Water Uses How do we use water in Canada?

List as many uses for water as you can think of ….. Essential for all living things Important component of many human activities Sustains wildlife in streams, forests and wetlands Used in homes for – washing, cooking, and cleaning Used on farms for animals and growing crops Used in industry in the manufacturing process and to clean its machinery Used by many other businesses and services such as hospitals, dry cleaners, hotels, schools, office buildings and stores. Produces energy in hydroelectric dams. We use water for having fun too -- for swimming, boating, or simply relaxing on a dock in the summer and enjoying the beauty of nature.

History of water use…. How have we harnessed water to improve our lives? –Irrigation to increase crop production (5000 BC) –Masonry sewers and water-flushed toilets (2750 BC) –Fur trade was dependent on water transportation (exploration of Canada’s interior) –Water powered grist mills & sawmills on rivers in the Maritimes & Upper Canada –production and export of lumber and grain –Diversification of industry led to new uses of water….. Coolant, solvent, dispersant, and source of hydroelectric energy we depend on water for most of our technology, comforts and conveniences, and of course for personal hygiene and to flush away our waste products.

Types of Water Use Two main types: –Instream (occurs in the natural setting) –Withdrawal (water is withdrawn from its source) List examples of each …… Are these uses always harmless??

Instream Use Examples – fish live in it, birds and animals do to (at least some of the time) Hydro-electric power generation, shipping and water-based recreation Not always harmless…. Why not?? –oil leaking from outboard motors and freighters can cause pollution. – Large reservoirs needed for hydroelectric power generation remove water by evaporation and completely change the river regime for downstream users.

Withdrawal Use: Uses that occur on land where water is withdrawn from the river, lake, or groundwater supply –Is piped or channeled to users –Is later collected and returned to the lake, river or into the ground –Examples are: household & industrial uses, thermal & nuclear power generation, irrigation and livestock watering

Are these uses always harmless? Most withdrawal uses “consume” water… less is returned than was taken Returned water is often “degraded”…contains human and household wastes, may or may not have been treated before being returned We must learn to use only what we need, and need what we use. In the words of one conservation slogan: "Let's keep it on tap for the future."

Water Use in the Home

Your assignment!! Create a flyer (one page only) on ONE of the commonly identified uses of water in Canada. Choose ONE from the following list: Hydroelectric power generation Water transport Freshwater fisheries Wildlife Recreation Waste disposal Thermal Power Generation Industrial Use Municipal Use Agricultural Use Mining

What to do…. Identify what type of water use your topic fits into… instream/withdrawal Briefly describe how it works (how water is used) Provide pictures of this type of usage Identify any environmental concerns associated with this type of usage Suggest ways to lessen the impact of this kind of water use for future generations

Marks will be awarded for: Identifying type of usage2 marks Description of usage5 marks Pictures (examples)5 marks Concerns (harmful)5 marks Suggestions (for future)5 marks References( minimum 3)5 marks Appeal (attention to detail)3 marks –Total 30 marks