November 9, 2026

Cornwall resident Phoebe P. holding a glass of municipal drinking water protected from source to tap. 

The Raisin-South Nation (R-SN) Source Protection Region has received approval from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for updates to its Source Protection Plan, marking an important milestone in the ongoing effort to protect local sources of municipal drinking water. 

The updates were completed as part of a review under Section 36 of Ontario’s Clean Water Act, 2006. The review helps ensure that source protection policies remain effective, reflect current technical knowledge, and address implementation needs as communities and drinking water systems evolve. 

The R-SN Source Protection Plan establishes policies and approaches to protect the water sources that supply municipal drinking water systems across the region. Under Ontario’s Clean Water Act, 2006, the R-SN Source Protection Region uses science-based planning, local policies, and collaboration with municipalities, conservation authorities, and community partners to identify and address potential threats to drinking water sources across Eastern Ontario. 

The approved updates address policies related to activities and materials that can pose risks to drinking water sources, including the storage and application of salt, snow management, fuel storage, agricultural activities, waste, and wastewater storage. 

“Protecting drinking water starts with protecting it at its source,” said Jason Symington, Project Manager for the R-SN Source Protection Region. “The approval of these updates reflects the ongoing work of our Source Protection Committee, municipal partners, and implementing bodies to maintain a strong, locally informed approach to drinking water protection. We appreciate everyone who contributed their time and feedback throughout this process.” 

The review included engagement with implementing bodies and public consultation to gather feedback on proposed policy changes. Public consultation concluded on January 31, 2025, allowing comments from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to be considered as the updates were finalized. 

With the Ministry’s approval, the requirements of the Source Protection Plan update have now been fulfilled. Going forward, future updates can be addressed through locally initiated amendments, allowing the program to continue evolving as new information, drinking water systems, technical knowledge, and implementation needs emerge. 

The R-SN Source Protection Region will continue working with municipalities, local partners, and stakeholders to support the implementation of source protection policies and safeguard drinking water sources for current and future generations. 

To learn more about the approved updates and the R-SN Source Protection Plan, visit yourdrinkingwater.ca.