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Drinking Water Quality Management Standard |
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What is the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS)?
The Ontario Ministry of Environment recently introduced the Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program requiring municipalities to obtain licenses for the operation and maintenance of their residential drinking water systems. One of the major components of the licensing program is the requirement for municipalities to implement a quality management system which conforms to the Ministry’s Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS). The Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program and the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard were introduced by the Ministry to address recommendations coming out of Justice O’Connor’s inquiry into the Walkerton Water affair.
What is a Quality Management System?
A quality management system is a documented and implemented set of policies and procedures defining how an organization manages and directs its business processes, or the business that it does, with regards to the quality of its product or service. The system enables an organization to identify, measure, control and continually improve upon these processes, ultimately leading to improved performance in the management of its business.
What does this mean for Grimsby?
The Town of Grimsby has developed a quality management system (QMS) for the Grimsby Water Distribution System which conforms to the Ministry's Drinking Water Quality Management Standard. The Town's QMS is documented in an Operational Plan that was approved by Council on March 16, 2009 by Resolution #C-09-51. The Operational Plan was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and the Canadian General Standards Board for approval in May 2009. The Town has since received limited-scope accreditation as an "Accredited Operating Authority" and will be applying for full accreditation in June 2010.
What is the Town of Grimsby committed to?
As Owner and Operating Authority of the Grimsby Water Distribution System, the Town is committed to:
Providing Town water customers with safe, clean drinking water.
Upholding all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.
Reviewing, maintaining and continually improving its Drinking Water Quality Management System.
Establishing and maintaining open and effective communication with Town water customers regarding matters of drinking water quality.
Where can I see a copy of Grimsby’s Operational Plan?
Copies of the Town’s Operational Plan are also available for viewing at the following municipal facilities:
- Grimsby Town Hall (160 Livingston Avenue)
- Grimsby Operations Centre (2 Clarke Street)
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In 2002, the Ontario Ministry of Environment established the Safe Drinking Water Act. This Act defines the roles and responsibilities of owners, operators and other persons who are involved in the provision of drinking water or other associated services.
