Groundwater is an important resource. It is the water that seeps into the earth and saturates the soil. It eventually becomes the source of water for wells and springs.

How we treat our soil and land affects the groundwater. All Ontarians can play a role in protecting groundwater quality and quantity.

To learn more, read the factsheets listed below or call the Health Unit at 625-5930 or 1-888-294-6630, extension 5930.

• Conditions that affect groundwater presence, movement and quality. How to protect this largely invisible resource subsurface, and why some subsurface materials are a better source of water than others: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-111.htm

• The availability of groundwater for rural use, the effect of pumping on aquifers and how to manage the use of, and impact on groundwater: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-113.htm

• Natural groundwater quality, common threats to rural groundwater quality and ways to protect groundwater quality. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-115.htm

• Different types of private rural water wells that may be found on a rural property or farm: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm