Collaboration is essential to source water protection.
Start by forming a technical advisory committee (TAC) with representation from provincial and local governments, health agencies, First Nations, and stakeholders. See TOOL 1 for tips on who to include on your TAC and how to foster collaboration.
Start by establishing a common understanding that all groups, despite potential competing interests, share a responsibility in protecting the source waters.
Together, formalize a vision of source water protection using the end goal (enhanced protection of drinking water) in mind. The role of the TAC is to provide collaborative guidance on your source water assessment and to help carry out the response plan.
Pro Tip: Build trust and credibility with partners that have possible conflicting goals early in source water protection discussions to make them your biggest advocates.
