Introduction

The protection of drinking water is everyone's responsibility. All activities that occur on land, including the actions practiced on a farm, have the potential to adversely affect groundwater and surface water resources that may be a source of drinking water. On agricultural land, farmers play a key role in water management of their operations.

Ground water protection

All Ontarians can play a role in protecting groundwater quality and quantity. It is important to understand where groundwater comes from, how it is replenished and how it moves underground.

Understanding groundwater

Learn about groundwater and private water supplies. This technical information is for farmers and rural residents.

Managing the quantity of groundwater supplies

Learn about the availability of groundwater for rural use, the effect of pumping on aquifers and how to manage the use and impact on groundwater.

Protecting the quality of groundwater supplies

Learn about groundwater protection, including well capture zones and groundwater vulnerability to contamination.

Highly vulnerable water sources

Learn about the different types of highly vulnerable water sources found on farms or rural properties.

Private rural water supplies

Learn about groundwater, private water supplies and the different types of private rural water wells.

Testing and treating private water wells

Learn about water quality testing, the interpretation of water quality test results and commonly available treatment methods for private water wells.

Disinfecting private water wells

Learn how to disinfect your private water well.

Best management practices: Water Management

Learn practical ways to conserve water and safeguard its quality on the farm.

Best management practices: Water Wells

Learn about ground water and how to manage your well.

Source water protection

The first step in ensuring safe drinking water is to protect the local source and supply. The Clean Water Act, 2006 helps ensure public health by protecting existing and future sources of municipal drinking water.

Watershed-based source protection plans provide extra protection, helping to ensure your water is safe to drink.

Find more information on source water protection plans at Source water protection plans on the farm.