The volume of ground water…

The volume of ground water is decreasing in areas of Ontario in response to pumping by water bottling companies. This is leading to ground-water depletion. Some of the costs associated with this depletion include deterioration of water quality, and reduction of water in streams and lakes. Society must weigh the benefits against the consequences of such use.

Ground-water removal can alter how water moves through the natural environment. Ultimately the result is a reduction of flow to surface water. This can also lead to the lowering of ground-water levels below the depth that wetland vegetation needs to survive. The overall effect is a loss of biodiversity.

Deterioration of water quality can occur. Where ground water is pumped, surface water of poor or differing quality may be drawn into the aquifer. This can degrade the water quality of the aquifer.

In order to preserve our critical ground-water resources, science can provide the information necessary to make informed choices on issues that have long-term environmental and ecological effects and we should not rely on for-profit companies for their opinions.