Imagine a typically sized barrel. In Canada, a pail full of fresh water from that barrel would represent the fresh water located in the lakes, rivers, underground, and in glaciers (about 20% of the world's fresh water supply, but only 7% renewable). Relatively speaking, therefore, we have a lot of water, more than enough for each person in Canada.

Why then are communities in Canada still having water problems even though there is so much fresh water?
Are Canadians taking their water supply for granted?

If you were to locate a river, creek, or lake near your house and follow its flow to the next river or lake, and eventually the ocean, you would discover that your local river is connected to many other rivers and lakes. These connections create a system of waterways.  If we affect one part of the system, the rest of the system will be affected too.  It is imporatnt to remember the system concept when making decisions about water issues.The fresh water supply in Canada is continually being abused. The water resource issues facing Canada are:

1. Overuse of groundwater supply due to urbanization & farming irrigation
2. Pollution from a variety of sources (e.g,. farming, industries, sewage, power plants)
3. Selling of our abundant water supply to other countries, especially to the United States
4. Destruction of wetlands, which are natural water filters & habitats for a variety of animals and plants