Toronto – A two-year moratorium on new and expanded bottled water operations is now in effect.
Effective Dec. 16, the moratorium bans new water bottling facilities from taking ground water, and prohibits existing facilities from increasing their ground water taking or testing for future ground water sources, the Ontario government said in a news release.
The ban will ensure ground water resources are better conserved for future generations, and help to protect against future water insecurity due to climate change, population growth, increasing consumption and drought, the province said.
While the moratorium is in place, Ontario also plans to further strengthen groundwater protection by undertaking further research to improve understanding of ground water; examining how pricing and other tools could be used to help manage and protect water resources; reviewing existing rules for water bottlers to ensure long-term ground water protection, including considering the impacts of climate change and future demand on water sources; and consulting with communities, industry and Indigenous partners on changes to ground water management practices before they are implemented.
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