Drinking Water Source Protection
Have you seen the sign?
The Signs are Everywhere!
Drinking Water Source Protection Road Signs can be found along rural, urban municipal roads in addition to larger Provincial highways. Drinking water protection zones are areas, around municipal drinking water sources, where extra protective measures help to reduce risk and keep municipal drinking water safe and clean. Everyone plays a role in helping to protect our sources of drinking water. Scroll down to the map below to see if there are any signs in your area!
I Gotta Know - Drinking Water Protection Song
Drinking Water Source Protection Road Signs
Over 1,700 road signs have been installed on both provincial highways and municipal roadways to raise awareness of nearby drinking water sources. These signs mark where there is a protection zone, which is defined as a certain amount of area around a surface water intake or well head, that require specific protective measures for natural water sources, such as groundwater, lakes, or rivers that provide municipal drinking water.
To find out if there is a sign in your area check out the map below. You can adjust the map by zooming in or out and by using your mouse to move the map to your desired location. Click on a water droplet to view more information
Map Tip:
- Click the magnifying glass and type your address to find a road sign near you
- Use the tools in the lower right corner to zoom in and out on the map
- Click on a water drop to find out more information about a sign and a drinking water source protection zone
Multi-barrier Drinking Water Protection in Ontario
In May 2000, a municipal well in Walkerton became contaminated with a deadly bacteria. Seven people including a child died due to the contamination, and many residents were left with severe long-term illnesses.
The Government of Ontario established a public inquiry into the drinking water tragedy, led by Justice Dennis O’Conner. He developed 121 recommendations that became the building blocks of today’s multi-barrier framework for drinking water protection in Ontario. It includes the Safe Drinking Water Act (2002), Clean Water Act (2006), and other measures.
This image shows the 6 steps in ensuring safe municipal drinking water provided to 80% of Ontarians.
Since the Walkerton water tragedy, there is much we have learned and accomplished, and yet, there is still much to do. We know that protecting our drinking water is a vital and shared ongoing responsibility – and it starts right at the water source! Visit Conservation Ontario for more information and resources at the following link: https://bit.ly/3ht4fCR
To learn how municipal drinking water sources are protected, watch the video below!
Drinking Water Source Protection
Source Protection Regions or Areas
Under the Clean Water Act, 2006, 19 Source Protection Regions (SPR) and standalone Source Protection Areas (SPA) were established. The Source Protection Regions are made up of a group of local Source Protection Areas. There are a total of 38 Source Protection Areas based on Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities, in addition to the Severn Sound Environmental Association and the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. Check to see if you are in a Source Protection Area at the following link: https://bit.ly/3lFkTAl
The image shows the 38 Source Protection Areas across Ontario.
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