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Although the Ottawa River has abundant flow and water volume, water taking remains an issue, particularly on the tributaries and at low summer flow periods. Water is typically “taken” from the river for irrigation of agricultural lands, golf courses and turf farms as well as for industrial purposes such as the nuclear facilities at Chalk River and the numerous pulp mills on the river.
A permit is required to take water from the river, although often the process of issuing permits is not based on any ecological reasoning.
Postings regarding water-taking issues around the watershed: