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The Grand River system includes the Grand and four major tributaries: the Conestogo, Nith, Speed and Eramosa rivers. There are also many smaller streams. In all, the rivers and streams have a total length of about 11,000 kilometres in an area of 6,800 square kilometres.
These rivers and streams are vitally important to the people and communities of the watershed:
Yet there are challenges. Floods can cause millions of dollars in damage and threaten human life. Low water conditions can have a serious impact on the ecosystem as well as the communities, businesses and others who depend on rivers and streams as a source of water.
A 'managed' river system |
We operate seven dams and reservoirs to manage the river system. This reduces flood damages, maintains water levels, protects water quality and sustains the ecoystem.
See our Reservoir levels page for more information on reservoir operations. |
How flows are monitored |
We have more than 35 automatic water level stations at key locations on rivers and streams throughout the watershed. For more information, go to our River flow pages. |
How surface water quality is monitored |
We have an extensive program to monitor surface water quality. Read about it in our Water quality page. |
Protecting municipal water supplies |
The Clean Water Act protects the sources of municipal drinking water, including surface water. The Source Protection Plan for the Grand River watershed identifies the programs and policies to protect water quality and quantity. For more information, visit the website of the Lake Erie Region Source Protection Program. |
Our Water Management Plan |
The Grand River Watershed Water Management Plan outlines the steps being taken by the GRCA, municipalities, senior governments and First Nations to address many issues including securing our water supplies and improving surface water quality. |
Understanding our water resources |
We work with municipalities, the provincial government and others to develop a better understanding of the surface and groundwater resources of the Grand River watershed. Here are some of the studies they have done.
Please note the following documents may not be accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a document in an alternate format, please contact us.
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