Conservation Ontario

Drinking Water Source Protection in Ontario

The Clean Water Act, 2006 is part of the multi-barrier approach of the Government of Ontario to ensure clean, safe and sustainable drinking water for Ontarians. It led to the development of science-based assessment reports and source protection plans by multi-stakeholder source protection committees, supported by Source Protection Authorities including the 36 Conservation Authorities of Ontario.

The local source protection plans contain policies that either recommend or require that actions be taken to address certain activities. Implementation of all source protection plans is well underway across the province. The handing and storage of fuel is one of the many activities managed in certain protection areas around municipal drinking water wells and intakes. You may hear from a local Risk Management Official regarding managing certain activities at your property, to support the protection of valuable drinking water sources. To learn more, click here.