In Ontario, small non-community drinking water systems are defined as systems that make drinking water available to the public and are not connected to a community drinking water system. This study, using qualitative research approach, examines the risk awareness and perceptions of small non-community drinking water system owners in providing safe drinking water to their clients and protecting their water source. Our study yields the need for developing a sustainable operation model for small non-community drinking water systems. The study results provide recommendations to the regulatory agency for effective and efficient administration of the program such as offering customized and affordable training opportunities and developing effective communication strategies for owners and operators.

Lakeland County is experiencing increasing developmental pressures arising from the oil and gas boom at nearby Fort McMurray. There is increased industrial traffic passing through the county, and 600 new residential lots are proposed in 2005, almost double from 5 years ago. Deteriorating surface water quality has been a concern in the area due to an increase in development and agriculture, while excessive fish harvesting and winterkills have impacted commercial and recreational fisheries. Today, walleye and pike populations in the lake remain collapsed and restocking efforts have not been successful. Due to the lack of studies done on the watershed, the county is leading a multidisciplinary research study which includes a baseline water quality study, riparian health assessments, land use mapping and ground-truthing and projects with the local health authority. This research has been summarized in a comprehensive state of the watershed report, which will be used to complete a watershed management plan for the Lac la Biche watershed. Recommendations from the state of the watershed report and watershed management plan will also be incorporated into municipal planning documents and recommend changes to the Municipal Government Act itself.

The provision of safe drinking water in Ontario’s small non-community drinking water systems (SDWSs) poses a challenge for many system owners. Our study aims at developing a sustainable operation model for SDWSs by recognizing the importance of source water protection. Although the current literature on Ontario’s SDWSs is limited, the review of the existing water management strategies in Canada and across the world provided fruitful results to create a unique model for Ontario’s SDWSs using the Multiple-Barrier Approach framework. Our sustainable operation model consists of five main components: 1. Commitment to providing safe drinking water; 2. Assessment of the system and source water; 3. System operation and operator training; 4. Management of incidents and emergencies; 5. Communication and raising awareness. Our model addresses the areas that need more attention for today, and in the future, such as protecting source water, financial stability enhanced communication and increased awareness. A sustainable operation model for SDSWs based on the Multiple-Barrier Approach framework addresses the shortcomings of the current water management framework for SDWSs and offers a viable strategy to establish a sustainable operation model with an integrated approach.