Municipalities are responsible for the delivery of safe and reliable water supplies within their jurisdictions. They manage infrastructure related to water treatment and delivery. Municipal governments are also responsible for the protection of water sources under the Planning Act through control and coordination of land use activities on a watershed basis.
Conservation authorities work with municipalities to implement land-use planning on a watershed and sub-watersheds basis because watersheds cross municipal borders.
Through the implementation of the Provincial Policy Statement under Section 3 of the Planning Act, MNR provides policy direction on:
- water quantity and associated quality issues;
- natural heritage;
- public health and safety from natural hazards;
- water conservation;
- ecosystem restoration; and
- watershed planning.
