A Source Water Protection Plan helps keep our municipal drinking water safe. It identifies areas where our water comes from, like lakes, rivers, and underground springs, and aims to protect these sources from potential contaminants. The plan works to ensure we have clean, safe water for everyone now and in the future—from the source to the tap.
Background
In 2000, a water contamination tragedy in Walkerton, Ontario, made over 2,300 people sick and caused 7 deaths. This event led to new rules to keep our water safe. Ontario passed the Clean Water Act in 2006, requiring source water plans to protect current and future drinking water sources from pollution and depletion.
In Niagara, the Niagara Peninsula Source Water Protection Plan helps identify and address threats to our drinking water. This plan involves the Province, the Niagara Region, local municipalities, the Niagara Source Protection Advisory Committee, and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
![Niagara Falls Source Water Intake]()
Niagara Falls Source Water Intake
Plan Area
For Niagara Falls, the plan focuses on the water intake at the Welland River in Chippawa, identifying risks such as stormwater from new developments, sewage plants, and farm runoff. The area is identified as the Intake Protection Zone (IPZ-1).
How the Source Water Protection Plan impacts development
If your property is in the Intake Protection Zone (IPZ-1) and you’re applying for a building permit or planning approval, contact the Planning Department to learn how these rules may affect you. For more information or to view the plan, visit Niagara Source Protection Plan.
Contact: 905-356-7521 ext. 4330 or [email protected]
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