Water in Ontario
Fresh, clean water is vital to our survival and quality of life.
Ontario is fortunate to have a large supply of fresh water. Our province includes more than 250,000 lakes, countless rivers and streams, and many sources of groundwater. They provide us with drinking water, waterpower and recreation opportunities. Our lakes, rivers and wetlands are home to fish, birds, animals and plants.
About Water
Our Role in Water Management
- The role of the Ministry of Natural Resources in managing water
Water Legislation, Regulations, and Provincial Policies
- The Great Lakes are vital to Ontario's way of life and must be protected
Water Monitoring, Science and Information
Water Resources Information Project
- Ensuring information about Ontario’s water resources is accessible, accurate and useable
Office of the Ontario Mining and Lands Commissioner
- Decisions on applications and appeals regarding the Conservation Authorites Act and the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act
For Your Safety
- Find information on flood conditions in Ontario
- Download publications
Get Involved
- Report an invasive species
- Help prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia in fish
- Help bring back salmon to Lake Ontario
You Wanted to Know
- Great Lakes Fisheries
- Provincial Government Responsibilities
- Canadian provinces are responsible for the day-to-day management of their water
Related Sites
- International Joint Commission
- Ontario Clean Water Agency
- Ministry of the Environment Water Web Page
- Drinking Water Ontario
- Great Lakes Fishery Commission
- Conservation Ontario
- Environment Canada's Freshwater Website
- Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Water Resources Regional Body
- Council of Great Lakes Governors
