As a result of the Source Water Protection review, the Committee has decided to take a closer look at one of Hanover's main municipal water sources.
A review is being conducted on the Intake Protection Zones for Ruhl Lake to determine the effectiveness of protection zones and related agricultural policies.
Currently the Source Protection Program prohibits the application of fertilizers and pesticides within 120 meters of Ruhl Lake.
The investigation will determine if this 120 meter setback needs to be adjusted (increased).
Ruhl Lake is considered to be a vulnerable water source system as the inland lake is shallow and as such is more vulnerable to surface water contaminates.
Hanover draws fifty percent of all its water from Ruhl Lake. (The other 50% comes from Well # 1 and #2.)
The review which is expected to take a year to complete will include: a Risk Management review of any possible threats, site visits to area properties near Ruhl Lake as well as a consultation process with neighboring land owners.
If the review concludes that the Intake Protection Zones for Ruhl Lake needs to be increased it will go before the Ministry for final approval.
Ruhl Lake is not the only area of focus for the Source Protection Plan Committee review.
The Committee is also reviewing if changes are needed region wide involving: salt application threats where policy applies, a review of Monitoring Polices to make reporting easier as well as allow for Risk Management Officials discretion when it comes to screening.
The local Source Protection Program which was created in accordance with the Drinking Water Source Protection Act for Clean Water covers 22 municipalities and 8400 square kms.