determining which groundwater supplies that are under the direct influence of surface water (GUDI) may be assigned a log removal credit for the natural filtration capacity of the aquifer. GUDI supplies that are assigned a log removal credit may apply the credit towards meeting the requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Standard.
The Groundwater Treatment Standard (PDF: 64k) outlines the requirements for secure groundwater supplies.
Timing
The following timeframe is identified in the Action Plan for the Drinking Water Strategy (PDF: 1.2mb) :
- Fall 2002 Advise municipalities of the Approvals Renewal initiative.
- Spring 2003 Work with municipalities to have System Assessment Reports submitted by April 2004.
- Spring 2004 Receive Systems Assessment Reports from municipal water systems.
- Spring 2005 Work with municipalities to have comprehensive treatment and operational strategies in place for municipal water supplies, as well as water supply protection strategies in progress.
- Spring 2008 Target date for municipal water systems to meet full compliance with environmental standards.
Points of Clarification
The Department has issued Points of Clarification (PDF: 74k) on Municipal Approvals Renewal Process. Points covered include:
- System Assessment Reports
- Treatment Standard for Municipal Surface Source Water Treatment Facilities
- Protocol for Determining Ground Water under the Direct Influence of Surface Water
- Operator Certification Standards.
- Application for Approval
Concluding Remarks
This proactive process provides benchmarks and standardization that will enable all stakeholders to meet their individual and collective roles and responsibilities in the delivery of safe, clean drinking water. This process provides for accountability. More importantly, this process provides confidence in the drinking water systems here in Nova Scotia.
