Open
Source verified October 11, 2026
Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program
Supports local drinking water source protection
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
November 27, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Communities that are not covered by Ontario’s source protection planning framework
See full eligibility
Overview
The Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program supports Ontario municipalities, incorporated not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, and other eligible communities not covered by Ontario’s source protection planning framework to protect local drinking water sources. Funding supports projects that develop local source water protection plans, including community characterization, vulnerable area mapping and risk assessment.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Developing a local source water protection plan
- Community characterization
- Vulnerable area mapping
- Risk assessment
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Funding application guide
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Communities that are not covered by Ontario’s source protection planning framework
- Municipalities
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous communities and organizations
Who is not eligible
- Provincial government ministries and federal government departments or agencies
- Unincorporated informal groups or clubs (non-legal entities)
- For-profit businesses
- Individual private citizens
- Communities covered by provincially approved source protection plans
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects exclusively focused on individual sites or facilities
- Projects covering large geographic areas and spanning more than 1 community
- Projects involving new drinking water source exploration, siting or development for a community
- Projects for communities already included in a provincially approved source protection plan under the Clean Water Act, 2006
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Communities in Ontario that are not covered by Ontario’s source protection planning framework
How to apply
- Get the application form and funding application guide by emailing sourceprotectionfunding@ontario.ca.
- Register with Transfer Payment Ontario to be eligible for consideration.
- Submit the completed application by email to sourceprotectionfunding@ontario.ca.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program Program
What is the Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program?
The Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program supports Ontario municipalities, incorporated not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, and other eligible communities not covered by Ontario’s source protection planning framework to protect local drinking water sources. Funding supports projects that develop local source water protection plans, including community characterization, vulnerable area mapping and risk assessment.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is November 27, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program program?
To be eligible for the Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program program, you must:
The project must be focused on a community in Ontario that is not covered by the province’s source protection planning framework.
The application must provide an estimate of the total population served and identify the types, sizes and numbers of drinking water systems included.
The project must develop a local source water protection action plan, including community characterization, vulnerable area mapping and risk assessment.
What expenses are eligible under Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program?
Developing a local source water protection plan
Community characterization
Vulnerable area mapping
Risk assessment
Who can I contact for more information about the Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at sourceprotectionfunding@ontario.ca.
Where is the Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program available?
The Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Best Practices for Source Water Protection Program is a Grant and Funding