Agricultural Water Use: A Methodology and Estimates for Ontario (1991, 1996 and 2001)

Abstract

In the absence of good quality data, effective and sustainable water management is a challenge. Agricultural water use presents a variety of special challenges to those striving to improve water use databases in Ontario. For example, agricultural water use is distributed among almost 60,000 farms in the province, with most farm operators being self-supplied. This paper presents a methodology for estimating agricultural water use using Statistics Canada Census of Agriculture data, applied to water use coefficients. Agricultural water use is estimated for five major sectors, for each of 1991, 1996 and 2001. Estimates for each year are then translated to a common spatial frame of reference (2001 Census Consolidated Subdivision boundaries). Spatial patterns of water use for 2001 are discussed and significant 1991-2001 changes are identified. If used appropriately, the estimates can offer insights into spatial and temporal patterns and trends that can inform broad-scale planning. Nevertheless, agencies with a stake in improving water use data in Ontario should continue to work together to ensure that measurement of actual water use occurs in as many sectors as possible.