New Guidelines Proposed For Water Haulers

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR -New Guidelines Proposed For Water Haulers

Public safety is highlighted in new management controls being proposed for water haulers in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Environment and Labour released draft guidelines for registered water haulers today, June 21.

"The water haulers association asked us to establish standards for the equipment and the sources from which the water is taken," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. "We agreed that these are appropriate actions to ensure public confidence in our drinking water supplies."

Although there are abundant groundwater supplies in Nova Scotia, some wells occasionally run dry and need to be filled by a water hauler. Some large commercial facilities also depend on reservoirs that are refilled by water haulers.

Mr. Morash said the water hauling industry has asked for tighter controls on operators, too. "We're proposing to require water haulers to hold a certificate of qualification," he explained. "The certificate will carry an obligation to follow strict procedures to ensure the water and the equipment that carries it are safe."

Nova Scotians wishing to review the proposed guidelines and regulation changes can do so through the Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/. Consultation material is also available by calling 1-800-567-7544. The deadline for comments is Friday, July 23.