Councillor Josie Wintersinger remains concerned over Nestlé’s water taking permit, which seems to supersede Erin’s water conservation measures.
On May 16 Wintersinger asked water superintendent Frank Smedley about that apparent discrepancy. “When we have a drought situation, we stop people from using watering lawns and such.”
She said water used by local residents, goes back down into the ground and to the water supply. “With Nestlé, the water is just going away.”
She asked why the town could not have greater control over water taking permits – especially during droughts.
Smedley said Nestlé has voluntarily placed limits upon itself to address those conditions. He added that it was definitely discussed at a recent meeting regarding renewal of the company’s permit to draw water.
Smedley said the Ministry of the Environment can issue limitations and conditions on any permit to take water.
“There is nothing during a drought situation to stop the ministry from issuing an order to reduce all water taking activities by 25%.” He said with certain wells and recharge areas, the impact of a drought may not be known for years.
Councillor Barb Tocher asked, “If that is true, why do we have watering restrictions at all.”
Smedley said they exist when the town sees issues regarding an individual well. He said the only way he would approach council to impose restrictions is if he saw increased usage in certain conditions.
Brennan said he was getting the impression that the issue is not-so-much about the sustainability as much as it is about how much is being taken at a given time.
Wintersinger said the area has sustained an unusual winter and farmers are suffering because the area is not getting the rain.
“As a result, if we don’t get some rain in the near future, it will be rough on the farmers,” she said.
