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Drinking Water Source Protection Website

Information about drinking water source protection is now located on a separate website. Please visit www.cleanwatercataraqui.ca for the latest information about this project.

Clean Water Act

To find out more about the Clean Water Act or to review the regulations, please visit the Ontario Ministry of the Environment Clean Water Act Page

Source Water Protection Links

Drinking Water Source Protection

The Cataraqui Region contains an abundance of lakes and includes a number of small communities, such as Delta (shown above), agricultural land, and cottage development.

Source water protection means protecting our sources of drinking water from contamination or overuse. These sources of water can include surface water, such as lakes, rivers or streams, or groundwater.

The provincial government introduced proposed new legislation in December 2005, called the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act, which was passed on October 19, 2006, will provide the legislative basis for source water protection planning.

Background

In 2000, the Walkerton tragedy showed us how vulnerable our drinking water can be when it is not managed properly. The Walkerton Report called for many changes to how we manage drinking water in Ontario. A number of the recommendations emphasized the need for source water protection. The report also recommended that this be done on a watershed basis by Conservation Authorities.

Multi-Barrier Approach

Source water protection is the first barrier in a multi-barrier approach to protect our drinking water. This multi-barrier approach uses a combination of techniques:

  • source water protection
  • up-to-date water treatment systems
  • reliable distribution systems
  • professional training for water managers
  • careful and regular testing of our water supplies.

Of course, the multi-barrier approach applies mainly to municipal water systems. In most of our rural areas where people rely on wells or surface water intakes for their drinking water, source water protection is often the only barrier available to protect drinking water.

Source water protection planning keeps our water clean not just for drinking purposes, but also for fish, wildlife and recreation. This is vital to the Cataraqui Region with our abundance of lakes, the Rideau Canal, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Why is the CRCA involved?

Ontario’s Conservation Authorities are recognized for their watershed management knowledge, and connections to local communities. Conservation Authorities have been asked by the province to coordinate a multi-year planning process involving municipalities, community organizations, industries and residents. The plans will be prepared on a watershed basis, either for individual watersheds or groups of watersheds.

How long will this take?

The start-up phase of this project was underway during 2005 through 2007. The planning process is expected to continue until 2012.

Who will pay for the work?

The Province of Ontario will pay 100 per cent of the costs to complete the source water protection plans.

The responsibility for implementing the plans will be shared between the province, municipalities, local agencies and individual water users.

Where can I get more information?

Detailed information about drinking water source protection is now available on the website www.cleanwatercataraqui.ca.

You can also contact our project manager:
Rob McRae MCIP, RPP
Project Manager
Phone: (613) 546-4228 ext. 224
E-mail: robmcrae@cataraquiregion.on.ca.

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Contact Us:
P.O. Box 160, Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada K0H 1S0
Telephone: (613) 546-4228
E-mail: crca@cataraquiregion.on.ca

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