Ensuring Access to Safe, Sustainable Drinking Water in Rural Communities

Safe drinking water is a fundamental citizen right. Yet many communities are facing unique challenges. A particular risk emerges if regions with vulnerable aquifers, e.g. above karst and fractured bedrock, are simultaneously experiencing agricultural intensification close-by rural residential development. With extensive expertise in hydrological science and water governance, I provide actionable solutions to resolve conflicts and protect water resources. Whether you’re dealing with contamination risks, municipal disputes, or policy advocacy, I can help.

Services Offered

1. Water Source Assessments

In-depth evaluations of groundwater conditions, contamination risks and applicable regulations, especially in karst landscapes. These assessments offer a baseline for sustainable water management and protecting drinking water supplies.

2. Delegations to Municipal Councils

Professional advocacy representing rural residents, presenting evidence-based recommendations to influence municipal decisions that affect water security.

3. Delegations to Municipal Councils

Professional advocacy representing rural residents, presenting evidence-based recommendations to influence municipal decisions that affect water security.

4. Review and commenting on planning proposals

The best moment to intervene in ecosystem protection is before destruction occurs. When new development projects are proposed for a change of official plans, a well-structured review of the proposal combined with a powerful commentary can curb the impacts on ecosystems, or prevent a development altogether.

5. Expert Witness Testimony

Credible, science-based testimony for court cases involving water rights, contamination disputes, or municipal liabilities, ensuring fair and informed decisions.

6. Educational talks

Knowledge and awareness are powerful – we cannot have change if we don’t change what we know and how we think. All of my talks take a systems perspective and educate about the role of humans in a more-than-human world.

About Me

Thorsten Arnold – Drinking Water Expert

• PhD in Watershed management and Agriculture
• Decades of experience in hydrological and integrated modeling.
• Led technical work for Ontario’s Drinking Water Source Protection Program, including for MNR.
• Authored the Drinking Water Assessment Report for the region of Grey Bruce.
• Advocates for sustainable water policies and practices in rural Ontario.

Karst Insights

Understanding Karst and Water Conflicts
Karst landscapes are uniquely vulnerable to groundwater contamination. Explore my blogs for in-depth analysis and practical solutions:

1. The “Triple Confluence Threat” to Groundwater Quality
   • Why karst landscapes are prone to contamination and how to manage these risks.
2. What could municipalities do to prevent drinking water contamination around Karst?
   • Solutions for safeguarding rural drinking water supplies.
3. Re-active and proactive community engagement for water protection in fractured bedrock
   • It is often not a question if communities stand up – but rather if they stand up before long-term damage is done.
4. Farming on Karst and Fractured Bedrock Aquifers: Challenges, Best Practices, and the Silurian Bedrock Performance Standard
   • As always – its not what you do on exposed Karst aquifers, but how you do it. Generally, experience show that Karst aquifers are good for extensive agricultural practices, such as rotational grazing.

Read More Blogs on Karst

Success Stories

Proven Impact on Water Conflict Resolution

1. Raise awareness on Triple Confluence Threat in Ontario’s Karst Regions

   • Several media articles in Rural Voice, Ontario Farmer, and local newspapers educate about emerging threats and mitigation options.

2. Expert in Groundwater Contamination Case

   • Provided assessment that resulted in ongoing court case.

Contact

Let’s Work Together to Protect Your Water Resources.

Book a 20-min free consultation now!

• Email: contact@thorstenarnold.com
• Phone: 519 935-3005

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