The Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 mandates that an Accredited Operating authority oversee all municipal residential drinking water systems. To become an Operating Authority the municipality must implement an Operational Plan that follows the Ministry of Environment’s Ontario Drinking Water Quality Management Standards (DWQMS). In February, the municipality took a step towards the accreditation to allow township staff to operate the Millbrook Water Systems.
The process began last June, when Council authorized the early termination of an agreement between the municipality and the City of Peterborough for the operations of the municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant to take effect on March 31st, 2025. Under this agreement, the City handled regulatory requirements, operational and maintenance issues. The termination was initiated because the municipality wanted to bring these responsibilities in- house. Research indicated that managing this system with our own staff could generate more than $500K in net savings over the five year period from 2025 to 2029. The early termination was approved by both parties, and City staff agreed to provide back-up services should a problem arise.
Last month, municipal staff developed a Limited Scope Operational plan which is being audited. If approved, municipal staff will be authorized to begin operating the plant while they develop the full Scope Operational Plan which must be completed within six months. The transition of water and wastewater services from the City of Peterborough to the municipality is currently scheduled to begin on April 1st.
The audit firm reviewing the municipal plan is familiar with the current plan managed by the City, having audited it as well. Given the new plan is very similar to the existing one, no hiccups in the approval process are expected. Council will receive a complete report on the transition prior to the Full Scope Accreditation audit.
The cost of water and wastewater services are funded through fees charged to system users only. As a result, this operational change has no impact on the municipal tax levy. This projected cost savings will be incorporated into the 2025 Water and Wastewater Rate study and Financial Plan which will establish water rates for the next five years. KG