Following the creation of Prince Edward Island’s Water Act in 2021, the government has released the final sustainable irrigation strategy, a June 3 news release said. The strategy was written in collaboration with stakeholders and with input from Islanders.
Last spring, a new draft amendment of the Water Withdrawal Regulations was provided to the public for comment which included that the moratorium on high-capacity well permits be removed allowing for permits to be granted. The release said the regulation has been approved, however permit holders that rely on high water use supplies may be required to develop drought contingency plans.
The release noted there are several stipulations in place to safeguard the environment. Applicants for high capacity well permits must participate in the Soil Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) program with the Department of Agriculture and Land, have a drought contingency plan and, in heavily used watersheds have a watershed irrigation plan. P.E.I. residents are able to start applying for these permits as of June 11, 2022.
The provincial government is also launching an online Water Registry, which allows people to view and interact with maps that display water information such as water use, well locations, water quantity and quality, etc.
Government is also launching a Water Registry that has been developed over the past year. This online platform allows Islanders to view and interact with maps that display water information such as water use, well locations, water quantity and quality, and more.
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