Most of the local conservation authorities are hoping the Provincial Drinking Water Stewardship Program returns in some form. It started in 2007, and ended last December.
Kate Monk with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority says in that time period, Ausable Bayfield received almost $1.2-million.
Projects included septic system upgrades and de-commissioning of abandoned wells, as well as several agricultural and chemical storage projects.
Monk adds abandoned wells can be a serious threat where the home owner is not the original owner. They are often not even aware they have an abandoned well on the property.
The Source Protection Plan for both the Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities comes into effect April 1, so they hope the program will be revived in some form.