Groundwater resources

Groundwater is a key water source within the Grand River watershed. More than 80 per cent of the watershed's population rely on groundwater as a source of clean, safe drinking water. In addition, many farms, factories and commercial businesses depend on groundwater.

Population and development in the watershed are increasing. As a result, it is important to manage groundwater resources to ensure there is balance between human needs and the needs of the natural environment.

Responsible management in areas where water moves from the surface into the groundwater system (recharge) will help protect groundwater quality and quantity.

It is also important to protect where groundwater makes its way into rivers and streams through springs and seeps (groundwater discharge). Groundwater feeds wetlands and adds cool water to rivers and streams in summer, which supports both human use and a healthy ecosystem.

It is important to continue to study and monitor our groundwater resources through investigations ranging from watershed-wide studies to local projects. 

Municipal water supplies

Municipal drinking water systems in the Grand River watershed get about 69 per cent of their water from wells. In fact, the water systems serving the Region of Waterloo and the City of Guelph are among the largest groundwater-based systems in Canada.

Municipalities operate about 200 wells serving 40 water systems. For more information, visit our Municipal water supplies page or your municipal website.

Private water supplies

About 23,000 private wells provide water to farms, rural residences and many businesses such as gravel pits, golf courses, factories and water bottlers.

To view maps showing water well distribution and water well records, go to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks well records website.

Protecting municipal groundwater sources

The Clean Water Act protects the sources of municipal drinking water, including groundwater, from contamination and overuse. The Source Protection Plan for the Grand River watershed identifies the programs and policies to protect groundwater quality and quantity.

For more information, visit the Lake Erie Region Source Protection website.

Water Management Plan

The Grand River Watershed Water Management Plan outlines the steps being taken by the GRCA, municipalities, senior governments and First Nations to address many issues including securing our water supplies and protecting groundwater resources.