- What happens when they enter the water? Do they change?.
- Where do they end up?.
All water even if distilled, contains many naturally occurring substances, such as bicarbonates, sulphates, sodium, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which reach water sources from precipitation, runoff, surrounding vegetation, wildlife, biological, physical and chemical processes in the water, human activities, and the type of catchments area (Owen). Water can be purified naturally by living organisms. Energy from the sun drives photosynthesis of aquatic plants, which produce oxygen that breaks down some organic material, such as plant and animal waste. This decomposition produces carbon dioxide, nutrients and other substances needed by plants and animals living in water. The purification cycle continues when these plants and animals die and bacteria decompose them providing new generations with nourishment. There are many substances however, that are affected slowly or not at all by this process, which are called persistent and are of great concern (Owen).
The federal government in recognizing the need for better environmental management passed the Canada Water Act in 1970. The Canada Water Act calls for joint consultation between federal and provincial governments in matters relating to water resources. Joint projects involve the regulation, distribution, and the pre-planning, planning, and implementation of sustainable water resource programs. Agreements for specific programs provide the governments involved to contribute funding and information in agreed ratios. It is usual for the federal and provincial government to split 50/50. A summary of agreements can be found in the Canada Water Act Annual Report. .
Under the Constitution Act Provinces look after the management of water resources including both surface and groundwater and are responsible for day to day management (e.g. flow regulation, use, and hydro).
