Water Monitoring, Science & Information

Monitoring involves collecting and analyzing information on the state of the resources in order to identify changes and trends over time. An integral part of scientific research, it is also a means of verifying whether policies and programs are having the desired results. 

 
MNR monitors everything from climate and weather conditions to wildlife populations and water levels. This section provides information on MNR’s water related monitoring, science and information.

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC):

• collects, monitors & analyses water flows, levels; and climate data
• identifies sensitive and risk prone areas throughout the province
• calculates indices and generates maps
• create conditions reports, notifications, advisories, etc and
• communicates with partners and clients on flood  and low water conditions

The Centre also assists the province and its partners with a variety of other water management activities including:

• Great Lakes water level monitoring,
• interconnecting channel and diversions flow assessment and advice,
• water control boards,
• source water protection planning including water budgets, and
• water power compliance monitoring. 

The Water Resources Information Program

The Water Resources Information Program (WRIP) works with a variety of partners to support the collection, management and use of digital information about water and ensures that information about Ontario’s water resources is accessible, accurate and useable.

Provincial government ministries, municipalities and conservation authorities are just some of the agencies that rely on good water-related information to create maps, conduct geographic analysis and support decisions about the province’s water resources.

• For more information, visit the Water Resources Information Program site.