Prince Edward Island: Bill 13, the Water Act.
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The Water Act was proclaimed in February 2021 for implementation on June 16, 2021. Four regulations needed initially to implement the Act were published on February 22, 2021. They comprise:
- the Proposed Water Withdrawal Regulation;
- the Proposed Well Construction Regulations
- the Proposed Water Supply, the Wastewater Treatment Systems Regulations;and
- the Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations.
Under these regulations all water wells drawing above the level of domestic household consumption will require a permit. Under the changes:
- the government’s water withdrawal policy for healthy stream flow and aquatic environments is included defining acceptable levels needed to allow or prohibit extraction;
- the minister can require a drought contingency plan for selected, large water withdrawal programs;
- a provision is made for the construction of high capacity wells for research purposes; and,
- a provision is made to grandfather existing clusters of low capacity wells used for agricultural irrigation (e.g. holding ponds); however, no new clusters that have the same impact as a high-capacity well will be permitted.
The regulations continue to be available online for public comment at:
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/environment-energy-and-climate-action/water-act
Access the Water Act at:
https://wdf.princeedwardisland.ca/download/dms?objectId=69a7ec56-61fb-4198-b8be-142138341111&fileName=chapter-17.pdf
