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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11, 2003

New well rules could endanger drinking water

TORONTO – New water well regulations that went into effect Aug. 1, 2003, do not meet the Walkerton Inquiry recommendations and could allow unscrupulous well contractors to have a field day, say concerned workers at the Ministry of the Environment, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

OPSEU members at the Ministry of the Environment are concerned that amendments to regulations announced last April will compromise public safety.

“The province must fully implement the recommendations of the Walkerton Inquiry and develop a ‘source to tap’ drinking water policy that includes effective regulation of water wells,” said Leah Casselman, president of OPSEU, “and adequately fund and enforce its drinking water legislation.”

Members cited the following aspects of the new regulations as especially troubling:

· The ministry has lowered standards for disinfecting wells with chlorine.

· There are no requirements to clean newly constructed wells, which could lead to sediments and other material getting into wells and making the water undrinkable and difficult to disinfect.

· There are no requirements to seal water line connections, which could lead to contaminants entering the drinking water.

· There are no requirements for well contractors to test for explosive, poisonous and radioactive gases. These gases are common in ground water in Ontario.

The new regulations also allow for contractors to utilize some “used” materials in “new” well construction. Used materials may have defects, be contaminated or can cause the product’s life span to be significantly shortened or unpredictable.

“The province must strengthen their legislation,” said Casselman, “the millions of Ontarians who rely on water wells deserve better.”

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For more information:

Mike Ladouceur, Local 429 president (613) 549-4000 ext. 2655