Members of the Board of Directors for Quinte Conservation also serve as the Source Protection Authority for the Quinte Source Protection Area.

As required under the Clean Water Act, 2006, the Source Protection Authority is responsible for providing scientific, technical and administrative support to the Source Protection Committee and the planning process.

The Source Protection Authority is also responsible for carrying out any functions described in the regulations. The Source Protection Authority reviews work completed by the Source Protection Committee to ensure that it has been carried out in accordance with the regulations.

The source protection planning process is directed and funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The Source Protection Authority (Quinte Conservation) receives the funding from the Ministry and disburses it according to an approved budget.