Probing the integration of land use and watershed planning in a shifting governance regime

Effective governance that contributes to the integration of water management and land use planning is essential for successful protection of drinking water sources and, ultimately, provision of safe drinking water. In many jurisdictions, land use planning and watershed management occur on separate tracks. This article examines the prospects for integration of these two critical processes. A multicase study approach is used, focusing on the specific objective of protection of drinking water sources. Experiences in three case study watershed regions in Ontario, Canada (Grand River, Upper Thames, and Lake Simcoe), were analyzed. The goal was to identify the extent to which source water protection components and indicators are expressed in land use and watershed-based planning documents. Similarities and differences among the watershed regions are distinguished through a cross-case analysis. The results suggest that a shifting governance regime for drinking water safety in Ontario is contributing to integration between land use and water management. However, proactive and ongoing efforts are required to ensure that integration occurs and that barriers to integration are addressed. Timely guidelines, incentive-based tools, up-to-date and accurate information, and adequate financial resources are essential.