Does the ORM Plan regulate ‘Permit to Take Water’ applications, such as bottled water?
The taking of water is not specifically regulated in the ORM Plan, as this matter is already regulated in the Permit to Take Water process of the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). The watershed plans, including water budgets, that municipalities are required to complete under the ORM Plan will assist MOE in the review of these applications. The buildings or structures for water taking facilities are required to conform with the ORM Plan. Currently, MOE is reviewing the Permit to Take Water process and has prohibited the issuance of new Permits to Take Water for beverage manufacturing purposes, such as bottled water, on the ORM until March 1, 2004. Finally, the ongoing source water protection initiative may result in a future amendment to the ORM Plan to incorporate its results and recommendations into the ORM Plan’s framework.
