Remembering Walkerton water tragedy 20 years later reminds us of need to learn its lessons, more important now than ever
During current public health challenge we think also of another
By Matt Pearson, Chair, Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Committee (SPC)
As the world deals with the current COVID-19 pandemic we are reminded of the importance of our public health system which works to protect us. Twenty years ago this May another major public health event – the Walkerton water contamination tragedy – shook our province and our nation.
It is important we continue our ongoing work in Ontario to protect our municipal drinking water, through source water protection and other barriers of protection, to ensure something like this does not happen again.
The drinking water supply in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada, became contaminated by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria on, or shortly after, May 12, 2000. Seven people died and more than 2,300 people became ill. Many people continue to have adverse health effects from this tragic event.
Dennis R. O’Connor, a Justice of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, was appointed Commissioner of the Walkerton Inquiry, an independent Commission.
The Commission made recommendations to improve “ … all aspects of the drinking water system in Ontario, including the protection of drinking water sources; the treatment, distribution, and monitoring of drinking water; the operation and management of water systems; and the full range of functions involved in the provincial regulatory role.”
For archives of the Commission’s recommendations visit this web page:
The tragedy at Walkerton was not the only example of the need for protection of our water sources and a multi-barrier approach – but it was a catalyst. The O’Connor Commission’s call to action, in response to Walkerton, resulted in changes to how drinking water was managed, including the introduction of Ontario’s Clean Water Act, 2006.
In the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Source Protection Region our committee of local representatives has developed source protection plans, in effect since April of 2015, with policies that help to protect our municipal drinking water sources. I thank all the people who are taking positive local actions at home and work to keep our drinking water safe and clean.
We remember those who died in Walkerton twenty years ago this month and we think of all the people whose health continues to be affected from that tragedy. The impact of that tragedy was far-reaching and long lasting, affecting many people.
We must remember to thank all the people in public health, environmental protection, and local citizens who continue to work and advocate for safe drinking water.
Together, we are all part of this work to protect public health in Ontario. Let us all do our part to keep ourselves, and others, safe.
