Even though it seems there is sustainable water in the Grand River watershed, work is needed to manage for the future.
On May 12, Grand River Conservation Authority CAO Joe Farwell, explained the details of the water management plan.
He started by thanking Centre Wellington council for its support during the reconstruction of the Drimmie Dam.
“We know the township made a contribution and the people in town were very patient. We think this has been a very successful local project.”
While the Water Management Plan is new, Farwell said “we’ve been in the water management business for an awful long time.”
“About one million people live in our watershed and about 80 per cent of them live in five major cities.”
But most of the land is actively farmed, “so it is important we have a strong working relationship with them,” Farwell said.
Critical issues showing up in the Grand River include climate change, Farwell said. “Extreme weather events happen more frequently as we swing between dry and wet periods.”
In addition, the watershed region is targeted for considerable growth in the future.
“Water supplies, sewage treatment and the work of municipalities has to keep pace.”
At the same time, the plan works to ensure water supplies for watershed communities.
“We also need to work to build resilience to deal with climate change.”
He also stressed that this is a joint voluntary plan and is a plan of best practices – “we’re not asking anyone to take on anything new or incur any new legal or financial obligations.”
Goals of the plan include ensuring water supplies for communities.
“The good News is that there is enough water now and into the future to deal with out growth demands.”
However he cautioned, “Water use here in our watershed is sustainable, but efficient use by all of our sectors is encouraged.”
He added that the reservoir system does provide enough flow for environmental, municipal and wastewater needs.
“Although we are not limited by supply in the Grand itself, there are areas where there is some pressure – such as Norfolk.”
Throughout the watershed, there is a commitment to treatment plant upgrades.
“I know Centre Wellington is carrying out some upgrades to its plants, and we are confident those changes will pay dividends – making a difference to the water quality of the Grand.”
While dams along the watershed are effective, reducing flood damage by up to 80 per cent, Farrell noted, “Our flood control structures are getting old. The Shand Dam (Belwood Lake) is nearly 80-years-old. Like all infrastructure it needs some care.”
Farwell said the GRCA is asking Centre Wellington to stay in the water managers working group and implementation committee to share information and expertise.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said it is important to know Centre Wellington is part of a larger partnership stretching to Lake Erie.
“In the spring, we had a massive amount of water coming down the river. There were lots of spectators watching to see how this water was being managed.”
She added “we did not want to put our new dam (immediately) to the test it was put to. It worked beautifully.”
Later, following a report from Centre Wellington’s managing director of infrastructure Colin Baker, council endorsed, in principle, the “Grand River Watershed Water Management Plan” as a guideline of best practices. In addition, council supported the move to continue to voluntarily collaborate and work together with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and other partners to solve water management issues within the Grand River watershed.
