Sustainable Water Management A growing number of water users are competing for the available supply of water to satisfy basic needs, to enable economic development, to sustain the natural environment, and to support recreational activities. We must reconcile these diverse needs and promote the use of water in a way that recognizes its social, economic, and environmental benefits. Governments, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and individual Canadians all have roles to play.
Municipalities share responsibility for water supply and wastewater treatment programs.
The federal government has overall responsibility for navigation and fisheries and for water resources crossing international boundaries, on First Nations' lands, and in the northern territories. The layering of constitutional jurisdictions, regional interests, and competing demands has led to the development of a pattern of water management based on partnerships. Continuing progress depends on the coordinated use of best practices based on natural geographic boundaries rather than political boundaries and the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations into water management programs. Water Policy Federal and provincial governments are adopting policies for sustainable water management that reflect the need to balance water uses. The policy stresses that government action is not enough and that Canadians at large must become aware of the true value of water in their lives and use it wisely.