Who Manages Water?

Conservation AreasConservation AreasIn Canada, water is managed by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, and in some cases, by Aboriginal governments under self-government agreements. For the most part, waters that lie within a province's boundaries are managed by that province. The waters flowing in the national parks, First Nation reserves, and other federal lands are the responsibility of the federal government.

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Who Manages Water in Québec?

Quebec SunsetQuebec SunsetWater, both surface and groundwater, is recognized in the Civil Code of Québec as something whose use is common to all, subject to rights of use or limited appropriation rights, that may be recognized.

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Who Manages Water in Ontario?

In Ontario our water management system is founded on English (British) common law principles where water is typically viewed as a ‘common good’ and is therefore not subject to “ownership” as other goods unless bottled and/or contained and sold as a commodity.

Ontario’s water resources are managed by all three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal.Non-government agencies such as Conservation Authorities play a critical support role in managing water resources.

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