Ontario’s Water Conservation And Efficiency Goals, Objectives and Programs In Accordance with The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement Prepared by: Ontario Ministry of the Environment Land and Water Policy Branch and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Biodiversity Branch For more information: Ministry of the Environment Public Information Centre Telephone: 416-325-4000 Toll free: 1-800-565-4923 Email: [email protected] www.ontario.ca/environment © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2012 PIBS 8409e01 2 ONTARIO’S WATER CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GREAT LAKES-ST. LAWRENCE RIVER BASIN SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCES AGREEMENT Introduction In December 2005, Ontario Premier McGuinty, Québec Premier Charest, and the governors of the eight U.S. Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) signed the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement (Agreement). This good-faith agreement committed the provinces and states that share the Great Lakes to adopt and implement measures to better protect and conserve the waters of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin (Basin). Among other things, each jurisdiction committed to developing and implementing state and provincial water conservation and efficiency goals, objectives and programs (mandatory or voluntary). In this document, Ontario sets out its goals, objectives and programs for water conservation and efficiency. Ontario’s goals are identical to the goals in the Agreement. Ontario’s objectives are consistent with the regional objectives for the Basin which were developed cooperatively by all jurisdictions and adopted in December 2007. These goals, objectives and programs are a significant step forward in implementing the province’s commitments under the Agreement. The goals and objectives are broad in scope, aiming to enhance long-term, sustainable water-use practices and management; promote water conservation and efficiency; improve monitoring and data sharing amongst jurisdictions in the Great Lakes Basin; develop science and research and education and outreach to help advance our water conservation efforts. The province’s existing water management and water conservation programs, including the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act, 2010, support achievement of the goals and objectives. 3 The province continues to take action to protect the Great Lakes. In June 2012, a draft Ontario Great Lakes Strategy was released which discusses the various ways the province would take action to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The draft Strategy would help to advance Great Lakes water quantity management and the fulfillment of Ontario’s water conservation and efficiency goals and objectives. The Ministries of the Environment and Natural Resources will work with water users and other ministries to meet these goals and objectives and implement programs. The remainder of the document describes Ontario’s water conservation and efficiency goals, objectives (Table 1) and programs (Appendices A and B). On August 5, 2009, the Ministries of the Environment and Natural Resources posted a Proposal Notice on the Environmental Registry to seek public input on proposals for implementing key Ontario commitments under the Agreement. Among the proposals consulted on was the development of Ontario water conservation and efficiency goals and objectives, as committed to under the Agreement. Based on consultation and comments received, Ontario is adopting the Basin-wide water conservation goals and objectives. Ontario’s objectives are consistent with the regional objectives adopted for the Basin. They have been tailored for Ontario to reflect the direction in the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act, 2010. They have also been adapted to address stakeholder requests to emphasize the importance of taking ecological water needs into account in decision making, in keeping with the broader ecosystem protection and restoration goals of the Agreement. 4 GOALS (identical to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement) 1. Ensuring improvement of the waters and water dependent natural resources; 2. Protecting and restoring the hydrologic and ecosystem integrity of the Basin; 3. Retaining the quantity of surface water and groundwater in the Basin; 4. Ensuring sustainable use of waters of the Basin; and, 5. Promoting the efficiency of use and reducing losses and waste of water. Table 1. Objectives (consistent with the Basin-wide Objectives) 1. Guide programs a. Use adaptive programs that are goal-based, accountable and toward long-term measurable over time. sustainable water use b. Develop and implement programs openly and collaboratively, and management including with local stakeholders, Aboriginal people, governments and including taking the public. ecosystem needs for water into account. c. Prepare and maintain long-term water demand forecasts. d. Conduct and improve multi-scale water budgets and water quantity risk assessments. e. Develop long-term strategies that incorporate water conservation and efficient water use and integrate them with other environmental management practices and considerations such as energy use, climate change, and the protection and restoration of hydrological and ecological integrity. f. Review and build on existing programs and planning efforts and consider other jurisdictions’ practices and experiences. 2. Adopt and implement a. Maximize water use efficiency and minimize waste of water. supply and demand b. Promote appropriate innovative water, wastewater and stormwater management to technologies and services. promote efficient use and conservation of c. Conserve and manage existing water supplies to prevent or delay the water resources. demand for and development of additional supplies. d. Provide incentives to encourage efficient water use and conservation. e. Include water conservation and efficiency in the review of proposed new or increased uses. f. Promote investment in and maintenance of efficient water infrastructure and green infrastructure. 3. Improve monitoring a. Improve and increase the measurement and evaluation of water and standardize data conservation and water use efficiency. 5 Table 1. Objectives (consistent with the Basin-wide Objectives) reporting among state b. Encourage measures to monitor, account and report on water loss. and provincial water Track and report program progress and effectiveness. conservation and efficiency programs. c. Monitor and collect information related to the waters of Ontario. d. Collect and report water use information. 4. Develop science, a. Encourage the identification and sharing of innovative water, technology and wastewater and stormwater management practices and technologies. research. b. Encourage research, development and implementation of water conservation and efficiency technologies, services and standards. c. Seek and involve traditional knowledge and practices of Aboriginal people in Ontario. d. Strengthen scientific understanding of the linkages between water resources and use, water conservation practices, and ecological needs and responses. e. Increase understanding of water and its movement including groundwater and its interaction with surface water, and the effects of climate change on water resources. 5. Develop education a. Ensure equitable public access to water conservation and efficiency programs and tools and information. information sharing for all water users. b. Inform, educate and increase awareness regarding the importance of water to life, and the need for conservation and efficient water use. c. Promote the cost-saving aspect of water conservation and efficiency for both short-term and long-term economic sustainability. d. Share conservation and efficiency experiences, including successes and lessons learned. e. Enhance and contribute to regional information sharing. f. Encourage and increase training opportunities in collaboration with professional or other organizations in order to increase water conservation and efficiency practices and technological applications. g. Ensure that conservation programs are transparent and that information is readily available. h. Aid in the development and dissemination of sector-based best management practices and results achieved. i. Seek opportunities for the sharing of traditional knowledge and practices of Aboriginal people. 6 Appendix A. Index of Ontario’s Contributing Water Management and Conservation Statutes, Programs and Policies and Lead Provincial Ministry Guide programs toward long-term sustainable water use and management including taking ecosystem needs for water into account 1. Ontario Water Resources Act and the Water Taking Regulation MOE 2. Clean Water Act, 2006 MOE 3. Conservation Authorities Act, 1990 MNR 4. Water Budget Studies MNR 5. Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act MNR 6. Endangered Species Act, 2007 MNR 7. Ontario Great Lakes Wetland Conservation Action Plan MNR 8. Greenbelt Act, 2005 and Greenbelt Plan MMAH 9. Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act and Plan MNR 10. Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy MNR 11. Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem MOE, MNR, OMAFRA 12. Joint Strategic Plan for the Management of Great Lakes Fisheries MNR Adopt and implement supply and demand management to promote efficient use and conservation of water resources 13. Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act, 2010 MOE 14. Financial Plans Regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 MOE 15. Building Code Act, 1992 and the Building Code MMAH 16. Green Energy Act, 2009 Energy 17. Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 and Plans MMAH 18. Places to Grow Act, 2005 and Growth Plan MOI 19. Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008 and Lake Simcoe Protection Plan MOE 20. Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statement MMAH 21. Municipal Stormwater Management Systems MOE 22. Ontario Small Waterworks Assistance Program MOI Improve monitoring and standardize data reporting among state and provincial water conservation and efficiency programs 23. Ontario Low Water Response MNR 24. Ontario Surface Water Monitoring MNR 25. Groundwater Monitoring Network and Climate Change Project MOE 26. Water Use Reporting MOE/MNR 27. Water Resources Information Program MNR 28. Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management in Ontario MNR 29. The Ontario Geological Survey’s Groundwater Mapping Program MNDM 30. Climate Change Modelling and the Weather and Water Information Gateway MNR 7 Develop science, technology and research 31. Showcasing Water Innovation Fund MOE 32. Ontario Clean Water Agency MOE 33. Innovation Demonstration Fund MEDI 34. Green Focus on Innovation and Technology MEDI 35. Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence Water Round MEDI 36. Investment Accelerator Fund MEDI 37. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs /University of Guelph Partnership Research Program OMAFRA 38. New Directions Research Program OMAFRA 39. Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre MNR 40. Climate Ready: Ontario’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan MOE Develop education programs and information sharing for all water users 41. Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program MOE 42. Water Efficiency Labelling MOE 43. Best Management Practices OMAFRA 44. Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan Program OMAFRA 45. Species at Risk Stewardship Fund MNR 46. Invading Species Awareness Program MNR 47. Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program MNR 48. Eastern Habitat Joint Venture MNR 49. Ontario Parks Water Conservation Initiatives MNR Ontario Ministry Acronyms Legend Finance – Ministry of Finance OMAFRA – Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Energy – Ministry of Energy MOI – Ministry of Infrastructure MMAH – Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing MNR – Ministry of Natural Resources MOE – Ministry of the Environment MEDI – Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation MNDM – Ministry of Northern Development, and Mines MTO – Ministry of Transportation 8 Appendix B. Description of Ontario’s Contributing Water Management and Conservation Statutes, Programs and Policies The following programs contribute to achieving Ontario’s goals and objectives for water conservation and efficiency. The programs below may link to more than one goal or objective. GUIDE PROGRAMS TOWARD LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE WATER USE AND MANAGEMENT INCLUDING TAKING ECOSYSTEM NEEDS FOR WATER INTO ACCOUNT To achieve this objective, we have a range of adaptive programs and conservation and efficiency strategies that take into account the importance of water to related ecosystems, working with local stakeholders, and improving water demand forecasts, and water budgets. 1. Ontario Water Resources Act and the Water Taking Regulation Water takings in Ontario are governed by the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Water Taking Regulation (Ontario Regulation 387/04). The purpose of the Ontario Water Resources Act is to provide for the conservation, protection and management of Ontario’s waters and for their efficient and sustainable use, in order to promote Ontario’s long-term environmental, social and economic well- being. http://www.e- laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90o40_e.htm The Water Taking Regulation under the Ontario Water Resources Act, outlines matters that the Ministry of the Environment must consider when considering an application for a Permit to Take Water. The Permit to Take Water Program provides for the fair sharing, conservation, and sustainable use of Ontario’s waters. Any person taking more than a total of 50,000 litres of water in a day must first obtain a Permit to Take Water. Water taken for domestic uses, watering of livestock or poultry, or firefighting is excepted from the requirement to obtain a permit. http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_040387_e.htm The regulation of water taking is done in accordance with statute, policies, guidelines and the Permit to Take Water Manual (http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/resources/STD01_078778.html). The Water Taking Regulation specifically identifies the relevant matters that must be considered by the ministry when assessing water taking applications, including:  the need to protect the natural functions of the ecosystem, including the natural variability of water flow or water levels, minimum stream flow, and habitat that depends on water flow or water levels;  impact on groundwater and surface water quantity and quality;  issues related to water availability, including low water conditions and the level of existing water use in the watershed; 9  whether water conservation measures are being implemented or are proposed to be implemented in the use of water, in accordance with best water management standards and practices for the relevant sector if these are available; and  demonstrated need for the water (reasonable prospect of use). New or increased water takings by regulation-specified highly consumptive water users that remove water from “high use watersheds” are either prohibited or constrained during the low-flow period. The regulation-designated high use watersheds are shown on the Summer Low Flow Map and Average Annual Flow Map specified by the regulation. Applicants for a Permit to Take Water must complete and submit a “Schedule 1 – Implementation of Water Conservation in accordance with Best Management Practices and Standards for the Relevant Sector”. This Schedule contains a list of water conservation best management measures and practices for applicants. For the measures and practices checked off, applicants are expected to provide specific details about best management practices applied or to be applied and to cite any information used to determine water conservation and efficiency management practices and measures. Using the Schedule, applicants must declare the water conservation measures and practices they are currently implementing or anticipate implementing over the duration of the permit. They must state their goals for reducing the use, loss or waste of water or for increasing the efficiency of water use e.g., litres per day per unit of production or litres per day per capita for the residential sector. Finally, applicants are asked to identify any approval or certification that they have received for implementing water conservation and efficiency measures best management practices e.g. Environmental Farm Plan, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. In 2007, the Ontario government passed the Safeguarding and Sustaining Ontario’s Water Act, which amended the Ontario Water Resources Act to enable implementation of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement (Agreement) and other amendments to the Permit to Take Water program. (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Water/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_164560. html) The Ontario Water Resources Act was amended in 2010 to add a regulation- making authority to establish water efficiency standards or requirements for prescribed appliances and products. 10