What is a Protected Public Water Supply Area (PPWSA)?
A Protected Public Water Supply Area (PPWSA) is an area of land around a source of public drinking water that has been protected under Section 39 of the Water Resources Act. The area of protected land is called a watershed and typically will include any land where all precipitation drains towards the water supply intake.
What Public Drinking Water Supplies are protected?
Use the mapping application in the Water Resources Portal to view all protected, unprotected and proposed public drinking water supplies in NL. You can also refer to PPWSA Summary Table.
Why Is It Important to be Aware of the PPWSA?
Under the Water Resources Act, approval is required to complete any major activities and developments inside a PPWSA.
This regulatory process helps preserve the water quality of the source and is governed by Policy Directive W.R. 95-01.
Where Do I Find the Application for a Permit to Develop in a PPWSA (Section 39)?
Click here for the Section 39 permit application. Note that the permit fee schedule is included with the form.
You can also find the application on the WRMD Permits and Licenses Page (under the “Surface Water” section).
Where Do I Find the Application for the Protection of a Public Water Supply?
Click here for the Application for the Protection of a Public Water Supply. Note that the fee schedule is included with the form.
You can also find the application on the WRMD Permits and Licenses Page (under the “Surface Water” section)
Where Do I Find GIS Data for Public Water Supplies?
Click here to find GIS Data for Public Water Supplies (including Protected, Unprotected, Potential and ILUC areas).
Looking to Inspect a PPWSA?
Click here to find a Protected Public Water Supply Area Monitoring and Inspection Form.
Community Outreach
- Management of Protected Water Supply Areas
- Protect Your Water Source: A Guide to Managing Surface Water Drinking Sources
- Standard Operating Procedure for Water Supply Area Monitoring and Inspection
Public Outreach
- Do You Live within a Protected Public Water Supply Area?
- Is Your Cottage within a Protected Public Water Supply Area?
- Septic Systems within a Protected Public Water Supply Area
- Snowmobiling inside Protected Public Water Supply Areas
- Boating within a Protected Public Water Supply Area
- ATV and UTV Usage within a Protected Public Water Supply Area
Watershed Management Planning
- A Municipal Guide to Developing a Watershed Management Plan (2007)
- Watershed Management Plan for the Town of Steady Brook (2005)
- Watershed Management Plan for Gander Lake and its Catchment (1996)
Best Management Practices
- ATV Trail Construction Guide for Public Protected Water Supply Areas (2017)
- Guidelines on the use of Water Bombers in Protected Public Water Supply Areas (2006)
- Factsheet Series – Environmental Guidelines for Horticultural Producers (2002)
- Factsheet Series – Environmental Guidelines for Livestock Producers (2002)
- Factsheet Series – Environmental Guidelines for Poultry Producers (2002)