Source Water Protection What is source water? Source Water is untreated water from streams, lakes, rivers or underground aquifers which is used to supply private wells or public drinking water. Groundwater - Approximately 75% of the Region of Waterloo's municipal water supply comes from groundwater resources. A network of over 100 supply wells pumps water from subsurface aquifers (geologic units where water is stored between sand or gravel grains or between rock fractures). These aquifers also supply most rural residents with their water. Surface water - Surface water sources may be streams, lakes, rivers, or reservoirs - water that we can see. In the Region, approximately 25% of our water comes from the Grand River, a surface water source. Why does source water need to be protected? It is vulnerable to contamination! - All of our activities on land and in the water affect the quality of our water. Whether we realize it or not, the river that we're canoeing on or groundwater beneath our feet is our source water. Every time it rains and every time we spill something on the ground there is a chance that our source water is becoming polluted. We depend on it!! - Let's face it, we need water to survive! And we need it to be fresh, clean and uncontaminated. To ensure that clean water will be available in the future, we must make efforts now to keep it clean and free from contamination. We must each do our part to protect our source water! How does contamination occur? Contamination of water occurs when harmful substances (both natural and synthetic) are introduced to rivers or groundwater. Contamination may result from these substances being released from point sources (localized points of contamination) or non-point sources (widespread area). Examples: Point sources - landfill leachate, oil or gas spills Non-point sources - run-off from a farmer's field, lawn pesticides, and road salt Following a rain storm water will either evaporate, be used by plants to grow, or infiltrate into the ground. Groundwater becomes contaminated when the water mixes with some of the above substances and carries the contaminants down to the aquifer. Surface water becomes contaminated when there is too much water for the soil to absorb and this excess water (run-off) flows into storm drains (if you live in the city) or into a stream or pond (if you live in the country) and may pollute surface water. How is source water being protected? The Region of Waterloo is administering and implementing many programs designed to protect the water on which we rely. The vision for these projects is outlined in the Source Water Protection Master Plan: Source Water Protection Master Plan (SWPMP) The SWPMP is designed to minimize the impact of historic, existing and future land uses on municipal water supplies. It achieves this through the following four components: Identify and map sensitive areas Identify potential threats and sources of contamination to sensitive areas Develop programs and policies to protect sensitive areas from threats Increase awareness of water resources protection issues and what the Region is doing to address these issues to local residents
	Quick Find Hydrogeologic Studies Source Water Protection Master Plan and Background Reports Drinking Water Protection Areas
The Region of Waterloo is protecting our water! Through innovative programs the Region: assesses and monitors our water taking; provides incentives for farmers to reduce their impact; encourages community involvement and increases awareness; and identifies, develops and supports policies and legislation to protect source water. [Return to Top]