The Clean Water Act, 2006 (CWA) and its associated regulations aim to safeguard current and future drinking water sources before they enter municipal systems. By establishing a locally driven, science-based, multi-stakeholder framework, a collaborative approach to protecting both municipal and designated private drinking water sources has been established. This process emphasizes shared responsibility among stakeholders to mitigate threats to water quality and quantity. Complementing the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, which mandates the monitoring of municipal drinking water quality to meet provincial standards, the CWA focuses on proactive source water protection._x000D_ Key parameters such as sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), and nitrate (NO3) are prioritized for monitoring due to their mobility in groundwater systems and their role as indicators of surface activities impacting the quality of groundwater resources. Regular sampling and analysis of these and other parameters inform water quality trend analysis, a critical tool for identifying and addressing deteriorating source water conditions. _x000D_ Water quality trend analysis, supported by visual plots, serves as a critical tool in proactively identifying deteriorating source water quality conditions before they escalate into significant drinking water issues. By examining changes in water quality parameters over time, these analyses enable early detection of future risks, facilitating timely intervention. Additionally, trend analysis helps isolate factors contributing to identified issues, offering insights into the origins of contamination or degradation. Furthermore, this approach aids in assessing the effectiveness of existing Drinking Water Source Protection Plan policies, providing valuable feedback for improving strategies to safeguard source water quality. _x000D_ By leveraging a collaborative groundwater management database and encouraging continuous monitoring and data collection, status and trend analysis tools enhance our ability to maintain sustainable and safe water resources.
