In May 2000, the drinking water for the town of Walkerton, Ontario—just one and a half hours northwest of the Credit River headwaters in Orangeville—was contaminated with a fatal strain of E. Coli.
The contamination and events that followed were a catalyst for the development and implementation of Ontario’s current drinking water protection framework. It’s also a poignant reminder of the importance of continual vigilance to protect drinking water sources.
Protecting Drinking Water
Several pieces of provincial legislation came out of the contamination event, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 and the Clean Water Act, 2006. These acts created a multi-barrier approach to protecting drinking water, including requiring source-to-tap protection of municipal drinking water. Because these acts primarily don’t apply to owners of private wells, it’s important these landowners are aware of their responsibilities for protecting their drinking water.
We’re Here to Help
- The Clean Water Act mandates regional source water protection plans across the province. In 2024, in partnership with the Toronto and Region and Central Lake Ontario conservation authorities, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) updated the region’s approved source protection plan for municipal drinking water systems. Learn more about the source water protection plan and how it may affect you.
- CVC’s Landowner Action Fund provides funding and technical expertise to rural landowners in our watershed for stewardship projects, including groundwater protection, such as private well upgrades and decommissions. View your property’s eligibility and guidelines.
- Our Rural Water Quality Programs offer financial and technical help for farm stewardship projects—like wells and wellheads—to farmers in Dufferin, Wellington, and Peel Region. View your property’s eligibility and guidelines.
Actions You Can Take
- Test your water at least three times a year. Connect with your local municipality to find out how.
- If you have an abandoned well, have it properly decommissioned. Connect with a well contractor to find out more.
- Farmers can engage in best management practices to protect water on their farms, such as erosion and runoff control structures, irrigation management and more.