Water
The years 1999 to 2001 were the driest in Alberta since records were first kept in 1919. Scientists report that pharmaceuticals are going from our toilets, into rivers and lakes, and back into our drinking water.
What's crystal clear to scientists about these Canadian water facts is that our concerns about water quality, quantity and ecosystem health are all interconnected.
With this in mind, the Government of Canada has made freshwater one of its top priorities for integrated science and technology.
While "blue gold" is largely a provincially regulated resource, local and provincial governments depend on federal science to provide the knowledge for informed decision-making. This research is paying off in cleaner water, and its more sustainable use, across Canada.
Canada's largest freshwater research facility is Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute (NWRI), in Burlington, Ontario. Their more than 300 staff, including hydrologists, limnologists (lake experts), microbiologists and environmental chemists are tackling issues from improving municipal wastewater processes to identifying emerging issues such as hormone-disrupting chemicals in water.
NWRI scientists are presently working with colleagues from Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to develop microbial tracking techniques to identify the sources of fecal pollution—whether human or animal—contaminating aquatic ecosystems such as beaches.
To ensure the sustainable use of Canada's groundwater, scientists at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are creating a national database of aquifers and groundwater characteristics. Last year, they completed a collaborative decade-long project to create Canada's first 3-D map of a groundwater region, that of the Oak Ridges Moraine area near Toronto.
Water is the lifeblood of agriculture. But water can also carry environmentally harmful agricultural wastes into waterways. As part of ManureNet, scientists at AAFC are exploring innovative ways of preventing farm animal pathogens from contaminating local water.
In the ongoing Turkey Lakes Watershed Study, scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada with eight other partners are exploring the ecosystem-level impacts of pollutants, such as acid rain, and ecological disruptions, including forestry practices.
This collaborative water research is showing that the benefits go beyond human and environmental health. They're economic as well. Monitoring of the effects of pulp-and-paper effluent by NWRI's National Environmental Effects Monitoring Office has documented reduced pollution and lowered costs for pulp and paper companies.
ResEau, an innovative Government on Line initiative led by Environment Canada and involving a number of jurisdictions, is exploring ways to enhance access for Canadians to information about water in their communities and regions.
Science Issues / Water /
Canadian Water Network
Learn about the network formed to address critical issues in the provision of clean water, including research toward the protection of watersheds and ecosystems, protection of public health, and the development sustainable water infrastructure.
Freshwater Institute
Find information offered by the institute that serves as a focal point of scientific research and fishery, fish habitat and oceans management in the Central and Arctic Region.
Freshwater Website
Access information on freshwater in Canada, on topics such as the nature of water, policy and legislation, as well as water management.
Health of Our Water – Towards Sustainable Agriculture in Canada
Review this report on water quality and management for an overview of the relationship between agricultural practices, water quality, water quantity, and ecology.
ManureNet
Find information about manure, including environmental issues, manure treatment and odour management.
National Environmental Effects Monitoring Office – Water Quality Monitoring Branch
Explore the many scientific methods used by this organization to monitor the effects of metal mining and pulp and paper effluent on aquatic ecosystems. Includes citations of recent scientific publications.
National Water Research Institute
Access information from the largest freshwater research facility in Canada, including publications and links for students.
Oak Ridges Moraine
Access research information on groundwater. View maps and images or review the data made available.
RésEau
Explore this gateway to water information that is being prototyped by the Government of Canada to support clean, safe and secure water for all Canadians and ecosystems.
Turkey Lakes Watershed Study
Find information on a study that evaluates aquatic and terrestrial effects of acid rain and other anthropogenic pollutants on Canadian Shield ecosystems.