Future Sources of Fresh Water

Most of the water in the hydrosphere at any given time is in the oceans; most of the remaining fresh water is stored in ice sheets. Little water is found in lakes and streams. A portion of the fresh water on the continents-both surface water and ground water is diverted for human use.

Canada is often called a "water-rich" nation, as we are the stewards of 9 % of the world's renewable fresh water supply, and we have the longest ocean coastline of any country. In addition, Canada seems to have the second largest continental shelf along our coast. The fact is, however, in a global context, Canadians are the second-highest users and wasters of water in their day-to-day lives. Our high per capita water usage, coupled with other stressors such as population growth, has increased pressure on Canada's freshwater resources. Also, while we enjoy one of the highest standards of clean water in the world, pollution also remains an important problem in some of our waters. In some areas, people cannot swim or eat the fish they catch. In other areas of Canada people have suffered severe health problems and even died as a result of not having access to clean water.

Your task is to examine the availability of clean potable water and what is being done to increase this availability. Where will new sources of fresh water come from to fuel our increasing demands? After you have thoroughly investigated this topic you will need to make recommendations for addressing this issue.

Resources

CBC News Indepth Water Treatment Methods

The future of Canada's water

Links on Canada's water

Canada's water supply (environment Canada)

Snow and Ice (water)

Where Canadians use water

General Resources on Water

©2002 Golden Hills School Division #75
©2002 The Galileo Educational Network Association
GENA