Ontario's two-year moratorium on new and expanded water bottling operations is now in effect.
The moratorium, proposed by the province in October, officially came into effect on Dec. 16 and will last until Jan. 1, 2019.
More than 20,000 comments were received by the ministry during the public commenting period, which ended on Dec. 1.
"Water is a vital resource – one that is essential to the health and integrity of our ecosystems and communities," Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, stated in a press release.
"We need to ensure water is protected for future generations, and this moratorium is an important step to ensure its sustainability."
The moratorium bans new water bottling facilities from taking groundwater, and prohibits existing facilities from increasing withdrawals and testing for future sources.
Locally, the moratorium applies to Nestlé Waters Canada's proposed Middlebrook well near Elora, but not to existing Nestlé wells in Aberfoyle and Erin. The latter operations will continue to operate under the parameters of their current permits to take water.
However, any new rules introduced following the expiration of the moratorium will apply to any permit renewal, including Nestlé operations in Aberfoyle and Erin.
Officials say that while the moratorium is in place, the province plans to:
– conduct research to improve understanding of groundwater in Ontario;
– examine how "pricing and other tools" could "help manage and protect" water resources;
– review existing rules for adequate protection of groundwater for future generations; and
– receive public input and feedback on Ontario’s current permitting process and groundwater management moving forward.
The province is seeking feedback from the public on stricter rules for water bottling companies, including increased monitoring and consultation and mandatory posting of records on a public website. The proposed rules are available on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca – number 012-9151.
