Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) regulates waterworks systems under the Potable Water Regulation (PWR) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) and the Standards and Guidelines for Municipal Waterworks, Wastewater and Storm Drainage Systems (Municipal Standard). The Municipal Standard requires municipal waterworks systems to have treatment process redundancies to ensure continuous production of safe drinking water for complex distribution systems and large populations. AEP is currently considering revisions to the PWR due to concern that these requirements and the related financial cost poses a significant challenge for smaller micro waterworks systems that do not encounter similar situations. The proposed changes include:
- Developing a standard specifically for micro waterworks systems:
- With the introduction of a new standard, these systems would still be designed and operated in a way that is protective of human health.
- The draft standards for micro waterworks systems would include a more size and risk proportionate set of design, performance, operational, monitoring, and reporting requirements for micro waterworks.
- A new code of practice:
- The code of practice would ensure that all activities would be regulated consistently.
AEP has created a survey to gather stakeholder feedback on the establishment of a new standard and regulatory approach for micro waterwork systems. The deadline to complete the survey is February 11, 2022.
AEP will also be hosting two webinars that will provide participants the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and ask questions. Registration is required and will be open until January 17, 2022. The webinars will cover the same information, so only register for one of the dates:
In addition, AEP has developed resources for stakeholders to learn more about the proposed changes to the PWR:
- Draft Standards for Micro Waterworks Systems
- Water Regulatory System Overview Fact Sheet
- Updates to Potable Water Regulation: Regulatory Approach for Micro Waterworks Fact Sheet
- Updates to the Potable Water Regulation: High Quality Groundwater (HQGW) and Fluoride Fact Sheet
- Potable Water Regulation
If you have any questions regarding the proposed changes or the engagement session, email Terence Ko at Terence.Ko@gov.ab.ca.
Alex Mochid
Policy Advisor
780.955.4085
alex@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com