It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
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 details our approaches to keeping water clean, areas to protect, activities to manage and the programs to deliver.
The Source Protection Plan (SPP) protects municipal wells and surface water intakes from specific activities that may pose a threat to drinking water. The Ontario government passed the Clean Water Act in 2006 to protect drinking water as part of its multi-barrier strategy to safeguard human health and the environment. The Clean Water Act established a process for developing local, watershed-based Source Protection Plans. The Grand River Source Protection Plan includes the polices for the Region of Waterloo.
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 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 that will help to reduce the risk of the activity to our drinking water supplies.
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 which identifies the best management practices you will use to protect our water supply from the activities occurring on your property.
There are two ways you will know if you need a Risk Management Plan:
if you are located in a source protection area and already doing one of the activities which requires a risk management plan you will be contacted directly by the Risk Management Official. 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. Go to the Building Permits and Planning Approval Applications drop down on this page for information on how to find out if Source Protection Plan policies apply and, if required, resources to negotiate a Risk Management Plan.
Sewer Use By-law and industrial monitoring enforcement
The Sewer Use By-law 1-90 regulates and controls the discharge of water and wastewater into the sanitary and/or storm sewer distribution system within Waterloo Region. The chemical and physical limits in the bylaw protect the wastewater distribution system, the wastewater treatment plant operation and ultimately the water quality of the Grand River.
Spills response
If you witness a spill, or suspect one has occurred or is about to occur, report the spill immediately. A spill is the release of a substance that is harmful to the environment - such as oil, fuel, chemicals or pesticides - into a sewer or the environment. Quick actions can reduce the clean-up time and protect the local 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 Mannheim and/or Brantford drinking water treatment plants
