Conserve, Restore & Enhance the Watershed
You have an important role in conserving our natural environment and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) is here to help.
Do you need technical assistance or financial resources to complete the project?
The Clean Water-Healthy Land Stewardship Program offers many projects, programs and services that are tailored to homeowners, rural property owners, farmers, students and teachers, businesses and service clubs. Anyone, young or old, can do their part to conserve and enhance our local watersheds.
GRCA staff can offer technical assistance regarding agricultural best management practices, tree planting, naturalization, well management and much more. Funding is also available through the Clean Water-Healthy Land Financial Assistance Program, as well as provincial and federal programming. To start planning your project today, contact the Conservation Lands Coordinator.
Since 2007, and across the GRCA, more than 500 projects have been implemented through the Clean Water-Healthy Land Financial Assistance Program by property owners, schools, businesses and community groups.
The Regional Municipality of Durham, Municipality of Clarington, Municipality of Port Hope, Township of Hamilton and Town of Cobourg invested over $650,000.00 towards these projects, while landowners have contributed more than $2.2 million of their own money. The approximate monetary value of these projects is more than $3.4 million.
Project types funded include tree and shrub planting, livestock fencing from streams and woodlots, well upgrades and decommissions, agricultural best management practices (no-till drills and GPS units), clean water diversion, and many more.
Approximately 30% of the population within the GRCA is dependent on private groundwater supplies for drinking water, bathing and household tasks. However, many well owners do not regularly test their water or inspect their well.
Consider having a free site visit from qualified GRCA staff. Staff will evaluate the structure of your well and the surrounding area. Recommendations will be given on how to better protect your important source of water. It is then up to the well owner to determine how to best proceed. Generally, problems with water quality area a result of poor well structure that allows surface water to enter the well. To book your free well site visit, contact the Conservation Lands Coordinator.
Consider testing your water a minimum of two times per year, ensuring you are testing the actual water, not water treated by a water softener or treatment device (e.g. UV filter). These tests are free and indicate the concentration (if any) of total coliform and E. coli.
To learn more about well water testing, contact your local agency:
Administration Office
2216 County Road 28
Port Hope, ON L1A 3V8
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.885.9824
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Road
Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.797.2545