The Water Haller – May 2017

The Water Haller – May 2017

Working on our primary goals:

Over the past few years you have heard a lot from me about how CWWA is reorganizing our finances or staff or our events strategy, but the reason we exist is to represent you, the water/wastewater utility sector in Canada. We have never forgotten that role, but just haven’t shared our efforts with you as much.

Of course, the number one story in Ottawa for us is the federal budget and the infrastructure plan. We have been sharing news as we get it on the budget and amounts, but still awaiting the details of how the funds will flow and how our members can best access those funds. Our Window on Ottawa will try to shine a light on the opportunities. We are very pleased with the funds flowing to the FCM and how they are using those funds to promote municipal programs in asset management and climate change. These too will be showcased at the Window.

CWWA has been very active in discussions around lead. Health Canada has proposed dramatic changes to the Drinking Water Guidelines that will put Canada out front as one of the strictest standards. While we are all supportive of reducing lead levels and providing safe water, we argue for reasonable time and financing to get us there. We can’t switch overnight to cut lead limits in half, especially given proposed testing protocols. Meanwhile, there is a private members bill (Bob Bratina M-69) before parliament proposing deeper studies of the lead issues and determining a leadership role for the federal government. We are making submissions to both of these federal efforts.

The Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations have not disappeared. We have been arguing for federal financial support as well as for some flexibility to maximize the impact of our investments. A couple of years into the program, we are starting to see the enforcement of the regulations and have some concerns on consistency and fairness. This is a topic we will engage Environment Canada on.  

On the security side, we have been working closely with Public Safety Canada and Dalhousie University and you should have received our Resiliency Survey. It is important that you participate and help us to design national programs with Public Safety Canada. CWWA continues to represent you at the National Critical Infrastructure Sector Forum and through a newly established Canadian Critical Infrastructure Sector Coalition.

On the Emergency Management side, and Climate Change, many of our members have been dealing with some extreme weather events this spring. CWWA has been called upon for comment by the media to speak to municipal efforts to adapt to climate change, what lessons we are learning and how we are planning for the future.

As for flushable wipes, our efforts are ramping up to develop an international set of standards developed by and for the wastewater sector, not by the manufacturers. You will all be receiving an appeal to support this effort.

Of course, all of these items and many more will be discussed in detail at the Window on Ottawa, June 5th and 6th. It’s not too late to get registered. This is a great learning and sharing opportunity.