Hamilton-Halton Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program

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Hamilton-Halton Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program

Landowners of natural areas and watercourses in the watersheds of Conservation Halton and Hamilton Conservation Authority may be eligible to receive a grant toward a portion of the cost of approved projects that reflect beneficial management practices to improve water quality and habitat.

Projects that improve water quality and habitat may fall into the following categories: livestock waste management, erosion control, fragile land retirement, conservation cropping practices, naturalization or planting to increase streamside/riparian habitat, wetlands, prairies, woodlands, removal of barriers to fish passage in watercourses, enhance in-stream habitat, fertilizer management, septic and well management.

To be eligible for financial assistance, landowners must enter into a written ten-year management agreement. Farmers are encouraged to develop an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). An approved EFP may be required depending on source of funds.

Landowners are advised to contact their local conservation authority and municipal planning office to inquire about the need to obtain permits.

For more information, or to obtain advice, please contact Colleen Lavender, Watershed Stewardship Technician, 905-336-1158, extension 263, clavender@hrca.on.ca.

• Eligible Projects for Funding Assistance Factsheet

Hamilton-Halton Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program

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Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.