Turn off accessible linear format and redisplay the web page in it's original layout. No living thing can survive without water. Life is supported along water's journey - a journey that often starts high in the mountains and ends at the sea.
Water is recycled constantly through its journey. It falls as rain and snow on land, on forests, and on soil, it collects in streams and flows into rivers or underground where it often 'springs' again onto the surface and runs-off into the lakes, rivers and streams. The journey winds through Canada's landscapes . . . on out to the sea. Along the way, water evaporates again, becomes water vapour, rain and snow and falls back to earth. The cycle continues.
During the journey, water has many uses. It is home to fish and other wildlife and it sustains our rich forests. It is used in every Canadian home. And, it is used for transportation, manufacturing, and for industrial production. Water also helps grow food for Canada and the world.
Research on water is a large part of managing this precious resource. Science in all its form--physical, social and economic--- provides the basis for this research. Managing water also means making sure water is clean and that there is enough for its many uses. At the same time, sound stewardship of water involves understanding water threats such as floods, droughts, erosion and the need to protect and to maintain secure and clean sources.
The land area that drains into a river or stream is often referred to as a watershed. Canada manages its watersheds by working at home and internationally, with partners in federal, provincial and municipal governments, in communities, and with business and industry.
