Water is one of the most important elements in our lives; second only to the air that we breathe. We need it to be clean, safe and available. Since it is so important, we need to protect it.

• Groundwater Sources
• Common Questions
• Using Hydrology to Monitor our Groundwater
• Halton's Aquifer Management Plan
• How You Can Help

Groundwater Sources

Groundwater resources are critical. Our municipal systems supply water for the communities of Georgetown, Acton, Campbellville and the older parts of Milton from groundwater sources. 

In the rural area, water supplies come from private wells that also draw from groundwater sources. Together, groundwater sources provide water for about 80,000 Halton residents, nearly 25% of our total population.

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Common Questions

Some of the questions we hear from the public are:

• How much water can we take from the ground without depleting the aquifer?
• A very small amount of some contaminants can make a very large quantity of water undrinkable. Could our groundwater become contaminated?
• Could land in Halton be contaminated as a result of historical uses?
• How can we be sure that contaminated sites are identified when development is proposed?
• I have recently noticed some issues regarding my private water well. Could I be experiencing off-site interference?

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Using Hydrology to Monitor our Groundwater

Hydrology is a science that deals with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere.

A hydrogeologist is a person who studies the ways that groundwater moves through the soil and rock of the earth. Halton Region was the first region in the province to employ a hydrogeologist to help develop a full understanding of the groundwater flow system in Halton. 

A computer model is used to simulate the groundwater flow system across the entire north part of Halton Region. The model allows us to better understand where groundwater is moving below the surface and how it relates to streams and creeks in north Halton. Much of the water flowing in the streams originates as groundwater discharge.

The computer model also shows the source of the groundwater that the municipal wells are pumping. With this knowledge, we can appropriately evaluate land uses to protect groundwater.

For example, if a particular area is directly recharging our municipal aquifer, it would not be a good idea to approve a gas station development there, since leakage from an underground tank would wind up in the municipal water supply.

Halton has been able to confirm that the groundwater at all of the municipal wells is of excellent quality. We have also been able to confirm that the water levels in our aquifers are stable, indicating that our current pumping rates are balanced with the natural recharge.

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Halton's Aquifer Management Plan

Halton Region has also developed an Aquifer Management Plan to better protect and manage groundwater in the Region, including the following priorities:

• Wellhead protection strategies.
• Determination of ground water reserves.
• Watershed protection initiatives.
• Identification and evaluation of Halton's groundwater-sensitive settlement areas.
• Urban and rural surface and ground water awareness and education.
• Identification of sensitive recharge areas.
• Ongoing monitoring of water levels, surface flows and water quality; and spill contingency planning.

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How You Can Help

Contaminants are released into the environment every day. These contaminants can get into ground water aquifers and surface water streams and lakes.

You can help reduce this by:

• Taking time to understand how the natural ground water system functions.
• Taking care in storing, using and disposing of chemicals at home and at work.
• Reducing your use of household and industrial chemicals.
• Using fertilizers and pesticides carefully on the farm and on your lawn, looking at more natural methods of gardening and completing an Environmental Farm Plan. 
• Being aware of your water use - don't waste. Water conservation allows us to pump less water from the ground.
• Taking leftover hazardous materials (paint, batteries, used motor oil, household cleaners, weed killer, etc.) to the Region's Hazardous Waste Depot located at the Halton Waste Management Site, 5400 Highway 25.

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