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Home > Water > Water Pollution

Proactive Disclosure

Water Pollution

Disposal of Dredge Spoils, Miramichi, May 1981Water pollution is caused by industrial and institutional wastes and other harmful or objectionable materials.

As water travels on its journey through the hydrologic cycle, it picks up various contaminants from the surface of the Earth. If it is absorbed into the ground, it may lose these contaminants along the way. If it flows into a river or a well, it could carry them into your home.

Human actions can change the quality of water, as well as the amount that flows in a stream or underground.

This section offers information on the causes and effects of water pollution, as well as information about the types of water pollution that are of special concern in Canada.

Selected Content

  • Development and Demonstration of Site Remediation Technology

    This program aims to stimulate the development and demonstration of innovative techniques to provide solutions for contaminated site clean-up operations.

  • Freshwater: Water Pollution

    Find general information here on water pollution including, controlling water pollution, the effects of pollution, water quality pollutants and groundwater pollution.

  • Wastewater

    This section provides information on the effects of wastewater effluents on the environment and the steps Environment Canada is taking to address this source of pollution.

Date Modified: 2007-03-20

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