In Canada , 8.9 million people, or 30.3% of the population, rely on groundwater for domestic use. Approximately two thirds of these users live in rural areas. In many areas, wells produce more reliable and less expensive water supplies than those obtained from nearby lakes, rivers and streams. The remaining users are generally smaller municipalities where groundwater provides the primary source for water supply systems.
Groundwater contamination is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to clean up. RésEau demonstration efforts have focussed on sharing groundwater resource information such as well locations. In addition, groundwater quality issues are addressed through a project on and perchlorate contamination.
