More than 300 Quebec municipalities are calling on the province to grant them increased power to protect their water supplies.
The towns want to be able to ensure any future oil and gas installations have to be at least two kilometres from drinking water sources, rather than the 500 metres currently required by the government.
Municipal representatives are meeting today in Drummondville, Que. to decide on their strategy, which they say could include legal action if the province doesn't comply.
But, Gerard Jean, who is mayor of Lanoraie, says the province's environment minister has appeared open to the committee's request.
He says the municipalities' position is based on more than 300 pages of scientific expertise.
Provincial Environment Minister Isabelle Melancon met with the group earlier this week and has promised to have an answer by the week of April 9.