Should PEI Allow More Irrigation from Groundwater?

Official title: Public Consultation Comments on the Irrigation Strategy Discussion Document and the Water Act Regulations

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Environment & Climate Health & Safety

Prince Edward Island asked residents whether farmers should get more access to groundwater for irrigation. The province released a discussion document proposing new rules under the Water Act. Public comments focused heavily on concerns about nitrate contamination, pesticide use, and whether industrial agriculture should get more water access given existing groundwater problems.

Why This Matters

Get your drinking water from a well? PEI's groundwater already has nitrate contamination problems, especially in potato-growing areas. This decision affects whether more water gets pumped out for irrigation. Some residents worry it could make drinking water quality worse.

What Could Change

New regulations under the Water Act could allow high-capacity wells for agricultural irrigation. Permit holders might face monitoring and reporting requirements. An advisory board with farmers, conservation groups, and government officials could oversee irrigation decisions.

Key Issues

Should high-capacity wells for irrigation be allowed given existing groundwater contamination?
How should soil health be measured and tied to water permits?
Who should be represented on the irrigation advisory board?
Should pesticide and fertilizer use be addressed in the irrigation strategy?

How to Participate

Review the Irrigation Strategy Discussion Document and the Water Act to understand what was proposed.
Read the public comments submitted during the consultation period on this page.

What Happened

The consultation received multiple detailed submissions from individuals and organizations including the Council of Canadians, Coalition for the Protection of PEI Water, watershed associations, and agricultural groups. Key themes included concerns about nitrate contamination of groundwater, pesticide impacts, lack of soil biodiversity assessment, inadequate public consultation process, and opposition to allowing high-capacity wells for industrial agriculture. Many commenters criticized the strategy for ignoring climate change and favouring corporate agricultural interests over environmental protection.

View Final Decision