Dear Editor:
Time is running out to protect water from commercial water extraction by water bottlers as the moratorium on new permits to take water expires Jan. 1, 2020. Time is ticking and there is no plan in sight from the ministry.
The Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks needs to know that Centre Wellington cannot have 1.6 million litres of water taken away every day. The goal is to mail lots of letters in by the end of November to inform the ministry that water protection is crucial.
This is particularly relevant to Centre Wellington that will need four new municipal wells with the best place to find new water west of Elora. Removing water from an area, that preliminary results show is at significant risk for not having enough water, is just not good planning.
Join in to write a letter downstairs at the Elora Legion on three Thursdays in November: the 7th, 14th and 28th from 7 to 9pm. If those dates do not work, come to the Elora Centre for the Arts from 12 to 2pm or 7 to 9pm on Nov. 20, 21, or 22. Lots of letters can point out to the ministry that water must be conserved and not bottled in plastic.
Talking points, volunteers, envelopes, pens and paper will be available. Bring a friend and join in. You could also pre-order your Water Protectors’ 18 month calendar.
If you, your friends and family would like to write letters on your own, please do so. Information is available on the Save Our Water website.
Our municipality has resolved that Centre Wellington is not a willing host community for water extraction for commercial water bottling purposes under any circumstances. The ministry, however, makes the final decision.
Weigh in and have your say on this very important issue.
Donna McCaw,
Elora