The water that comes out of the ground in many areas of the province is undrinkable in its raw form—and not necessarily for bacteriological reasons. Where we live, it needs to he variously filtered, deionized, softened, UV treated and finally tested in a private lab.

However, if private water systems are now to be metered, perhaps government will also consider making this equipment, its installation and maintenance—to say nothing of drilling itself—tax deductable for ordinary rural citizens. (Don’t hold you breath.)

It is hard to imagine that the TSBP would not be fully supportive of measures to introduce this new form of taxation. Under the circumstances, metering seems like a given.

Private wells will be metered, says Durham Region Health Inspector Gregory Law
Durham, February 2007

Over the last year, the Ontario Landowners have identified many negative aspects of Bill 43, The Clean Water Act. One of the most glaring dangers was the ability for municipalities to charge private homes and businesses for the taking of water from private wells. Though we received hundreds of assurances—from both politicians and bureaucrats alike—that this would never happen, never has arrived.

At a recent meeting held by the Municipality of Clarington, the local Health Unit, Conservation Authority, Green Communities-Canada and Eades Well Drilling, Durham Region Health Inspector Gregory Law responded to a question “will governments be charging well owners for drawing water from their wells?” Mr. Law’s answer was “that it was coming for sure. It’s just a question of when.”
The Landowners have learned that the most likely implementation schedule for water meters will be announced in the months following October’s election (depending on the outcome). However, should Mr. McGuinty have his way, the regulations for Bill 43 will be enacted in the spring of 2007. At first, it is likely that all new wells will be required to have a meter in order for a permit to be issued. Furthermore, the regulations will demand all private wells will require an annual or bi-annual inspection along with septic systems. It is expected that all older wells will have to be brought “up to new standards” during this inspection process with the addition of a metering device.
It is also very probably that many municipalities will levy a flat rate water charge onto the tax bills of their residents, based on the number of occupants, and use should they refuse a metering system.
Mr. Law further stated that ground water is part of the public domain and if you’re going to use something that belongs to the public, you’re going to have to pay.

The following are a few examples of the unjust infringements authorized by Bill 43:

(note: bureaucrats comprises the Municipality, the Conservation Authority, or any Ministry of the Government such as Health or Environment)

Section 54 & 79 authorises bureaucrats to enter any private property without consent or warrant, and empowers bureaucrats to make any excavations, collect samples, evidence, or data and compels people to provide any and all information. "a permit inspector may, for the purpose of enforcing this part, enter property, without the consent of the owner or occupier and without warrant",

Section 47 & 53 and Part 4, provides the authority for municipalities to charge for water extraction permits and inspections on private wells and septic systems.

Section 60 dictates that bureaucrats can compel people to pay without appeal, and grants authority to place all costs to your tax bill

Section 88 & 89 saves the bureaucrats and government from any legal action initiated by an individual or business to stop any injustice.

Section 59 & 71 Bankruptcy offers no escape from compliance orders or convictions.

Bill 43, the Clean Water Act (now S.O. 2006 c.22) received Royal Assent on October 19. However the Act will not come into force until a date to be named by Mr. McGuinty’s Cabinet.

So soon not only must I pay $4,500 per year to get my private well water tested by an "accredited lab" because we serve the public and they just "might" drink the water, on top of the water treatment system I put in ($5,000) and maintain with UV light, salt and hydrogen peroxide ($500 per year), but the TSBP will charge me for my water consumption based on a meter that I have to pay for?