what is the pipeline?

the lake erie-to-guelph water pipeline is one of the water supply scenarios considered by the city of guelph in its 50-year water supply master plan. it involves the construction of an underground steel pipeline conveying water from lake erie to guelph, extending from the county of haldimand to the region of waterloo.

why is the pipeline being considered?

right now, most of the water you drink in guelph comes from local wells, referred to as ‘groundwater’ sources. as the population of guelph grows in the future, the additional demands placed upon the water supply system will exceed the existing capacity of the system. in other words, the demand for water will exceed the supply if nothing is done to secure additional sources of water. guelph’s water supply master plan proposes a number of alternatives to meet future needs. water piped from lake erie could either be used to augment guelph’s current groundwater supply, or potentially replace groundwater use altogether. other options include expanding the number of nearby groundwater wells, or developing local surface water supplies, such as guelph lake and the eramosa river.

the grand river watershed

guelph is part of the grand river watershed. according to the grand river conservation authority,

the grand river watershed is the largest in southwestern ontario and includes all of the land drained by the grand river and its major tributaries – the nith, conestoga, speed and eramosa rivers.

the grand river originates in the highlands of dufferin county and winds its way more than 300 kilometres to lake erie. on its course, the river meanders through picturesque rural countryside and growing cities, with a total population of more than 800,000.

the prospect of growth in the watershed will have a profound impact on water, related natural resources and quality of life. this presents an enormous challenge, and creates and urgent necessity to care wisely for the grand river and its resources.

- grand river conservation authority, (not affiliated with us). for more information, see the links under "further info".

problems with the pipeline...