In Canada it seems that we have more than our fair share of water. However, almost 60 percent of Canada's fresh water drains to the north, while 85 percent of the population lives within 300 kilometres of our southern border. In other words, much of our water is not where it is needed most - in the heavily populated areas.
Canada's water supply has many competing uses including: pulp and paper and agricultural industries, hydroelectric energy, domestic uses, recreation and tourism.
To be aware of the extent of our water resources and to manage them well, we need baseline data. As pressures on our water increase, the need for reliable hydrologic data and information becomes more urgent. The data collected by Environment Canada and its partners make it possible to manage this vital resource and the environment that it nourishes.
This map depicts Environment Canada’s active long term hydrometric monitoring network. By querying the points you can learn more about the individual stations and access current water levels graphs.
