From the induction of the Drillers Act in 1946 to the Walkerton tragedy in 2001, Christopher Munro and Heather Brodie-Brown discussed the major changes and events that have shaped how groundwater is managed in Ontario.

In addition, their presentation included an overview of the major groundwater management initiatives taking place in Ontario today. This includes the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Conservation Authorities, the Ontario Geological Survey’s Groundwater Mapping Program, the Permit to Take Water Program in Ontario, as well as the completion of Source Water Protection Plans under the Ontario Clean Water Act.

They also touched on issues that will be the focus of groundwater management in the future, including integrated water and watershed management, cumulative impacts and sustainability, climate change adaptation, geothermal wells, and groundwater/surface water interactions.

At the end of the presentation, the focus was put on the attendees to provide ideas and suggestions to improve and advance groundwater management in the future.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS -

Christopher R. Munro, MSc.Eng, P.Eng., of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment is a hydrogeologist with the Central Region Technical Support Section.

Heather Brodie-Brown, M.Sc., P.Geo., of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment is a hydrogeologist with the Standards Development Branch.