The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) established an exemplary Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program (DWWP) in 2009 after six years of careful planning and staff dedication.
The DWWP spans seven major basins, involves four member municipalities, relies on participation and collaboration of numerous parties, and is sustained financially through a parcel tax as well as rebates that incentivize source water protection activities.
The overarching theme of the DWWP is Water Collaboration: to develop productive, long-term, and collaborative partnerships across jurisdictions, sectors, departments, and geographic areas to leverage resources for implementing initiatives that support effective water management and stewardship.
Experts and stakeholders that represent key water interests in the region guide program implementation through the DWWP TAC. An Interdepartmental Working Group that includes RDN staff from planning, wastewater, parks, emergency services, and community development also helps guide the program.
The RDN’s 2020 DWWP Response Plan 2.0 continues to build on past accomplishments to ensure better source water protection in the future.
