Water Export Ban Protects Environment

Acting Environment Minister Angus MacIsaac said a ban on bulk water exports is key to protecting and managing our drinking water.

"The theme of Clean Water Week is to make sure we use our water wisely. Safeguarding our drinking water supply is fundamental to making sure that happens," Mr. MacIsaac said.

The Water Resources Protection Act, which came into effect Oct. 1, now prohibits the removal of bulk water from Nova Scotia. Specifically, the law bans the bulk removal of water exceeding 25 litres.

Threats like global warming and anticipated worldwide demands on water could jeopardize our water supply. They point to the need for this law.

Water is on the minds of a lot of people these days. This week, the new Department of Environment and Labour is providing the public with information about their drinking water.

Nova Scotia has new rules to ensure that drinking water in all public places meets national health standards. However, it is important that the 40 percent of Nova Scotians on wells test their water as otherwise there is no guarantee it meets acceptable standards.

The Department is providing information through provincewide radio advertisements and on its website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/envi/ . A toll-free number at 1-866-850-5335 is available on water questions.

The law will not apply to Nova Scotia businesses that currently bottle water under licence.

"We are still maintaining control of our water. When managed properly, we can sustain our water," said the minister.

This law does not change the way food manufacturers, fish processors and other businesses use water to do business. It also provides for the use of bulk water in firefighting, security or humanitarian emergencies.