Keeping Water Clean in Middle Musquodoboit

A new water hauler fill station in Middle Musquodoboit will become a reality thanks to funding provided by the province.

The funding will help with the completion of the fill station and the development of a plan to ensure the long-term protection of groundwater for the people of Musquodoboit Valley. In total, the province contributed $60,000 to the project.

"Safe drinking water is essential to the health and wealth of Nova Scotians. This funding is an important step in keeping clean water clean in the Musquodoboit area," said Ron Russell, Minister of Environment and Labour. "This is a great example of a municipality and water utility working with our department to develop a plan to prevent contaminants from entering drinking water. It shows their commitment to our province's water strategy."

At the request of water haulers, the Halifax Regional Water Commission is developing a water supply well in Middle Musquodoboit to service the Musquodoboit Valley. Water haulers deliver water to domestic wells, swimming pools, landscaping companies, mobile wash companies and general contractors. When haulers deliver potable water, they are only allowed to withdraw it from a certified municipal source.

The protection plan will identify the water source, potential sources of contamination, and will lead to development of a management plan to prevent contamination.

A wellhead protection plan helps ensure that water remains clean. Once a drinking water supply becomes contaminated, it is difficult and costly to install treatment facilities or to locate another source of water.

The results of the wellhead protection plan will be documented, and will serve as an example for water haulers and others interested in preparing similar protection plans in the future.

"The water commission believes in the premise, quality in means quality out," said Carl Yates, general manager of Halifax Regional Water Commission. "Source protection through a wellhead protection plan goes a long way to ensure quality in."

The total budget for the Middle Musquodoboit station is $160,000. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations will provide $50,000 and Environment and Labour $10,000. Halifax Regional Municipality will contribute $35,000 and the Halifax Regional Water Commission $65,000.

"It's great when several levels of government contribute to ensure an affordable service to our residents," said Steve Streatch, Halifax Regional Municipality councillor for District 1

• Eastern Shore.

Construction is under way and the fill station should be in operation by this spring.