Highly vulnerable aquifers
When a municipality draws drinking water from a well, it gets that water from underground.
This water under our feet is groundwater.
This water source is found in aquifers which collect water much like a sponge does.
Aquifers are areas of soil or rock under the ground where cracks and spaces allow water to pool. They are considered highly vulnerable based on factors such as how deep it is underground, what sort of soil or rock is covering it, and the characteristics of the soil or rock surrounding it.
When water can pass through soil, such as sand or gravel, we call that surface permeable. An aquifer is more vulnerable to contamination if the soil layer is thin.
Maps of Highly Vulnerable Aquifers
Download map of Maitland Valley Source Protection Area Highly Vulnerable Aquifers at this link: Maitland Valley HVAs
Download map of Ausable Bayfield Source Protection Area Highly Vulnerable Aquifers at this link: Ausable Bayfield HVAs
A highly vulnerable aquifer (HVA) is an aquifer that can be easily changed or affected by contamination from both human activities and natural process as a result of:
a) Its intrinsic susceptibility, as a function of the thickness and permeability of overlaying layers, or;
b) By preferential pathways to the aquifer.
Do planning policies apply in this type of vulnerable area?
Above is an image of a map showing highly vulnerable aquifers.
Source protection planning policies are only recommendations in highly vulnerable aquifers (HVAs) and significant groundwater recharge areas (SGRAs) of this region (Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Region).
Policies do not have legal effect, that require property owners to comply in HVAs and SGRAs (except in a wellhead protection area Zone A, B, or C) as there are no assessed significant threats to drinking water in HVAs and SGRAs (other than in wellhead protection areas). However, municipalities, implementing bodies, and local people should have regard for these policies, developed locally and approved by the Province of Ontario.
Thank you for all you do to protect drinking water sources in all vulnerable areas. Take a look on this website at some of the ways you can protect drinking water sources with your positive actions at home and work.
For complete definitions, legislation, and regulations visit Ontario.ca.
For local maps, local source protection plans, local assessment reports, and local explanatory document, visit sourcewaterinfo.on.ca.