Surface water is all the water on the surface of the ground. It's the streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands that you see every day. Surface water is important because it is a source of water for drinking and irrigation and is used for recreation.

Undertaking appropriate best management practices on your property will help to protect water quality in your own backyard as well as in your community. Consider the following options when reviewing your property and operation:

1. Environmental Farm Plan

Undertake an Environmental Farm Plan. Review and update your plan on a regular basis.

2. Septic Systems

Ensure your septic system is adequately built and maintained.

3. Nutrients

Know your soil - Have your soil sampled to ensure you're applying the most appropriate nutrients at the right time.

Reduce inputs - Nutrients, particularly nitrogen, are soluble in water and can move quickly to watercourses. Reduce nutrients by limiting the application to the recommended amounts in a Nutrient Management Plan.

Change the timing and frequency of nutrient application -  Nutrients applied in the fall are more likely to move into nearby streams over the winter. Avoid spreading manure on frozen ground. Consider applying nutrients in the spring to maximize nutrient uptake by crops. More frequent, split applications also maximize crop uptake of nutrients and reduce runoff to nearby watercourses.

Plant crops that require less nutrients - Different crops require less nutrients than others. Consider planting crops that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, such as beans.

Nutrient Management Plan - Ensure your operation is in complience with the Nutrient Management Act.

4. Buildings and Facilities

Liquid manure tanks - Decommission old or unused liquid manure tanks.

Manure storage - Avoid locating manure storages in sensitive areas.

Clean water diversion - Keep surface water away from barnyards and manure storages. Consider using a retention pond to avoid peaks in tile drains.

New buildings and facilities - Locate new buildings and facilities well away from environmentally sensitive areas.

Fuel storage - Ground storage of fuel should be retired and removed.

5. Cropping and Tilllage

Residue cover - Landowners should work towards maintaining a minimum 30% residue cover.

Organic matter - Reintroduce organic matter (green manure) when possible.

Contour and strip cropping - Contact your local Conservation Authority for information on tillage techniques that will reduce soil erosion and surface water runoff.

6. Create/Expand Buffer Strips

Areas of trees, shrubs and grasses along watercourses can significantly improve water quality. Buffer strips slow field runoff, and reduce the amounts of sediment, fertilizers, pesticides and bacteria entering the water. Well-established buffer strips can improve wildlife habitat by providing shade and food for stream organisms.

7. Protect Remnant Wetlands and Forest Cover


Would you like more information?

If you'd like further information about appropriate BMPs for your property contact the SVCA at 364-1255 or the MVCA at 335-3557. Information about BMPs is also available at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food website.