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In Waterloo Region, some of our water comes from the Grand River but most comes from groundwater wells. Protecting our sources of drinking water from contamination helps to ensure clean water for now and in the future. The Water Resources Protection Master Plan and Chapter 8 of the Regional Official Plan detail our approaches to keeping water clean, areas to protect, activities to manage and programs to deliver.
applying for a building permit or planning approval in a source protection area
there is an activity of concern in a source protection area
Building permits and planning approval applications
Building permits and planning approval applications for source protection areas are only granted after screening for potential threats to drinking water. Some permits and applications may be refused or may first require a Risk Management Plan.
Properties requiring the negotiation of a Risk Management Plan should first contact the Risk Management Official. This is to confirm actions you need to take and to discuss the process, which may include the completion of a Risk Management Plan worksheet. The worksheet includes practices to help reduce the risk of the activity to our drinking water supplies.
Learn more about the building permits and planning approval applications process:
A Risk Management Plan is a legally binding agreement between you and the Region of Waterloo's Risk Management Official. It is a site-specific negotiated agreement identifying best management practices you will use to protect our water supply from activities occurring on your property.
If you need a Risk Management Plan your will either be:
Contacted by the Risk Management Official if you are located in a source protection area and already doing one of the activities which requires a risk management plan. The property owner does not need to do anything until contacted by the Risk Management Official. There are many properties in the Region that require Risk Management Plans and it will take several years to reach every one.
through the building permit and planning approval application process. The Building Permits and Planning Approval Applications section on this page includes how to find out if Source Protection Plan policies apply and, if required, resources to negotiate a Risk Management Plan.
Learn more about negotiating a Risk Management Plan:
Sewer Use By-law and industrial monitoring enforcement
The Sewer Use By-law 1-90 regulates and controls discharge of water and wastewater into the sanitary and/or storm sewer distribution system in Waterloo Region. The bylaw protects the wastewater distribution system, the wastewater treatment plant operation and ultimately water quality of the Grand River.
Spills response
Report a spill immediately if you witness a spill or suspect one has occurred or is about to occur. Quick actions can reduce clean-up time and protect the local environment. A spill is the release of a substance harmful to the environment - such as oil, fuel, chemicals or pesticides - into a sewer or the environment.
The Region of Waterloo provides 24-hour emergency response to environmental spills. Responsibilities include:
A prompt investigation of reported spills
Containment or cleanup measures to minimize damage to the natural environment
Notifying affected parties if a chemical spill could affect the Region of Waterloo Mannheim and/or Brantford drinking water treatment plants
