Whereas forested-watershed communities face increasing risks of wildfire-related contamination of their drinking water sources due to the increasing impacts associated with climate change, with wildfires introducing ash, sediment, and other pollutants that can render water supplies unusable for extended periods; And whereas the cost of advanced water treatment infrastructure required to address such contamination far exceeds the financial capacity of small communities, leaving them vulnerable to prolonged water supply disruptions that pose significant public health and community sustainability risks: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia acquire and maintain portable water treatment plants to be held in reserve for emergency deployment to communities experiencing significant wildfire-related water contamination, ensuring rapid response and long-term water security for vulnerable communities.
Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness During emergencies, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness EMCR works with local authorities and First Nations to support urgent public health and safety needs, including measures that maintain essential health and sanitation and other emergency response actions. EMCR will support eligible response costs associated with emergency actions required to help protect public health and safety when communities face sudden and significant disruptions to drinking water, including trucking of potable water to communities. The Ministry of Health administers Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulation that requires water suppliers to have emergency response and contingency plans ERCP. The purpose of an ERCP is to help water suppliers prepare for and effectively manage emergencies. Guidance provided by the Ministry of Health outlines components of an effective ERCP, including mapping critical infrastructure, establishing mutual aid or service agreements, and the potential role of mobile treatment solutions. During any emergency, EMCR will lead the response coordination with the Ministry of Heath, other provincial partners and local government partners to ensure timely access to temporary potable water solutions as required during wildfire and other hazard events.