Monthly Archive

New StoryMap takes deep dive into region's vulnerable drinking water

EASTERN ONTARIO, Oct. 17, 2022 – The Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region (MRSPR) has released an interactive StoryMap exploring threats to our region’s highly vulnerable aquifers – and what we can do about them. 

Readers of all backgrounds and interest levels can use the new StoryMap to explore risks to groundwater through its digital maps, charts and photos.
 
“Whether you’re interested in the geology behind our groundwater system, the impacts of contamination on your family or what you can do about it, our new StoryMap offers a choose-your-own-adventure to explore a huge range of information,” said Rideau Valley Conservation Authority groundwater scientist Claire Milloy, who wrote and designed the digital product on behalf of the MRSPR. 

About 90% of drinking water aquifers across the Mississippi and Rideau watersheds are considered highly vulnerable to contamination. These aquifers have very little protection from surface soils, which are necessary to filter chemicals, nutrients and other pollutants out of surface runoff as it trickles down from above. 

Cracks in the exposed bedrock can allow contaminants from industrial, agricultural and residential activities to easily enter the groundwater below - and they're sometimes impossible to clean up.  

The StoryMap and its accompanying resources were developed in accordance with an MRSPR policy encouraging groundwater threat awareness.  
  
The education package also includes a series of “action sheets” highlighting best practices for homes and businesses, a three-part animated video series developed by the Spring Ridge Training Institute, and an extensive scientific bibliography intended for scientists, researchers, planners and engineers. 
 
“We sincerely hope these resources will help shed some much-needed light on the risks facing our local groundwater supplies,” said Milloy, P. Geo. “It only takes a few minutes to contaminate an aquifer, but it can take hundreds of years to undo the damage – if it can be undone at all.” 
 
The 8,500 km2 MRSPR is one of 19 in Ontario created under the Clean Water Act of 2006, which now operate through local conservation authorities. The MRSPR encompasses the watersheds of the Mississippi and Rideau rivers, and is jointly administered by the Rideau Valley and Mississippi Valley conservation authorities as well as a multi-stakeholder Source Protection Committee.  
 
To learn more about highly vulnerable aquifers visit www.mrsourcewater.ca. 
 

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Local Conservation Authorities expand septic approval services

MISSISSIPPI and RIDEAU VALLEY WATERSHEDS, October 5, 2022 – Landowners in several Eastern Ontario municipalities will now receive septic approval services from their local conservation authority. 

As of October 1, 2022, the Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities have begun providing septic inspections, reviews and permits on behalf of the following municipalities: 

• Township of Beckwith
• Town of Carleton Place
• Township of Lanark Highlands
• Town of Mississippi Mills 
• Township of North Grenville
• Town of Smiths Falls
• Town of Westport

These municipalities were formerly serviced by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. 

The Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities have been providing septic review and approval services in the City of Ottawa and Tay Valley Township for more than 25 years and have knowledgeable and experienced staff to support this increased service area.

“We are pleased to support our local municipalities with septic review and approval services required under the Ontario Building Code,” said Terry Davidson, RVCA Director of Regulations and Chief Building Official for program delivery across the two watersheds. “We look forward to working with contractors and residents to ensure systems are properly installed and repaired with the goal of protecting homeowners and keeping communities healthy and safe.”

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will carry out all inspection work for permits received or extended on or before September 30, 2022. Property owners who have previously submitted a septic permit prior to September 30, will continue to have their application overseen by the Health Unit.

Visit www.rvca.ca/septic-approvals for a map of Eastern Ontario to guide you to your local septic approval agent as well as forms, fees, frequently asked questions, and other sewage system resources for landowners and contractors.

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For more information:

Terry Davidson, P. Eng. 
Director of Regulations and Chief Building Official
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1107