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News Release

For immediate release
August 1, 2003

EVES GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT RURAL DRINKING WATER

TORONTO – Environment Minister Jim Wilson said that the amended Wells Regulation that takes effect today will reduce the risk of contamination for the approximately three million Ontarians who depend on wells for drinking water.

“Poor well construction and decommissioning are an unnecessary and entirely avoidable risk to water quality and human health,” said Wilson. “Today is an important day for Ontario’s rural communities, and further evidence of our government’s commitment to meet the recommendations of the O’Connor report.”

The amended Wells Regulation (O. Reg. 903) comes into effect today across Ontario. New rules include:

• mandatory training and continuing education for those who construct wells,
• tougher standards for well construction and decommissioning,
• mandatory placement of well tags on all new wells,
• clear requirements for constructing and decommissioning test holes and de-watering wells, and;
• a requirement that all well drillers provide an information kit on the Wells Regulation to every new well owner.

The implementation of new rules for well construction and decommissioning is a significant step in protecting source water as part of the government’s comprehensive clean water strategy. It also responds directly to the recommendation of the O’Connor Inquiry that Ontario’s Wells Regulation be updated whenever necessary to require best construction practices.

The Ministry of the Environment is in the process of providing every licensed well contractor and technician in the province with a comprehensive guide to the amended regulation. Well owners who wish to receive a copy of the guide may order one by calling the ministry’s Public Information Centre (PIC) at 1-800-565-4923. “Green Facts” sheets on well construction and maintenance are also available by calling PIC or through the Ministry’s web site at http://www.ene.gov.on.ca.

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