Memoranda of the Canadian Grain Commission

Adding water to grains

Trade memo number

2026-06

Date issued

2026-08-01

The purpose of this memo is to notify licensed grain elevators that they can refuse to receive grain deliveries that have been artificially watered prior to delivery.

Adding water to grain can cause grain to go out of condition. It also may conceal its true characteristics, as moisture content cannot be accurately determined when water is artificially added to grain prior to delivery.

Several sections of the Canada Grain Act are applicable to watering grain:

• Under section 58, elevators are not obliged to receive grain that is or is likely to go out of condition. The application of water can cause grain to go out of condition.
• Under section 104(c), elevators are prohibited from receiving grain that is infested or contaminated. The addition of water to grain may cause the grain to become infested or contaminated.
• Under section 105(c), persons are prohibited from offering their grain for sale or storage, or submitting it for official inspection, if it is treated, mixed, or dealt with as to conceal its true characteristics. The application of water can conceal the true characteristics of grain.
• Under section 105(d), persons are prohibited from delivering grain that is infested or contaminated, which may result if water is added.

Direction to elevator operators when watering of grain prior to delivery is suspected:

If watered grain is suspected, the grain elevator operator should refuse the delivery, and provide the details to the closest Canadian Grain Commission office.

Contact us

For more information about requirements for condition of grain at delivery, contact Industry Services.

Inquiries

Questions related to this memorandum should be directed to Derek Bunkowsky, Chief Grain Inspector for Canada, at 204-297-8541 or by email at derek.bunkowsky@grainscanada.gc.ca.

Derek Bunkowsky
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Industry Services
800-303 Main Street
Winnipeg MB  R3C 3G8