Source Water Protection

The City has a Source Water Protection Program in place to keep our water clean and safe.

The City and Source Water Protection Agencies have identified Source Protection areas that are vulnerable areas of source water in and around drinking water systems that need protection. These areas are called the Well Head Protection Areas (WHPA) and Intake Protection Zones (IPZ).

If you live within a Source Protection area there may be an impact to your property. Permits and planning help protect you and your investment from hazards like flooding, unstable soils and steep slopes while contributing to a healthy, sustainable environment in Kawartha Lakes.

If you live near a lake, watercourse or wetland you need to contact the Kawartha Conservation Planning and Regulations department to find out if you need a permit to:

• build a structure or building
• alter an existing structure or building
• add any soil, sand or gravel to your property
• excavate or grade any soil, sand or gravel on your property
• change a watercourse
• improve or alter your shoreline
• work in or near a wetland

You can reach the Risk Management Official at (705) 328 -2271.

The Kawartha Conservation website also contains information such as: flood forecasting, watershed monitoring, low water response program as well as lake and environmental management plans.

You can find City Source Protection Plans on the Trent Conservation Authority website, South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe website and the Ontario Government website. These websites also offer information on flood protection, watershed management, risk management and conservation lands as well as interactive maps and additional contact information.

New transport pathways in Intake Protection Zones or Wellhead Protection Areas are prohibited as part of By-Law 2016-237 Prohibit Establishment of Transport Pathways that Increase Vulnerability of Drinking Water (Download).

Drinking Water – Surface and Groundwater Sources

Source Water FAQ

1. Where does my drinking water come from?

Drinking water is supplied by either surface water sources (lakes and rivers), or groundwater sources (wells/aquifers.)

There are twenty-one drinking water systems in Kawartha Lakes. Six of these systems are supplied by surface water.

•    Bobcaygeon DWS – Big Bob Channel
•    Fenelon Falls DWS – Cameron Lake
•    Kinmount DWS – Burnt River
•    Lindsay DWS – Scugog River
•    Norland – Gull River
•    Southview Estates – Sturgeon Lake

The remaining fifteen drinking water systems are supplied by groundwater.

•    Birch Point DWS            
•    Canadiana Shores DWS
•    Janetville DWS
•    King’s Bay DWS
•    Manorview DWS
•    Mariposa Estates DWS
•    Omemee DWS
•    Pinewood DWS
•    Pleasant Point DWS
•    Sonya DWS
•    Victoria Place DWS
•    Western Trent Palmina DWS
•    Woodfield DWS
•    Woods of Manilla DWS
•    Woodville DWS


2.    What is the difference between surface water and groundwater? Is one better than the other?

Surface water can be more difficult to treat because it is exposed to the elements and is home to animals, fish and plants. Groundwater is pumped from aquifers located deep within the earth and is not exposed to the same influences as surface water. However, the treatment system for both sources is thorough and strictly regulated; all water is safe to drink once it leaves the treatment facility.

Groundwater systems are usually smaller than surface water systems and are more susceptible to drought, which can cause supply issues. Overuse can also affect the ability of these smaller systems to meet demand. Residents, visitors and businesses obtaining their water from groundwater sources need to be conservative with water use, especially during dry, hot summer weather when water usage increases dramatically. Activities such as watering lawns, washing cars, filling pools etc., use a great deal of water and it is important to remain conscientious of your water use to ensure that there is enough water available for everyday essential uses.

3.    How can I help conserve water?

•    Reduce non-essential use of water such as washing the car and watering the lawn and/or water during cool parts of the day
•    Turn off water when you’re not using it
•    Reduce water during essential use (i.e. turn off the water while brushing your teeth and shaving)
•    Check your toilet / faucet / pipes for leaks
•    Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket or ashtray
•    Take shorter showers
•    Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors
•    Put out rain barrels to catch water to use for gardening or watering
•    Use your dishwasher for full loads only
•    Use a broom to clean walkways/driveway instead of the hose
•    Use hauled water to fill your pool

4.    You mentioned that the water is treated. What happens to the water once it is taken from the water source?

Water is pumped from the source into the treatment facility where it is treated and disinfected. Depending on the water source and its specific requirements, treatment includes processes such as filtration, coagulation, flocculation, pH correction, settling and disinfection. Once it has been monitored and tested and determined to be safe to drink, the water is pumped into the distribution system (the network of piping used to carry water), and delivered to homes and businesses. We are fortunate to live where clean, safe drinking water comes directly from our taps.

5.    How do I know my water is safe to drink?

Drinking water in Ontario is highly regulated. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks ensures that each step of the process – from source to tap – is governed by strict legislation to ensure that the drinking water supplied is clean and potable. We have regular inspections and water is continuously tested and monitored. Our operators are highly trained and licensed, and all compliance measures are met and exceeded to ensure that Kawartha Lakes drinking water is safe to drink.