Water Quality

Water quality is defined in terms of the chemical, physical, and biological content of water.

Water quality is affected in many ways, often caused by nature's own patterns. The water quality of rivers and lakes changes with the seasons and geographic areas, even when there is no pollution present.

Canadians are lucky to have many sources of good drinking water. In developing nations, 80% of diseases are water-related.

We pay close attention to water quality by monitoring and testing. Water quality is primarily the responsibility of provinces and territories in Canada, but the federal government plays a leading role in scientific research, monitoring and leadership on the development of guidelines for water quality. Information on these activities is offered in this section.

See Also:

• Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network
• Canadian Remedial Action Plans
• Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement