The purpose of My Land, Our Water is to improve access to information on surface and groundwater for rural and agricultural landowners and municipalities in the Maitland and Saugeen watersheds.

Agriculture is the primary land use activity in the Saugeen and Maitland watersheds and the majority of land is privately owned. Most rural residents obtain their water from private wells. Actions to protect water need to occur at the individual farm level. This project provides landowners with information about their own property that will assist them in taking proactive steps to protect surface and groundwater.

In order to evaluate and improve the project we are seeking information on the reactions and needs of users. For example, we are keenly interested in finding out what additional information users would like to have. We also wish to gain a better understanding of how users react to the information they receive. For example, do you feel the data is credible? How do you feel about the vulnerability results for your property? Would you like to have a Conservation Authority staff member discuss the project with you? We strongly encourage users to contact us through the project feedback section of the site.

In addition to this website we will be using two other methods to deliver the mapping and resource information to landowners:

  1. At computer terminals in the offices of the MVCA and SVCA
  2. Extension staff from the Conservation Authorities will be visiting a number of landowners to review the information in person.

Using these three delivery methods will help us to assess how landowners prefer to receive this type of information.

Project Partners and Funding

Funding for My Land, Our Water has been provided primarily by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Additional support has been provided by the Saugeen and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities.

The Maitland Watersheds Partnerships Water Team and the SVCA Water Team have provided assistance with reviewing the project content and delivery methods.

A number of resource experts and agency staff have been instrumental in developing the Terms of Reference for the project, developing the website interface, and monitoring the on-going progress of the project. A full list of partners is available in the project Terms of Reference.

 

Information on the project process and other pilot projects is available.