Province of Manitoba » Water Stewardship » Water Quality » The Manitoba Water Quality Handbook
The Manitoba Water Quality Handbook has been written for cottage associations, river stewardship organizations, conservation districts, environmental organizations, waterfront residents, and other Manitobans who are interested in keeping our water clean.
The handbook is composed of four sections. The first section, "A Valuable Resource", provides background information on Manitoba's water resources and the factors affecting them.
- The Water Cycle
- Surface Water
- Groundwater
- Water Use
- Water Conservation
Specific facts and figures on Manitoba water quality-related issues are the focus of the next section, "A Matter of Quality."
- Pollution Sources
- Bacteria and Other Pathogens
- Nutrients in Water
- Algae
- Aquatic Plants
- Aquatic Insects
- Sediments and Erosion
- Contaminants in Fish
- Invasions of Exotic Species
- Swimmers Itch
- Pine Pollen
- Natural Foam
The handbook provides information on how Manitobans can help protect and enhance water quality in the section entitled "Protecting the Water."
- Shorelines
- Sewage
- Lawns and Gardens
- Household Hazardous Waste
- Environmentally Sensitive Choices
- Pet Waste
- Boating
The final section, "For More Information", includes The Manitoba Water Policies, a reference material list, water related Acts and Regulations, and a glossary.
- The Manitoba Water Policies
- Reference Material
- Acts and Regulations
- Give Us a Call
- Glossary of Terms
Throughout the handbook, highlighted "What You Can Do" boxes provide practical tips we can all use to protect our water. Highlighted "Did You Know" sections contain plenty of water related facts and trivia. Also throughout the handbook, there are plenty of links to various other sections of the document, and most notably the glossary.
We hope the handbook will serve as a reference book that can be used by you and your family for many years to come.