Canadian Water Resources Flashcards
(12 cards)
What percentage of the world’s freshwater does Canada have?
20% of the world’s freshwater
Canada has 7% of renewable freshwater.
What percentage of total land area in Canada is covered by lakes?
~8% of total land area
There are over 2 million lakes in Canada.
What is a key water system in Canada?
St. Lawrence-Great Lakes System
This system is vital for navigation and trade.
Why was the Saint Lawrence important to Canada’s early development?
It was the gateway to Canada from the Atlantic Ocean
It facilitated trade and settlement by early European settlers.
List two other important water systems in Canada.
- The Great Lakes
- Mackenzie River
What type of water use includes mining and oil/gas extraction?
Industrial
Other examples include manufacturing.
What type of water use is associated with livestock and irrigation?
Agricultural
Aquaculture is also included in this category.
What type of water use pertains to residential and institutional needs?
Municipal
This includes commercial uses as well.
What does non-consumptive water use include?
- Hydroelectric power
- Recreation
- Ecosystem services
What does it mean to commodify water?
Process of transforming water from public good to tradable commodity
Does Canada use a lot of water compared to other developed nations?
Yes, it has the second-highest amount of freshwater use per person
This reflects both high per capita consumption and abundant freshwater resources.
What is a distribution challenge regarding water in Canada?
Most water flows north while population is concentrated in the south
