5.3 - 5 WATER

What do you use water for? Read “The Comforts of Home” on page 296. Would you like a limit on how much water you can use? Water ethics – a set of moral principals or beliefs about is right or wrong when considering the use of water.

Is water a product to be bought and sold, or is it a basic human right Is water a product to be bought and sold, or is it a basic human right? Or is it both? Commons – natural resources such as oceans and fresh water that belong to everyone. Commodity – an economic resource such as a raw material or agricultural product that is exchanged for money. Canada has 0.5% of the world’s population and 20% of the fresh water. However, we only have 7% of the usable water because much of it is deep underground or away from populated areas.

Canada’s Wetlands Wetlands – a place where the water table is at ground level. (bog, swamp) Many wetlands are being drained, filled in and developed for other uses. However, wetlands are important: They filter our drinking water. Store water. Provide a home for wildlife. Provide recreational opportunities. Provide food. It is important that we not mistreat wetland areas.

Water diversion – the rerouting of water from one drainage basin to another. As population and the economy grows there is pressure to divert water from one place to another. Should we? Should Canada divert or sell its water to the United States? Privatization – changing ownership of a property or resource from public ownership by government to private ownership by an individual or business. Would conservation be encouraged by private ownership? PROFIT CONSUME

In 2000, a water crisis in Walkerton , Ontario, killed 7 people and made 2300 ill. In NL and Lab, over 150 communities can be under a boil water advisory. Groundwater – water found beneath the Earth’s surface in the spaces in soil and bedrock.

How can we ensure a safe, sustainable water supply? Test and treat municipal water supplies. Treat sewage before it goes into the water supply. Develop and enforce strict laws to prevent contaminants from entering the water. Do not dump contaminants down the drain or put them in the garbage. Conserve water – use less.