Why Should I Care?
Water is critical to all aspects of life and it is important that we ensure sources of water stay safe and reliable now and for the years to come. The Clean Water Act, 2006 is part of the governments commitment to keep sources of drinking water safe for all Ontarians. That’s why through science-based research the regulations of the Clean Water Act have identified 22 prescribed threat activities which can, if not properly managed or removed, pose risks to drinking water sources. Thus, help is always welcomed when it comes to identifying these potential threats. As real estate agents are constantly viewing new properties they can become a vital source of information for recognising and reporting potential threats.
Why Real Estate Agents should be aware of drinking water source protection
As Source Protection Plans continue to come into effect across the province an increasing number of potential buyers and sellers of various property types will become aware that certain properties are located close to the municipal groundwater wells or surface water intakes within the vulnerable area. Real estate agents may experience a greater number of questions that pertain to the location of the property and whether any policies are in place that would manage or prohibit certain activities within a vulnerable area. Therefore, it is important that every real estate agent be able to address these questions by having an awareness of vulnerable area locations, local Source Protection Plan policies, and what activities may be impacted, for both buyers and sellers.
What Might This Mean for my Client?
If any part of the property is located within the vulnerable area, then certain activities may need to be managed, or in rare occasions prohibited. Your potential buyer needs to be aware of their responsibilities under the Clean Water Act, and local source protection plan policies.
If a property is changing hands and/or uses, then policies may require that a risk management plan be established to better manage or prohibit the potential drinking water threat(s). The local risk management official or inspector will work with the landowner (or renter) to develop a risk management plan that contains measures that protect sources of drinking water.
