Policy brief

Groundwater in Agriculture: Policy and Practice in Ontario & beyond

Authors: Sophie Bhalla, Beth L. Parker, et al.

Published: 22 October 2026

Groundwater is essential for farming, drinking water, healthy ecosystems, and rural communities, but it is often overlooked in agricultural policy. As climate change brings more droughts and floods, protecting and managing groundwater will become increasingly important.

This policy brief recommends improving groundwater monitoring, strengthening the use of science in decision-making, supporting farmers in adopting sustainable water practices, and creating a provincial strategy to manage groundwater supplies over the long term.

The key message is that Ontario has the scientific knowledge needed to protect groundwater. The challenge now is turning that knowledge into practical policies and actions that ensure a reliable water supply for future generations while supporting a resilient agricultural sector.

Download the full Policy Brief here