On July 24, 2023, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador designated a new protected water supply area known as the Big Long Pond Protected Public Water Supply Area (WS-S-0087) for the Local Service District of Lower Lance Cove. This regulation, filed under the Water Resources Act, aims to safeguard the quality and quantity of water in this critical resource area. The primary objective of this designation is to protect the water supply that serves the community, as clean drinking water is essential for public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems.

The designated area encompasses various lands within the Provincial Electoral District of Terra Nova, with boundaries defined by precise Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. This comprehensive outline includes all necessary sections around Big Long Pond and covers approximately 6,298 metres of defined boundaries that extend in several directions—north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, and west. The boundaries begin at a specific UTM point and trace a detailed path with multiple coordinates, illustrating the precise perimeter of the protected area. This meticulous definition is crucial for both legal and environmental purposes, providing clarity regarding what is included in the protection effort. The coordinates collectively form the border of the water supply area, offering a clear geographical reference for monitoring and enforcement.

This designation falls under the Water Resources Act, a legislative framework that governs the management of water resources in Newfoundland and Labrador. The act grants the Minister of Environment and Climate Change the authority to create protected water supply areas to uphold water quality standards and promote responsible water use. The establishment of this area also repeals an earlier regulation (Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 519/96), indicating a shift in the approach to water management in the region.

For the residents of Lower Lance Cove and surrounding areas, the designation of Big Long Pond as a protected water supply area ensures ongoing access to safe drinking water. This regulation is especially significant in light of increasing environmental challenges, such as pollution and climate change, which threaten water sources worldwide.

Regulation 55/23 is intended to be a proactive approach to water management in Newfoundland and Labrador. The protection of the Big Long Pond water supply area underscores the importance of clean water access and environmental preservation. As communities face various ecological pressures, measures for safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable practices in water resource management are requires. The precise delineation of the area, backed by legal authority, will improve monitoring and enforcement efforts, with the aim at benefiting both the local population and the natural environment.

Newfoundland and Labrador (55/23) July 28, 2023