Proposed policy changes apply to the management of road salt, fuel tanks, agriculture, pesticides, fertilizers, chemical storage, snow storage and other potential drinking water threats near municipal wells or intakes.

The Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Plan is a locally developed plan to keep our municipal drinking water safe and clean. It is required under the Clean Water Act, 2006.

This Plan is overseen by the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region and has been in effect since 2015. This plan contains policies for activities that have been determined to be significant drinking water threats (as determined by the Technical Rules under the Clean Water Act, 2006) in areas near municipal groundwater wells and surface water intakes. It is currently undergoing an update to align with recent legislative changes from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.  Proposed updates include changes to how threats are managed on properties near municipal wells and intakes, such as implementing new storage methods, improving spill preparedness, or, in some cases, requiring a risk management plan. The updates will only apply to a select number of properties located within designated drinking water protection zones.

Drinking water sources in the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region include groundwater, drawn from aquifers underground, and water drawn from the Ottawa River, Rideau River, Tay River and Mississippi River. The Source Protection Plan sets out policies that use a variety of tools to protect municipal drinking water sources from contamination. These tools include education, risk management planning, prohibition and land use planning.

The Source Protection Region was required to consult with the public on the proposed changes. Revisions can be viewed using the link below

Proposed changes to MRSPR Assessment Report and Source Protection Plan

A summary of updates can be found below

S36 Amendment - Summary of Revisions

Hard copies can be viewed by appointment at the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority headquarters in Manotick.

If you have questions or wish to provide comments about the proposed changes, please contact Marika Livingston at 613-692-3571 ext. 1148 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Marika Livingston

Project Manager,
Drinking Water Source Protection
Tel: 1‑800‑267‑3504 ext. 1148
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mail: Attn. Marika Livingston
PO Box 599,
Manotick, ON K4M 1A5

CLOSED November 22, 2024