Water Pollution In Canada: A Growing Concern?

Water pollution in Canada is generally local and regional, and it is caused by a variety of factors, including municipal sewage, urban runoff, industrial pollution, agricultural pollution, and inadequate water infrastructure. While most Canadians have access to clean water, there are still cases of public beach closures, contaminated sediments, algal blooms, fish kills, and contaminated groundwater. The country's rich endowment of fresh and marine waters is threatened by regional shortages and pollution, which can have significant impacts on the health and well-being of Canadians, the environment, and the economy.

Municipal sewage and industrial waste

Municipal and industrial wastewater is a significant contributor to water pollution in Canada. Municipal wastewater refers to liquid waste from homes, businesses, institutions, and industries, which is collected by sewer systems and treated before being released into the environment. However, not all wastewater is treated adequately, and even treated sewage may still contain harmful substances.

In 2020, about 86% of the Canadian population was served by municipal wastewater systems, with the remaining 14% relying on private or communal septic systems. Of the wastewater collected, 95.7% to 96.3% underwent some form of treatment (primary, secondary, or tertiary) before being discharged. This treatment process is crucial as it helps to remove contaminants such as human and organic waste, nutrients, pathogens, microorganisms, suspended solids, and chemicals.

The level of treatment varies across Canada, with a mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments. Secondary mechanical treatment is considered the conventional process, while tertiary treatment is more advanced and targets specific contaminants. The proportion of the population receiving each level of treatment has remained stable from 2013 to 2020, with around 28.1% receiving tertiary treatment, 42.7% receiving secondary treatment, and 13.6% receiving primary treatment. Notably, about 1.8% of the population was served by systems discharging untreated wastewater, and 13.8% was not served by municipal wastewater systems at all.

The effectiveness of wastewater treatment is crucial as municipal wastewater can contain a range of harmful substances. These include grit, debris, suspended solids, disease-causing pathogens, decaying organic waste, nutrients, and various chemicals. When discharged into water bodies, these contaminants can have aesthetic and health impacts, such as odours, discolouration, and the presence of bacteria and viruses that make water unfit for human use. Additionally, excess nutrients can promote excessive growth of aquatic plants, and decaying organic waste can deplete oxygen levels, threatening aquatic life.

Industrial wastewater, on the other hand, is liquid waste discharged from industrial activities such as manufacturing, mining, and power generation. This type of wastewater also contributes to water pollution and can contain a range of contaminants. To manage this, local governments in Canada spent $3.9 billion on sewage collection and disposal in 2006.

To address water pollution from municipal and industrial sources, Canada has implemented regulations and initiatives. For instance, the City of Toronto inspects industrial properties and businesses, ensuring that their wastewater meets strict limits for hazardous waste and contaminants. Failure to comply can result in significant fines. Additionally, some municipalities have agreements in place to treat specific types of industrial waste at their sewage treatment plants.

Overall, while Canada has taken steps to manage municipal and industrial wastewater, it continues to be a significant source of water pollution in the country.

Water pollution's health impact

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Canada, and it has various adverse effects on human health. While the country's surface and groundwater are generally clean, they are sometimes polluted at the local or regional level. This pollution arises from several sources, including industrial and municipal discharge, runoff, spills, and the deposition of airborne pollutants. These contaminants can have severe impacts on human health, and it is essential to address them to protect the well-being of Canadians.

Health Impacts of Water Pollution

Water pollution in Canada can have a range of detrimental effects on human health. Here are some key ways in which water pollution can impact people's health:

• Diarrhea and Gastrointestinal Issues: Water pollution is a significant cause of diarrhea, which is the most common disease resulting from contaminated water. Enteroviruses present in the aquatic environment are a primary source of this illness. Improper wastewater treatment, sewage disposal, and agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides can all contribute to the spread of these viruses.
• Skin Diseases: Exposure to polluted water, especially with high levels of bacteria and heavy metals, has been linked to various skin conditions. Arsenic in drinking water, for instance, has been associated with skin diseases such as melanosis and keratosis.
• Cancer: Certain contaminants in water, such as arsenic, nitrate, and chromium, have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. Ingesting arsenic-contaminated water can lead to skin, kidney, and bladder cancer. Additionally, trihalomethane (THM) levels in drinking water have been correlated with bladder and brain cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and kidney cancer.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Chemical pollutants in water, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals, can have severe health consequences if ingested. These toxins can lead to cardiovascular issues, kidney problems, and damage to the immune and reproductive systems.
• Respiratory Infections: Swimming or coming into contact with contaminated water can trigger respiratory infections.
• Child Health: Water pollution poses a significant risk to children's health. Microbiologically infected water can cause diarrhea, malnutrition, and weakened immune systems in infants and young children, making them more susceptible to prolonged and recurrent diarrhea and other diseases like measles and pneumonia.
• Neurological Issues: While more research is needed, there are indications that microplastics ingested through contaminated water may cause oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and metabolic disorders in humans, potentially impacting brain function and overall neurological health.

Preventive Measures and Solutions

To mitigate the health impacts of water pollution, it is essential to implement preventive measures and work towards sustainable solutions. Here are some ways to address water pollution and improve water quality:

• Improved Wastewater Treatment: Ensuring proper treatment of wastewater before discharge can help reduce the contamination of water bodies. This includes treating domestic, commercial, agricultural, and industrial wastewater effectively.
• Reducing Plastic Usage: Plastic waste is a significant contributor to water pollution. Encouraging recycling and promoting alternatives to single-use plastics can help reduce plastic pollution in water bodies.
• Proper Disposal of Household Chemicals: Household chemicals, if disposed of improperly, can contaminate water sources. Educating the public about safe disposal methods can help reduce this type of water pollution.
• Agricultural Best Practices: Implementing agricultural practices that minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers or adopting more sustainable methods can reduce chemical runoff into water bodies.
• Water Source Protection: Protecting natural water sources, such as springs and rivers, from contamination is crucial. This includes enforcing regulations to prevent industrial discharge and spills near these sources.
• Water Treatment and Purification: Providing access to safe and clean drinking water is essential. This can be achieved through centralized water treatment facilities and promoting the use of household water purification systems, especially in areas with limited access to treated water.
• Public Education and Awareness: Educating the public about the impacts of water pollution on health and promoting sustainable practices can help foster a collective sense of responsibility for protecting water sources.

Water pollution's economic impact

Water pollution in Canada has had a significant economic impact on the country, affecting various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. Here are some paragraphs detailing the economic implications:

Economic Impact on Agriculture and Food Production

Water pollution in Canada has had a direct impact on the country's agricultural sector and food production. Contaminated water sources, including rivers and lakes, have disrupted irrigation practices and affected the quality of water used for crop cultivation. This has resulted in reduced crop yields, damaged soil fertility, and, in some cases, made lands unsuitable for farming. For instance, the 2001-2002 drought in the Prairies cost approximately $3.6 billion in agricultural production and led to a $5.8 billion decrease in the gross domestic product.

Financial Burden on Public Health and Infrastructure

Water pollution has also imposed a financial burden on public health and infrastructure. Contaminated water sources have led to an increase in waterborne diseases, requiring additional healthcare services and resources. Moreover, the necessary upgrades and improvements to water treatment and sewage systems have incurred significant costs. For example, the required upgrades to Winnipeg's sewage system were estimated to cost $4 billion.

Negative Influence on Tourism and Related Industries

The economic impact of water pollution in Canada extends to the tourism industry and its related sectors. Contaminated beaches, waterways, and natural attractions have led to a decrease in tourism revenue. Additionally, water-based activities, such as boating and fishing, have been affected, impacting local businesses and industries that rely on these activities.

Disruption of Aquatic Ecosystems and Commercial Fisheries

Water pollution has severely disrupted aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. This has had a direct impact on commercial fisheries and the seafood industry. Contaminants such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and chemical pollutants have made their way into water bodies, affecting fish populations and disrupting the entire marine food chain. The economic consequences of this disruption are significant, considering the importance of the fishing industry in Canada.

Long-Term Costs of Environmental Remediation

Addressing water pollution and restoring affected ecosystems incurs long-term costs. Initiatives such as the Freshwater Action Plan and the Oceans Protection Plan, launched by the Canadian federal government, aim to improve water resource management and reduce pollution. However, implementing these initiatives requires substantial financial investment. Additionally, the ongoing efforts to provide First Nations communities with access to safe and adequate water systems, as addressed in the First Nations Clean Water Act, also carry significant costs.

Water pollution's impact on nature and wildlife

Water pollution has a detrimental impact on nature and wildlife in Canada. While the country's surface and groundwater are generally clean, they are sometimes polluted locally or regionally. This pollution comes from industrial and municipal discharge, runoff, spills, and the deposition of airborne pollutants.

The introduction of substances like pharmaceuticals and pesticides into water bodies can have severe effects on aquatic ecosystems. For instance, cadmium, a metal used in batteries, can enter watersheds and lead to fish reproduction issues. Pesticides used in agriculture can accumulate in the flesh of aquatic animals, affecting their immune systems. Human pharmaceuticals that are not properly filtered out of wastewater can significantly impact fish hormones and behaviours.

Water pollution also causes harm to wildlife habitats. For example, certain pollutants can promote the growth of fungus, bacteria, and algae, impeding the growth of plants that marine life depends on. Additionally, the presence of huge algae or moss mats blocks sunlight and essential nutrients from reaching plants and fish below.

Plastic pollution is another significant issue. Plastics are made from raw materials like natural gas, plants, and oil, and they contain harmful chemical additives. When plastics break down into micro and nano-particles, they infiltrate the food web. According to the World Wildlife Fund, at least 100,000 marine animals die each year due to plastic pollution.

Water pollution also has knock-on effects on the food chain. Birds, bears, big cats, and wolves that rely on fish as a food source are impacted when their prey is contaminated with chemicals and plastics or when their food sources dwindle.

Efforts to combat water pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Canada, with a variety of sources, including industrial and municipal discharge, runoff, spills, and deposition of airborne pollutants. The government and organisations are taking several measures to address this problem and improve water quality. Here are some key efforts to combat water pollution in Canada:

Government Initiatives:

• The Government of Canada has implemented the Action Plan for Clean Water, which includes initiatives such as the Oceans Action Plan and the Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities.
• They are also investing in cleaning up polluted water bodies and have introduced regulations like the Wastewater System Effluent Regulations to set national standards for sewage treatment.
• Additionally, they are addressing toxic substances through the Chemicals Management Plan and tackling blue-green algae growth by restricting phosphates in household products.

Reducing Pollution at the Source:

• Canada focuses on pollution prevention by regulating specific industries, such as metal mines and pulp and paper, to reduce the release of pollutants into water bodies.
• The government is also taking action on toxic chemicals, like Bisphenol A (BPA), to prevent them from entering freshwater reserves.

Monitoring and Infrastructure:

• A network of specialists collects water quality data from over 3,000 sites across Canada, monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of watersheds.
• The Building Canada Fund is providing support for municipalities and First Nations communities to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring cleaner waterways.

International Contributions:

Canada is investing in the United Nations Environment Programme's Global Environment Monitoring System, GEMS/Water, to better understand inland water quality issues.

Conservation Initiatives:

• The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, a joint initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF-Canada, helps reduce litter and ensure a healthy environment for aquatic life.
• WWF-Canada also produces Watershed Reports to assess the threat of pollution to specific regions and provide insights for restoration and protection measures.

Sustainable Water Management:

Canada is working collaboratively with provinces and territories to ensure sustainable water management, including access to clean and safe water for all Canadians.

Frequently asked questions