Water is a renewable but finite resource. Continually cycling from the atmosphere to the earth and back to the atmosphere, there is the same amount of water now as when the Earth was formed. However, only a small portion of the freshwater in lakes and aquifers is renewed each year from rainfall and snowmelt. For example, it is estimated that only about one per cent of the water in the Great Lakes is renewed annually.
So each year, there is a little less water available. In addition, population growth, ever-rising demand, and environmental pollutants are increasingly threatening this all-important resource.
By 2015, according to estimates from the United Nations, at least 40 per cent of the world's population, or about three billion people, will live in countries where it is difficult or impossible to get enough water to satisfy basic needs. To help raise awareness of the importance of protecting and managing global freshwater resources, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater.
Sustainable Management of Freshwater
Canada is home to seven per cent of the world's renewable supply of freshwater. This may seem like an abundant supply, but Canada also ranks second in the world for urban domestic water use per capita. Continued overuse of our water supplies is a credible threat to the sustainability of this resource.
Canadian governments and their partners are moving towards comprehensive, integrated management plans for our freshwater resources from source to tap. Simply put, Canada wants to ensure that the water drawn from the source is clean and safe, and that the water returned to the source to be used again by others remains as clean as possible.
One of the best methods of meeting this challenge is the multi-barrier approach – an integrated system of procedures, processes and tools that combine to prevent or reduce the contamination of drinking water. The three main barriers include: protecting water at the source from pollution and contamination; treating drinking water; and drinking water distribution systems.
Along the way from source to tap are a number of safeguards that determine the effectiveness of these barriers: monitoring our water supplies; developing guidelines and standards for those supplies; installing legislative and policy frameworks at municipal, provincial and federal levels; fostering research in water science; and promoting public awareness and involvement.
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To be effective, this type of approach requires commitment and cooperation from every level of government, private industry, research and development agencies, and the general public. The federal government is continuing to work with all partners to ensure that water is protected from the source to the tap.
Water for the Future
World Water Day is held annually to inspire international political and community action and encourage responsible water use and conservation practices.
World Water Day 2003 is on March 22. This year's theme "Water for the Future" is a global call to action to practice sustainable approaches to water use. Future generations around the world are depending on all of us to do our part to ensure that we protect and manage our freshwater resources adequately.
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Responsible water use doesn't mean huge sacrifices; simple actions can leave lasting effects.
- Installing an ultra-low-volume toilet can represent a 70 per cent savings in water flushed.
- Help protect the quality of our water by not disposing of solvents, cleaners or chemicals down drains.
- Keep a jug of water in the fridge rather than letting the tap run to get cold water for each drink.
- Water lawns early in the morning after the dew has dried to reduce loss due to evaporation.
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Water is a precious resource — one that is easy to take for granted. This month take a moment to examine how you use water, and consider implementing a few simple, yet effective changes to your lifestyle. Even the smallest contribution can make a difference.
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