Regulation - LGIC
Proposed amendments to drinking water operator and water quality analyst certification regulation to address impacts of emergencies
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 128/04
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002
Summary of Decision:
We are moving forward with regulatory changes to allow the ministry and drinking water systems to act quickly to help ensure that drinking water in Ontario is protected during an emergency, including by providing systems with temporary staffing options, and operators with temporary relief from training and certification requirements.
For more information, read the Decision Notice
For more information, read the Decision Notice
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
A costing analysis was carried out by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks with the support of tools provided by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. It is estimated that the proposed regulatory amendments will result in administrative costs of approximately $7,171 in 2021 for all drinking water systems combined, associated with time taken to learn about the regulatory amendments. There are no other administrative costs anticipated to be associated with these proposed amendments. The analysis indicates negligible impacts to the regulated community.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
21-MECP011
Posting Date:
May 18, 2021
Summary of Proposal:
We are proposing regulatory changes that would allow the ministry to act quickly to help ensure the province's drinking water is protected during an emergency.
The proposed changes include extending operator certificates and allowing certain qualified but non-certified staff to temporarily maintain system operations, and would only be enacted during an emergency.
These proposed changes align with temporary measures we enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and would ensure that system owners and operators can maintain continuity of operations and focus on providing safe drinking water in emergency situations.
Ontario's drinking water remains among the best protected in the world. Working with our partners and municipalities, we will continue to ensure our drinking water is held to Ontario's high safety standards, and that the environment continues to be protected.
An overview of the specific changes we're proposing to O. Reg. 128/04 made under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 are outlined on the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
The proposed changes include extending operator certificates and allowing certain qualified but non-certified staff to temporarily maintain system operations, and would only be enacted during an emergency.
These proposed changes align with temporary measures we enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and would ensure that system owners and operators can maintain continuity of operations and focus on providing safe drinking water in emergency situations.
Ontario's drinking water remains among the best protected in the world. Working with our partners and municipalities, we will continue to ensure our drinking water is held to Ontario's high safety standards, and that the environment continues to be protected.
An overview of the specific changes we're proposing to O. Reg. 128/04 made under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 are outlined on the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
Contact Address:
Neil Chisholm
416-704-8203
neil.e.chisholm@ontario.ca
416-704-8203
neil.e.chisholm@ontario.ca
Effective Date:
December 3, 2021
Decision:
Approved