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December 12, 2025

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has advised MEA of two important items that support MECP's  ongoing efforts to modernize environmental permissions and clarify regulatory requirements.

Please review the details below to understand how these items may affect your activities and what steps you may need to take.

Upcoming changes in effect on January 5, 2026

Currently, there are two submission avenues for applying for a Permit to Take Water (PTTW) with MECP: using the paper application form; or using the online permission system through a ministry account.

On January 5, 2026, the PTTW application process will be moving fully online.

Moving PTTW applications online provides simple and faster services for individuals and businesses by:

• reducing the chance for errors through built-in data validations
• reducing time spent on completing administrative aspects of the application with automated features
• providing convenient access to all PTTW applications, approved PTTWs, reporting and other environmental permissions in one place

 

For more information, review the attached fact sheet.

Where will I report my water takings?

For PTTWs issued through the online permission system, water takings must be reported using the online Regulatory Self-Reporting System (RSRS). You can access the RSRS through your ministry account, under the Post Approvals Submission (PAS) section.

How can I prepare for applying for a PTTW online?

Review materials

For more information about online services for environmental permissions, visit Environmental permissions online services. From there, you can learn how to set up and manage an account to access the PTTW online application form and the RSRS. 

 

Note: The PTTW application guide is in the process of being updated to include information about the changes. 

 

Additional assistance

To assist you with applying for a PTTW online, MECP is offering one on one online sessions to provide live assistance with: 

1) creating your online ministry account

2) linking an authorized representative account to a business or individual

3) helping you navigate the online system for PTTWs

You can register for a session by visiting our booking page.

Please come prepared with the required materials for the session. A list of materials for creating your online ministry account can be found on How to set up and manage an account to access environmental permissions online services | ontario.ca.

 

Reminder of the changes that came into effect on July 1, 2025  

As you may be aware, on July 1, 2025, regulatory amendments came into effect to exempt foundation drainage systems that are used primarily for residential purposes, where takings are less than 379,000 litres per day, from requiring a PTTW or a registration in the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR). 

 

MECP is reaching out to clarify regulatory requirements as a result of this change.

 

The details of this change can be found in O. Reg. 387/04 or the decision notice on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. You may also refer to the attached fact sheets.    

 

What actions do you need to take?  

If you have not already done so, please utilize the resources noted above to determine if your activity is exempt under the amended regulation. 

 

1. If your activity is exempt:

• You are not required to apply for a PTTW or register in the EASR for this activity.
• If you have an existing PTTW, your PTTW no longer applies and must be revoked. It is important to revoke your existing permit to avoid unnecessary obligations and ensure alignment with current requirements. Please provide your confirmation of this determination, along with your request to revoke your permit to PTTW.Submission@ontario.ca. The request should include the PTTW number and the reason for revocation (e.g., water taking activity is now exempt under O. Reg. 387/04).   

 

2. If your activity is not exempt, you are required to have, or apply for, a PTTW. 

 

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us either by phone at 416-314-8001 (toll free: 1-800-461-6290) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by email at enviropermissions@ontario.ca.