Budget Bulletin: Safe, Healthy Drinking Water

The province is taking further steps to help protect our drinking water. Through the provincial Drinking Water Strategy, $800,000 will be spent in 2003-04 to manage the resource.

The government is working with municipalities to complete reports that will identify any areas where systems need improvement. Through Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, the province is making an estimated $500,000 available to help the municipalities that qualify to complete these reports.

Since October 2000, the province has made many investments in drinking water. This year $700,000 will fund 14 staff who have expertise in water issues, including four hydrogeologists and four inspectors.

The department will spend an additional $100,000 this year to develop public outreach information for municipal and registered public water systems. Activities will include the creation of a handbook for municipal operators, public education materials for homeowners who drink well water, and training for water supply operators and staff.

NOTE: For further 2003-04 budget information, visit the Department of Finance Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .