We all live in watersheds - an area within which water drains toward a central point, whether it is a river, a lake or an ocean. A healthy watershed's soils absorb and filter water from rain and snow. Watersheds can vary in size, from a few acres to millions of acres. To find out more about watersheds and wetlands, visit Ducks Unlimited.
Local conservation authorities are also a great source of information on watersheds. As local community-based environmental agencies, conservation authorities represent groups of municipalities that have come together to work in partnership to manage their watershed. Conservation authorities protect local ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and natural habitats, manage Ontario's water resources, maintaining clean and secure sources of water, develop management plans that reduce the risk of flooding and erosion, and provide educational experiences in natural environments to the general public. For more information on watersheds and to find your local conservation authority please visit Conservation Ontario.
Did you know that a human, on average, can survive without food for over three weeks, but will perish without water in less than a week's time? Water is essential for life. And though we are surrounded by water -- over 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by it -- only 1% of this water is available as a drinking source. That is why it is vital to protect our water sources. Riversides, is a great resource for information on how you can get involved in water protection, things you can do around your house to conserve water, and programs available to you. Municipal websites are also a wonderful source for all water related questions, including information on how to conserve water use and help keep water clean.
Pollutants entering our water sources can have serious health impacts. For a detailed report on the relationship between water and health visit the David Suzuki Foundation and download "The Water We Drink."
So what causes pollution? And what effect does it have on our lakes and rivers? Check out Environment Canada's Freshwater website where you will find information on wetlands and the role they play in water purification, problems confronting the Great Lakes, the negative impacts of sediments to water systems, types of aquatic ecosystems, etc.
Several independent organizations monitor water quality and work to improve water protection: Ontario Clean Water Agency, The Water Hole, Ontario Municipal Water Association, and Canadian Water and Waste Water Associations.
A well-treed park can filter out 85% of air pollutants found in an average city
