MINISTER RESPONDS

Letter to Editor Morning Star Oct 23, 2010
I’m writing to set the record straight about comments attributed to me in a recent article about drinking water resources in the Vernon area (Water standards fuel debate, Oct. 16).  In contrast to what the article stated, regional health authorities, including Interior Health, do not set their own drinking water standards. They all use current provincial legislation, specifically the drinking water protection and public health acts, which ensure that communities follow and move towards standards for new and existing water systems.  Provincial drinking water standards ensure residents have access to safe and clean drinking water, and drinking water officers use guidelines on a case-by-case basis to assess drinking water challenges.  I’m aware that among health authorities there might be different approaches to implementation, and we are all striving for greater consistency across the province. But all health authorities are in fact using the B.C. standards and guidelines and I can assure everyone that health authorities are acting to protect the health of people living in communities. The provincial government, regional health authorities and local governments are working together to support the development of infrastructure and resources that ensure British Columbians across the province continue to have access to clean and safe drinking water now and in the years ahead.
Ida Chong,
Minister of Healthy Living
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Orginal Article at Water standards fuel debate