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Policy Id:

SPR/SPA:

Risk:

4.6.2-NB

Cataraqui

Low, Moderate, Significant

Implementing Body

Legal Effect

Policy Tool

Threat Type

Status

Comment

MMAH

Strategic

Govern Research

Future & Existing

Implemented: Policy outcome(s) evaluated - No further action(s) required

MMAH, through its Building Development Branch (BDB), has not been involved in or conducted research to determine effective methods of disposing water softener backwash. BDB does not have dedicated funding for research. Stakeholders can make recommendations, with technical evidence and support, to revise the Building Code to address these issues.

MECP - Env Monitoring

Strategic

Govern Research

Future & Existing

Implemented: Policy outcome(s) evaluated - No further action(s) required

The ministry has implemented its commitment to review and consider the policy. Please also refer to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s response to policy 4.6.2-NB for further details.

Policy Text:

The Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in cooperation with the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre and the water softener industry, should consider undertaking a research study to determine the most effective method for disposing of water softener backwash in the hydrogeologic and climatic setting of the Cataraqui Source Protection Area/Eastern Ontario to add to the risk management measures available to protect drinking water sources. Discharge from a water softener can be a significant, moderate and low drinking water threat in the wellhead protection areas and intake protection zones in the CSPA.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing should use the study results to analyze the need for a review of the Ontario Building Code to specify how water softener backwash should be disposed.

A proposal to undertake this strategic action should occur within five years of the Source Protection Plan taking effect, and be shared with the Cataraqui Source Protection Authority at that time.

Monitoring Text:

N/A.