Meghan Hodges
Water pollution is a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems in Canada, with sources ranging from industrial and municipal discharge to agricultural contamination and oil spills. While most Canadians have access to clean water, regional disparities exist, with southern Canada, where most people live and agricultural and industrial activities occur, experiencing the worst cases of water pollution. Additionally, remote and less populated areas may also be affected by pollution from resource-based industries such as oil-sand and metal-mining developments. First Nations communities, in particular, have faced long-standing water crises, with many lacking access to safe and adequate water systems. Natural factors, such as snowfall and rainfall, also play a role in water quality by washing pollution from roads and fields into rivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pollution | Surface water pollution and groundwater pollution |
| Groundwater contaminants | Municipal landfill sites, industrial waste disposal sites, leaking gasoline storage tanks, leaking septic tanks, accidental spills, infiltration from farmland treated with pesticides and fertilizers |
| Sources of water pollution | Point sources, non-point sources, and trans-boundary sources |
| Transboundary pollution example | Contamination of the Columbia River by Teck Resources in Trail, British Columbia, which also affected the American State of Washington |
| Causes of water pollution | Municipal sewage, urban runoff, industrial pollution, agricultural pollution, inadequate water infrastructure, environmental disturbances, exploitation of natural resources, growing cities, industrial discharge, pipeline spills, agricultural contamination, population growth, economic development, climate change, scarce freshwater supplies, pulp and paper industry, oil industry, forestry |
| Water pollution effects | Public beach closures, contaminated sediments, algal blooms, aquatic weed infestations, fish kills, shellfish harvesting closures, boil-water advisories, outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, contaminated groundwater, environmental disturbances, wildlife deaths |
| Water bodies affected | Rivers, lakes, oceans, coastal marine waters, inland waters |
| Water bodies with good or excellent water quality | The Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Hudson Bay region, the Labrador region |
| Water bodies with poor water quality | Saint John River, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Yamaska River, Columbia River, Wabigoon River, Arctic Ocean |
| Government initiatives | Freshwater Action Plan (2017), $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan (2017), First Nations Clean Water Act (introduced in Parliament in 2023) |
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What You'll Learn
Industrial and municipal discharge
Water pollution in Canada is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial and municipal discharge, runoff, spills, and deposition of airborne pollutants. While the country has one of the largest renewable water supplies globally, averaging 3,472 km3 per year, human activities can still negatively impact water quality.
Municipal wastewater, or sanitary sewage, includes liquid waste from homes, businesses, institutions, and industries, as well as stormwater. In 2006, surface freshwater was the main destination for 91% of municipal wastewater discharge, with most of it being treated before release. However, untreated or under-treated municipal sewage can contaminate water bodies, as seen in the case of the Red Deer River in Alberta, where steroids from cattle farms were found.
Industrial wastewater is liquid waste from manufacturing, mining, and power generation activities. In 2009, ammonia and nitrate accounted for 90% of the total tonnage of substances released into water by industrial facilities in Canada. The manufacturing, mining, and quarrying industries have invested significant capital expenditures on pollution abatement and control processes to reduce emissions into surface water bodies.
The discharge of waste industrial heat into water bodies is also a concern. Thermal-electric power producers use large amounts of water for cooling, and the subsequent release of heated water can raise water temperatures to levels intolerable for many aquatic species. Additionally, it can contribute to low oxygen levels by accelerating the decomposition of organic matter.
To address these issues, Canada has implemented various initiatives, such as the Freshwater Action Plan (2017) and the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan (2017). These programs aim to improve water resource management, reduce pollution at its source, regulate toxic substances, monitor water quality, and develop necessary infrastructure and regulations.
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Transboundary pollution
Another instance of transboundary water pollution involving Canada is the contamination of the Elk-Kootenai watershed, which spans parts of British Columbia, Montana, and Idaho. This issue has prompted the United States and Canadian governments to take joint action, in collaboration with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples, to address water pollution and protect the ecosystems and communities that depend on this vital river system. The International Joint Commission (IJC), established by the Boundary Water Treaty of 1909, has been requested to review and recommend actions to mitigate the impacts of water pollution in this transboundary watershed.
Transboundary water pollution is a complex issue that requires cooperation between nations. In the case of the Columbia River contamination, the pollution's impact extended beyond the immediate region, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of water pollution. Similarly, the Elk-Kootenai watershed is crucial for the well-being of communities in both the United States and Canada, as well as the Ktunaxa Nation, a transboundary Tribal Nation. By working together and incorporating Indigenous Knowledge, these nations aim to address the longstanding issue of water pollution and protect their shared environment.
In addition to transboundary water pollution, Canada also faces local and regional water pollution challenges. Sources of water pollution in Canada include municipal sewage, urban runoff, industrial pollution, agricultural pollution, and inadequate water infrastructure. While most Canadians have access to clean water, there have been instances of beach closures, contaminated sediments, algal blooms, aquatic weed infestations, and other issues in certain regions. To address these concerns, the Canadian federal government has implemented initiatives such as the Freshwater Action Plan (2017) and the Oceans Protection Plan (2017), focusing on improving water resource management and reducing pollution sources.
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Mining and pulp and paper industries
Water pollution in Canada is generally local and regional, and most Canadians have access to "sufficient, affordable, and safe drinking water and adequate sanitation". However, the country's rich endowment of fresh and marine waters is threatened by regional shortages and pollution. The worst cases of water pollution occur in southern parts of the country, where most people live and most agricultural and industrial activities take place.
Mining and the pulp and paper industries are significant contributors to water pollution in Canada. Pulp and paper manufacturing is one of the world's most water and energy-intensive industries, requiring vast amounts of water. Pulp and paper mills may discharge harmful substances and pollutants into surrounding water bodies, damaging aquatic ecosystems and threatening human health.
The Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations govern the discharge of harmful substances from pulp and paper mills into waters frequented by fish. While the quality of effluent released directly into the environment has improved since the mid-1980s, meeting regulatory standards remains a challenge. WWF works to promote responsible pulpwood sourcing, clean production, and transparency across the sector.
Mining activities can also cause water pollution, particularly when waste rocks containing sulphide minerals are exposed to the atmosphere. This results in bacteria producing acidity as a waste product, which can contaminate waterways. Additionally, the discharge of waste industrial heat into water can raise temperatures to levels intolerable for many aquatic species and contribute to low oxygen levels.
Canada has implemented various initiatives to address water pollution, including the Freshwater Action Plan and the Oceans Protection Plan, which aim to improve water resource management, reduce pollution, and monitor water quality.
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First Nations communities
Water pollution in Canada is caused by municipal sewage, urban runoff, industrial pollution, agricultural pollution, and inadequate water infrastructure. There are two main types: surface water pollution and groundwater pollution. Groundwater contaminants include municipal landfill sites, industrial waste disposal sites, leaking gasoline storage tanks, leaking septic tanks, and accidental spills.
The federal government bears responsibility for fixing the water issues in these communities. However, a complex tri-departmental federal structure consisting of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Health Canada, and Environmental Canada shares responsibility for the safe delivery of drinking water. This complex governance structure has led to gaps in drinking water regulation in Indigenous communities across Canada.
The limited water and sanitation infrastructure in First Nations communities have contributed to severe housing shortages on reserves, resulting in long waiting lists and overcrowding. The vast geography of Canada and the disparate locations of First Nations communities, some accessible only by plane, make setting up water treatment infrastructure a logistical challenge. Additionally, as a consequence of colonial-era laws, Indigenous communities have been barred from funding and managing their own water treatment systems.
In 2015, Justin Trudeau promised to end the scourge of unsafe water in more than 100 First Nations communities across the country. However, the government has missed its deadline, and communities that have gone decades without clean water still lack access. The government has pledged an additional C$1.5 billion in funding to address the issue.
In June 2024, the Canada Water Agency was established through the Canada Water Agency Act. On December 11, 2023, Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, was introduced in Parliament. The Bill aims to address the long-standing water crisis in First Nations communities and acknowledges clean drinking water as a basic human right. It establishes a framework for water and wastewater services co-developed with First Nations.
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Waterborne illnesses
Water pollution in Canada is generally local and regional, and most Canadians have access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. However, waterborne illnesses are a concern, with climate change impacting waterbodies across the country and increasing the health risks associated with waterborne diseases.
The main ways people can become ill from waterborne diseases are through direct contact with contaminated water on the skin or by accidentally swallowing water containing bacteria or toxins. Young children are particularly susceptible to waterborne illnesses, as they tend to spend more time in the water and are more likely to accidentally swallow it. Playing in the sand can also expose them to bacteria.
The symptoms of waterborne illnesses can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and eye irritation. These symptoms are similar to those of foodborne illnesses, so people may not always realize they are sick from the water. As a result, waterborne illnesses often go undiagnosed and unreported, making it challenging to determine the exact rate of waterborne illnesses in Canada.
To reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, individuals can follow government guidelines for swimming advisories and beach closures. However, it is important to be cautious as water conditions can change rapidly, and advisories may not always be in effect when contamination is present. Additionally, individuals can take proactive measures such as rinsing their bodies with clean water immediately after swimming and staying informed about potential water quality risks.
While water pollution and waterborne illnesses are concerns in Canada, various initiatives and programs are in place to address these issues. These include the Freshwater Action Plan, the Oceans Protection Plan, and the First Nations Clean Water Act, which aim to improve water resource management, reduce pollution, and ensure access to safe drinking water for all communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Water pollution in Canada is generally local and regional. It occurs in inland waters such as lakes, rivers, and groundwater, as well as coastal marine waters. The worst cases of water pollution occur in the southern parts of the country, where most people live and most agricultural and industrial activities occur.
Water pollution in Canada is caused by municipal sewage, urban runoff, industrial pollution, industrial waste, agricultural pollution, and inadequate water infrastructure.
There are two major types of water pollution in Canada: surface water pollution and groundwater pollution. Groundwater contaminants include municipal landfill sites, industrial waste disposal sites, leaking gasoline storage tanks, leaking septic tanks, and accidental spills.
Water pollution is one of the most significant threats to aquatic ecosystems in Canada. It can lead to public beach closures, contaminated sediments, algal blooms, aquatic weed infestations, fish kills, shellfish harvesting closures, boil-water advisories, outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, and contaminated groundwater.
