Thursday November 29: Province’s deadline for comment on extending moratorium on new water bottling permits

from Arlene Slocombe   Wellington Water Watchers

The Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks is proposing an extension to the current moratorium on new or increasing permits to take groundwater to produce bottled water. This would extend the moratorium for up to one year, to January 1, 2020.

The purpose of the extension is to give the Ministry time to further advance the ministry’s understanding of the water resources in the province, with a particular focus on groundwater takings by water bottling facilities.

This moratorium applies to new applications – like Nestlé’s proposal for the Middlebrook well in Elora. It also prohibits existing wells for applying for an increase in the amount of water taken for bottling.

We will have more information to share on the status of Nestlé’s applications in Aberfoyle and Hillsburgh wells at a future date.

Now it is important that you show support for the moratorium on new applications. There are two ways you can participate in the Ministry’s’ online consultation.

Take this one question survey to let the Ministry know what you think of this proposal.

Or go to the Environmental Registry (ERO #013-3974) to submit a comment.

For Wellington area residents: Please use the comment section to give your personal reasons to ‘Say No To Nestlé’ and protect drinking water for residents of Guelph, Wellington County and the Grand River Watershed.

For others (AWARE Simcoe note): Comment from your own perspective – this is a matter of importance to residents across the province.

The online consultation periods ends on November 29 – so please comment today.