Proactive disclosure Print version ![Print version Print version](/web/20061103015947im_/http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_printversion2.gif) ![ÿ](/web/20061103015947im_/http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![ÿ](/web/20061103015947im_/http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![Geoscape Canada Geoscape Canada](/web/20061103015947im_/http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/geoscape_e.jpeg) Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Priorities > Geoscape Canada > Bow River Basin Waterscape
Bow River Basin Waterscape Sharing our waters
There are many ways we depend on the Bow River |
There are many, many users of the Bow River water and all are dependent on this shared water supply. These many users - wildlife, industry, municipalities, hydropower, agriculture, and recreation - commonly have no other source of water. So, we must protect and share this water.
![Users of the Bow River waterPower generationAgricultureMunicipal water supplyWildlife habitatRecreationIndustry Users of the Bow River waterPower generationAgricultureMunicipal water supplyWildlife habitatRecreationIndustry](/web/20061103015947im_/http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/h2o/bow/images/sharing_e.jpg)
Users of the Bow River water - Power generation
- Agriculture
- Municipal water supply
- Wildlife habitat
- Recreation
- Industry
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Not all water use is the same! |
Some water use occurs in the river, such as by wildlife and for fisheries and recreation. Some water is withdrawn from the river, used, and returned (non-consumptive use). Municipalities return over 90% of the water they use as treated sewage. Some water is withdrawn from the river and not returned (consumptive use). In dry years, irrigation returns about 20% of what it withdraws. Most of the rest is used by plants, whereas some evaporates and a small amount sinks into the ground. Withdrawal of water from the river reduces river flow and can have an impact on wildlife habitat in and along the river.
Largely non-consumptive water uses |
Non-consumptive water uses |
Largely consumptive water uses |
- municipal water supply
- hydropower
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- recreation
- fisheries
- wastewater disposal
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- irrigation
- oilfield injection
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![Licenced water use of the Bow RiverIrrigation water use 76%Municipal water use 18%Other water use 6% Licenced water use of the Bow RiverIrrigation water use 76%Municipal water use 18%Other water use 6%](/web/20061103015947im_/http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/h2o/bow/images/sharing2_e.jpg)
Licenced water use of the Bow River - Irrigation water use 76%
- Municipal water use 18%
- Other water use 6%
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