Please accept these comments…

Please accept these comments in regards to ERO Number 025-0105.
The PPTW renewal application for Golf North in Conestogo, ON seeks approval to take approximately 3 cu.m per minute from the Grand River for irrigation, with a total of 1136 cu.m per day between April 1 and the end of September each year.

Given the pressure on the river system as a source of drinking water for the rapidly growing Region of Waterloo I believe any such permits that draw from an important water source for irrigation purposes should be re-evaluated the the MECP as a Category 2 PTTW, and where permit issuance is being considered there should be conditions placed on the approval to require the owners to enhance on-site stormwater storage to supplement their irrigation needs and reduce their dependence on the river that so many of the local residents depend on for their drinking water supply.

The requirement to enhance stormwater storage on-site could be documented in this PPTW with the expectations that their next PPTW application in 10 years will be for a lesser targeted amount (I'd suggest 25% reduction).

Alternatively, such a targeted reduction could be coupled with a shorter PPTW timeframe. Instead of 10 years, consider issuing the permit for 5 or 7 years, with a targeted reduction for the next approval cycle.

These are the kinds of things that will be necessary in the Region to avoid drinking water shortages in the future, especially given the rapid growth of our area and the increased frequency of drought globally.

Thank you for your consideration.