There are six working groups in the Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Region.

• Ottawa River Working Group
• St. Lawrence River Working Group
• South Nation River Working Group
• Garry River Working Group
• Groundwater Working Group
• Planners Working Group

Each group is specific to the current drinking water source protection studies being done in the region under the Clean Water Act.

What are the working groups?

Working groups are all about getting people talking. These groups ensure that local knowledge and concerns are part of Source Protection Plans. These plans need to be practical and meet the needs of watershed municipalities and residents.
The Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Region covers an area of over 6500 km2 including municipal drinking water sources from Rivers like the St. Lawrence, Ottawa, South Nation and Garry. Groundwater also supplies a number of municipal drinking water systems throughout the region.
To develop a Source Protection Plan for municipal drinking water systems, communication with stakeholders in different geographic areas is essential. Working Groups blend community knowledge and Conservation Authority expertise to identify information needed for technical studies, which will support the development of Source Protection Plans in the Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Region.
The Source Protection Committee (SPC) will rely on working groups to provide practical suggestions and comments throughout the development of the Source Protection Plan. This feedback will ensure a common sense approach to Source Protection Planning. Contributions from working groups are critical components of a Source Protection Plan and will ensure safe drinking water for local communities.

The Working groups assist the Conservation Authority staff to identify and collect local information for drinking water studies, set terms of reference for drinking water studies, and oversee the development of technical work at the local level. As technical requirements are completed, the Working Groups serve as a valuable local resource for Source Protection Committees to communicate with.
Working Groups are intended to enhance the Source Protection Committee’s decisions by creating a network of local stakeholders that contribute to the knowledge and experience built into the Source Protection Plan. The working groups’ discussions merit consideration by the Source Protection Committee, but ultimate responsibility and decision-making power concerning policy rests with the Source Protection Committee.

Download Working Group Guide Book