A precious resource
Ontario has an abundance of water in its lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers. Still, there are limits to how much of this water we can take, and how fast we can take it, without reducing the availability of water in certain areas or at certain times.
Water sustains the ecosystems and economies that support our healthy and vibrant communities. But competing demands on our province’s water supply can lead to shortages that adversely affect water users and the environment.
We have to protect our water supply. Conservation, which includes using water more efficiently, is critical to sustaining our water resources and ensuring that we can continue to meet human and environmental needs.
Managing water taking
As the Ontario population grows and economic development increases, the demand for water rises in many regions, causing concerns around the depletion of our supply.
Large quantities of water—millions of litres—are taken and used every day for agricultural, commercial, institutional, municipal, industrial and other beneficial purposes. To ensure that there is enough water available for all uses, both now and in the future, our water usage must be monitored and managed effectively.
In Ontario, water takings are governed by section 34 of the Ontario Water Resources Act and by the Water Taking Regulation (O. Reg. 387/04).
