Information on consultation activities at the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region

An interactive storymap, educational videos, helpful action sheets, and more

Private Drinking Water Systems in Upper-Middle Rideau Valley Wateshed

• Study Backgrounder
• Study Summary: A Look at Private Drinking Water Systems in the Upper-Middle Rideau Valley Watershed

Information sheet on DNAPLs (Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids)

A catalogue of resources developed to assist with interpreting or implementing Source Water Protection.

DETAILS

Annual Report by Year

Mississippi-Rideau 2023 Annual Progress Report - May 1, 2024

Mississippi-Rideau 2022 Annual Progress Report - May 1, 2023

Mississippi-Rideau 2021 Annual Progress Report - May 1, 2022

Mississippi-Rideau 2020 Annual Progress Report - May 1, 2021

Mississippi-Rideau 2019 Annual Progress Report - May 1, 2020

Mississippi-Rideau 2018 Annual Progress Report - April 30, 2019

Mississippi-Rideau 2017 Annual Progress Report - April 30, 2018

Have you seen these signs?

Their goal is to raise awareness about Drinking Water Protection Zones that surround a community’s shared drinking water source. These zones now have some special protections under the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Plan – a locally developed plan under Ontario’s Clean Water Act. The signs can be found in similar zones across the Province!

The zones are in communities, in specific areas around their municipal water sources. Depending on the community, the source may be a well that draws water from an aquifer or an intake that takes water from a river.

The zones were determined through scientific and technical studies that were done to help understand the drinking water source and map the zones, and in these areas some special policies are in place to help protect the drinking water source.

The signs could help inform first responders too! The signs can reaffirm the importance of spill prevention and help to ensure appropriate spill response.

If you live in a Drinking Water Protection Zone, you are encouraged to make small changes that will help to protect rivers and underground aquifers. You might already be doing some things that help you to be a Great Water Resident! Check out some ideas on our Living in the Zone page!

To find out more information about what these signs mean, please view our Fact Sheet

This section is just for kids! You can help protect drinking water sources too. Here are some links with information and activities to help you “go blue”!

Here are some links to information about technical or financial assistance for actions related to protecting water:

• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Shoreline Naturalization Program
• Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority Shoreline Planting Program
• City of Ottawa’s Rural Clean Water Program - for on-farm and rural projects to protect water quality within Ottawa
• Rideau Valley Rural Clean Water Program - for on-farm and rural projects to protect water quality in the Rideau watershed outside of Ottawa
• City of Ottawa’s Green Acres Program - Ottawa’s rural reforestation program
• Trees for Tomorrow - reforestation in the Rideau watershed outside of Ottawa
• Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association cost share programs - on-farm projects
• Ducks Unlimited – works with landowners to restore or secure wetlands
• Well Aware – a program of Green Communities Canada that encourages Ontario’s residential well owners to protect their wells and our common groundwater supplies
• Stewardship Councils – volunteer run, community-based Councils which work with individuals and community groups committed to responsible environmental stewardship

  Lanark County Stewardship Council

  Leeds Grenville Stewardship Council

• Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program – helps landowners take care of provincially significant conservation lands such as wetlands

We all know the basics –install a rain barrel, take shorter showers, use a bucket to wash the car.

If you’re looking for some innovative, new ideas to challenge yourself to save water, check out: 100+ Ways to Conserve Water

Curious about your water use? Try this: Water Footprint Calculator