RURAL WATER SUPPLY ALLOCATION IN ONTARIO: AN EVALUATION OF CURRENT POLICY AND PRACTICE

Abstract

Conflicts over the allocation of rural water supplies in Ontario are likely to increase, as demands for a variety of uses grow and dry spells become more frequent. Effective water allocation policy must recognize the potential for conflict, and be capable of resolving conflicts. In this paper we evaluate Ontario’s principal water allocation arrangement, the Ministry of the Environment’s Permit to Take Water (PTTW) Program. Current Program policy and practice are compared to a set of normative evaluation principles synthesized from the water management literature. The assessment concludes that the PTTW Program is of limited effectiveness. Its legal foundation is weak, goals are not explicit, key water management responsibilities are fragmented, stakeholder involvement is limited, and monitoring and enforcement of water takings are virtually non-existent. Enhancements to the PTTW Program are suggested.