Patrick, Robert2013-01-032013-01-032012-012012-04-27January 20http://hdl.handle.net/10388/ETD-2012-01-352Following a number of waterborne disease outbreaks in Canada, the water resource management literature draws attention to source water protection (SWP). Source water protection is a drinking water management approach that attempts to improve drinking water quality by preventing contamination of untreated water at the source. The literature has identified methods for SWP planning; however, rates of implementation of SWP plans are variable and dependent on local capacity factors. Through key informant interviews, this study identifies factors that facilitate and constrain local capacity for implementation of a source water protection plan in the South Saskatchewan River watershed. Results are discussed according to four capacity areas for SWP: technical, institutional, financial, and social capacity. The results of this study show that capacity areas in need of improvement include access to data, training and educational opportunities for non-governmental organizations, greater enforcement of government legislation and regulations, financial security, community awareness and greater linkages and networks between organizations with similar objectives. Respondents identified adequate stakeholder involvement in the planning process, access to funding, and reliable information as examples of existing capacity. The results of this research contribute to the understanding of SWP plan implementation at the watershed scale in Canada and beyond.engsource water protectionplan implementationwater managementdrinking watertext