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Water Resources in Ontario
Overview
Water is essential to all life on earth. Water sustains the human population and is vital for all natural ecosystems. Ontario’s water resources contribute to the economic wellbeing of the province through agriculture, commercial fishing, power generation, industry, transportation and tourism.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) plays a significant role in ensuring that Ontario's precious water resources can support the needs of Ontarians and support a healthy natural environment now and into the future.
Ontario's Water Resources
WATER - TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE -The Foremost Cause of Natural Disasters
To learn more visit MNR’s Public Safety,Water-related Hazards and Emergency Management pages
The Ministry of Natural Resources’ water management activities focus on:
- Protecting human life, property and natural resources through forecasting and warning about flood / drought / erosion hazards, and overseeing the safety of water control structures such as dams.
- Supporting the development of healthy local, regional and provincial economies, through the sustainable use of water resources for activities such as water power generation and management of Crown-owned dams.
- Ensuring integrated management of Ontario's water resources through water budgeting, river management and watershed planning.
- Safeguarding Ontario's interest on shared boundary waters, such as the Great Lakes
Relevant Legislation
The Ministry works with many partners to develop and implement sustainable water management programs through legislation.
Learn more about water related legislation.
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© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2008
Last Modified: April 28, 2008