NLIS 6
June 9, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)


Minister releases 2003-04 annual drinking water report

The Minister of Environment and Conservation, Tom Osborne, today reiterated government�s commitment to ensuring safe and clean drinking water in the province as he released the 2003-04 annual drinking water report entitled Drinking Water Safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The annual report outlines activities undertaken under the province�s Multi-Barrier Strategic Action Plan that helps to protect drinking water in the province. The report also highlights the progress being made in safeguarding our drinking water," said Minister Osborne. "Drinking water safety is a priority for government and we are working diligently to continue to improve drinking water from public water supplies by taking action on many fronts through our multi-barrier strategic action plan."

Highlights of government�s actions in the 2003-04 drinking water report include the designation of 23 new protected water supply areas, an investment of substantial capital funds for various water and sewer projects, reduction in the number of boil water advisories, improved reporting and management of water quality data and boil water advisories through a GIS application, progress on reducing THMs and other drinking water quality issues in a number of communities, improvements in regulatory and inspection systems, and the delivery of 75 seminars and 369 on-site training sessions through the department�s education and training program for operators of public water systems.

Minister Osborne said the people of the province can be assured that government will work hard to build on the progress made to date in protecting our drinking water. "We pledge to continue to implement the necessary measures that will keep our drinking water safe and reliable," added the minister. "We are committed to putting adequate safeguards in place at each stage of the water supply system, thus providing clean and safe drinking water to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. While there are still challenges in ensuring safe drinking water, government is dedicated to working with all communities around the province in a pro-active manner to address any challenges that may come before us."

The 2003-04 drinking water report is available on the Department of Environment and Conservation Web site at www.env.gov.nl.ca/Env/env/waterres/Reports/Reports.asp

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 06 09                                    3:40 p.m.

 

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