On June 8, 2017 the MOCEE published a news release in regard to strengthening protection for water resources.
As part of the province’s plan to strengthen groundwater protection for future generations, Ontario will be charging water bottling companies an additional $500 fee to take groundwater.
“Beginning Aug. 1, 2017, water bottlers will pay $503.71 for every million litres of groundwater taken. The new fee will help recover costs associated with managing groundwater taken by water bottlers, including supporting scientific research on the environmental impacts as well as enhanced data analysis on groundwater taken for water bottling.
This additional fee is a key part of Ontario’s strong protections for groundwater, which also include:
Placing a moratorium on all new and expanded permits to take water from groundwater sources for water bottling
Introducing new, stricter rules for renewals of existing bottled water permits
Undertaking further research to ensure long-term water protection, including considering the impacts of climate change and future demand on water sources
Engaging Indigenous partners, communities and industry on changes to water quantity management practices.
Protecting Ontario’s groundwater sources for future generations is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.”
For more information click here.
