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Following the completion of the technical studies
involved, the studies will undergo a peer review process
where scientists and other experts will evaluate the
technical works for technical completeness and whether
it meets provincial rules and guidance. It is generally
accepted that only the vulnerability assessment requires
peer review due to the highly technical nature of this
work. Upon completion of the peer review stakeholder
consultation on the delineation and vulnerability
assessment of the vulnerable areas can be initiated.
In order to allow for adequate stakeholder engagement in
the development of the Assessment Report a phased
approach to consultation is planned. These phases allow
multiple opportunities for stakeholders to be involved
in the consultation process. The phases will allow
multiple times and locations to be involved. The phases
align with the availability of technical reports. The
phases are also intended to target local information at
the local communities.
For more information on the Consultation Plan for the
Assessment Report, download the following document:
Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Region
Assessment Report Consultation Plan
There are 32 municipal water systems being studied as
part of the Assessment Report. Six are surface water
intakes and 16 are groundwater wells.
What is a Wellhead Protection Area?
A wellhead is simply the physical structure of the well
above the ground. A wellhead protection area is the area
surrounding the wellhead through which contaminants are
reasonably likely to move toward or reach the well. The
various zones that make up a wellhead protection area
are based on how long it would take a contaminant to get
into the well.
The amount of land involved in a wellhead protection
area is determined by a variety of factors such as the
way the land rises or falls, the amount of water being
pumped, the type of aquifer, the type of soil
surrounding the well, and the direction and speed that
groundwater travels.
100-metre area: The area where the risk to the well is
highest and the greatest care should be taken in
handling any potential contaminant.
2-year time of travel: In the second ring, bacteria and
viruses from human and animal waste are a concern, as
are hazardous chemicals.
5-year time of travel: Biological contaminants are less
of a concern in the third ring but chemical pollutants
remain a concern.
25-year time of travel: The most persistent and
hazardous pollutants remain a concern.
What is an Intake Protection Zone?
Intake Protection Zones are the areas of land and water
up stream of the municipal water intakes where special
care must be taken in the use and handling of potential
contaminants. This is the area around a water intake
where a spill or a leak may threaten the water supply so
quickly that there may not be enough time to warn a
community to shut its water intake.
Intake Protection Zone 1 (IPZ-1): This area is considered the
most vulnerable to any contaminant of concern that may
be released in this zone because of its close proximity
to the intake. Any contaminants released in this zone
have the greatest likelihood of adversely affecting the
raw water and the intake.
Intake Protection Zone 2 (IPZ-2): The Intake Protection Zone 2
(IPZ-2) accounts for the influence of shore, streams,
and rivers that are known or have the potential to
directly impact the water quality at the intake. This
area is considered high risk as any contaminant that is
spilled in this zone has a high probability of reaching
the intake and adversely affecting the water quality.
This zone was determined based on a 2-hour travel time.
This means that a contaminant could reach the intake in
2 hours should a spill or leak occur.
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