Province Information - Prince Edward Island, Canada

Prince Edward Island (PEI), as the name suggests, is an island and it is solely dependent on groundwater.  The smallest of both the provinces and territories in Canada by land base, it also has one of the smallest populations.  Its economy is largely based on fishing, tourism, and agriculture.  As groundwater concerns and water quality tragedies appear to be on the rise in Canada, PEI is increasingly putting resources into managing water in a sustainable way to provide safe water for communities around the Island.
1. What provincial ministry, department or agencies are in charge of water conservation/efficiency?

The Water Management Division within the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry 

The Water Management Division is responsible for the sustainable management, protection, and enhancement of the Province’s drinking water, groundwater, inland surface water, and coastal estuaries. The division regulates water and sewer infrastructure and assists in the administration of funding that supports this infrastructure.

2. Does the province require preparation of drought emergency plans by water utilities or cities on any prescribed schedule?

No.

For the past seven years there has been a prohibition on new ground water extraction permits (groundwater licences) for agricultural irrigation (Young 2009).

When stream flows reach a certain low level (based on hydrological data of specific stream and aquatic health needs), an un-legislated prioritization scheme is initiated.  In practice, sectors are given the following priority: Domestic (public health and fire suppression), commercial, and then irrigation (Young 2009).

Young, Jim (2009) Director of Water Management, Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Forestry, personal communication.

3. Does the province have a mandatory planning requirement for drinking water conservation separate from drought emergency plans?

No
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4. Does the province require implementation of conservation measures as well as preparation of plans?
No

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5. Does the province have the authority to approve or reject the conservation plans?

plan completeness?

No

satisfactory content?

No

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6. Does the province have minimum water efficiency standards more stringent than federal or national requirements?
No

Prince Edward Island has adopted the 2005 model National Plumbing Code.

The National Building Code of Canada is the model building code of Canada. It is issued by the Institute for Research and Construction (IRC), a part of the National Research Council of Canada. As a model code, it has no legal status until it is adopted by a jurisdiction that regulates construction. The Provinces and Territories of Canada are allowed to adopt parts or all of the code and to alter the code as they see fit.

The National Building Code is currently undergoing revisions and a proposal was made in 2008 to update the Non-potable Water Systems section 2.7.4 to include design requirements in accordance with CSA B128.1 and to limit use of non-potable water to water closets, urinals, and directly connected underground irrigation systems.

As of 2005 the National Plumbing Code does not explicitly mandate the use of water efficient fixtures – instead it references the ASME A112.18.1-2005 / CSA B125.1-2005 standards which dictate maximum flush volumes for toilets of 13.2 litres, maximum flow rates of 8.3 litres per minute (Lpm) for lavatory and kitchen faucets, and 9.5 Lpm for showerheads. The National Plumbing Code currently allows non-potable sources to be used with dual plumbing systems within the home for fixtures other than sinks and faucets, and rainwater to be used for underground irrigation.

7. Does the province regulate drinking water supplies and require conservation as part of its permitting process or water right permit?
Yes

The “Drinking Water and Wastewater Facility Operating Regulations” (2004) under the Environmental Protections Act governs the quality of drinking water supplies.  The Government also released a strategy entitled “Clear from the ground to the glass” (2000). The strategy uses a multi-barrier approach to protecting drinking water, focusing on source protection, system design, and operation.

Drinking Water and Wastewater Facility Operating Regulations 

Clear From the Ground to the Glass 

Prince Edward Island does not require conservation as part of its permitting process or water right permit.

Water conservation is not required as part of the permitting process.  The permits required under the Environmental Protection Act for withdrawing surface water and groundwater and are based on volume, quality, and use.


8. Does the province support water conservation under its Drinking Water or Wastewater infrastructure funding programs?

Drinking Water?

No

Waste Water?

No

Additional Information:

Canada does not have a revolving fund for infrastructure loans. Federally, the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provides grants for up to 50% of project costs, or below-market, low interest loans of up to 80% of project costs. FCM is an advocacy organization; however the Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish the GMF program.

The GMF funds municipal projects and studies, which have included feasibility studies of water conservation programs, water distribution system leak detection and control projects, plumbing retrofit programs, wastewater recycling, and sustainable community plans involving water conservation. At this time, the funding focus for capital projects in the water sector is on wastewater, while sustainable community plans, conservation-related studies, and field tests all continue to be eligible.

The Building Canada plan is the primary mechanism in Canada for funding water and wastewater infrastructure.  It encompasses a number of funds including provincial and municipal base funding, gas tax funds, and the Building Canada fund. Over half of the funding under the Building Canada plan is provided as base funding to municipalities, and the funds are generally administered by the provinces. The Building Canada fund promotes long-term funding of water infrastructure projects, including projects designed to improve conservation of water. Funding focuses on improved treatment standards that emphasize the protection of human health. The projects are required to be supported by measures that improve the management of sources of drinking water, reduce demand, and improve the management of drinking water infrastructure.

All projects are cost shared, generally in equal thirds between federal/provincial/municipal governments. The Building Canada fund operates through two components: the Major Infrastructure Component (MIC) that targets large strategic projects of national and regional significance, and the Communities Component that focuses on projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000.

To date, funded projects have focused on centralized infrastructure as opposed to conservation efforts, with the exception of metering. Capital cost funding projects must result in a tangible capital asset. Planning costs are also eligible, which could potentially support the development of water conservation plans.


9. Does the province offer other financial assistance? Environmental grants? Rebates? Tax Exemptions?
No.
10. Does the province offer direct or indirect technical assistance to the public?
No.
11. Does the province provide provincial ET microclimate information?
No.
12. Does the province have a water conservation and efficiency strategy?
No


Additional Information:

13. Does the province have standards for alternative water sources?
No



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