Water Caucus - Information Links




 

INFORMATION LINKS

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Agriculture

Resource Sheet on Livestock and Water Issues
2011. This resource sheet was prepared for attendees of the Manitoba Eco-Network's workshop Livestock and Water Quality in Manitoba, that took place in Gimli MB on June 18, 2011. Download here.

Webinar: Intensive Livestock Operations and Water Quality
2011. This webinar, hosted by the Safe Drinking Water Foundation, includes a brief video presentation by guest speaker, Maude Barlow, as well as hour-long presentations by:

Toward Community-Based Monitoring in Manitoba's Hog Industry
2008. Discusses the positive impact that community-based monitoring programs can make in addressing socio-ecological issues stemming from intensive livestock operations, including the disruption and pollution of waterways. To download the pdf, click here.

Environmental Sustainability and Hog Production in Manitoba
2007. A report by the Clean Environment Commission .
http://www.cecmanitoba.ca/resource/hearings/22/Hearings-Hog_Production_Industry_Review-Final_Report57.pdf.  See also the summary recommendations

Recommendations for Regulating Phosphorus from Livestock Operations in Manitoba 
2006. The final report by the Phosphorous Experts Committee to the Minister of Conservation. http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/envprograms/livestock/pdf/final_report_manitoba_phosphorus_expert_committee.pdf

Amber Waves, the magazine of the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS)
2006 special issue. Provides a closer look at the relationship between agriculture and the Nation's land, air, water, and biological resources. The issue contains reprints and updates of articles and statistics highlighting: conservation policy and program design, impact of conservation programs on farmers and the environment, cost-effectiveness of conservation programs, and emerging issues, such as environmental credits. Please access the entire special issue online: here.

Agriculture Phosphorus and Eutrophication
2003  (2nd Edition). A resource by the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA. It is a document which addresses phosphorus outputs and runoff in the agricultural sector. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/Phos&Eutro2/agphoseutro2ed.pdf 

Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch
A document by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). It is a document which addresses concerns around water scarcity, and spotlights SARE-funded research into a variety of sustainable initiatives, including soil management, plant management, and water-management strategies such as low-volume irrigation and water recycling. Also included is a comprehensive Resources section. http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Bulletins/National-SARE-Bulletins/Smart-Water-Use-on-Your-Farm-or-Ranch/Text-Version.

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Climate Change

Thirsty for Answers: Preparing for the Water-related Impacts of Climate Change in American Cities
2011. Cities across the United States should anticipate significant water-related vulnerabilities based on current carbon emission trends because of climate change, ranging from water shortages to more intense storms and floods to sea level rise. To help cities become more resilient to the rising threats of climate change, NRDC reviewed more than 75 scientific studies and other reports to summarize the water-related vulnerabilities in 12 cities across the United States.
http://www.nrdc.org/water/thirstyforanswers.asp
 
A Forest of Blue: Canada's Boreal
2011. An article from the annual special water e dition of Canadian Geographic .
"The lakes of Canada's boreal forest slow the impacts of global warming. Are they under threat?" 
http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/magazine/jun11/boreal_forest.asp.

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Adapting to Climate Change: An Introduction for Canadian Municipalities  
2011. A case-study based, updated version of the 2006 document by the same title. These ca se studies serve to "demonstrate practical  measures that other municipalities facing similar issues might take to enhance community resilience in the face of a changing climate".  Relevant topics inc lude: st ormwater management, Northern water issues (melting sea ice, echanging sea levels and coastal erosion), and adapting Halifax's harbor to accomodate rising sea levels.
http://adaptation.nrcan.gc.ca/mun/index_e.php. 

Reading The Wind: An Annotated Climate Change Bibliography
2010. By R.W. Sandford, Chair, Canadian Partnership Initiative, United Nations Water for Life Decade & Director Western Watersheds Climate Research Collaborative.  http://www.rwsandford.ca/Climate%20Change%20Bibliography%20Version%202010%20-%201.pdf

True North: Adapting Infrastructure to Climate Change in Northern Canada
2009. The National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy (NTREE)'s report on, and recommendations toward, adapting the Northern regions of Canada to a changing climate. http://www.nrtee-trnee.com/eng/publications/true-north/true-north-eng.php

Climate Change Connection (CCC) Publications Page
The CCC website contains a variety of PDFs for download, ranging from local emissions reductions initiatives, to issues in intensive agriculture, to international strategies such as Cap and Trade. To access these documents, go to http://www.climatechangeconnection.org/Resources/ClimateChangeConnectionpublications.htm.
Their Water Page is an excellent resource for how climate change directly affects our earth's water supplies, particularly in Manitoba. To access this page please go to:
http://www.climatechangeconnection.org/Impacts/Water.htm.

Canada's Action on Climate Change
The federal website that explains certain key terms associated with climate change and details/ reports on current government strategies on climate change. http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En

Canadian Health Network (CHNET-Works)
A series of web seminars they call "fireside chats". Several of these past presentations are on themes related to climate change and water. To view a complete and current list of past and upcoming 'chats', please visit them at http://www.chnet-works.ca.


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Environmental Assessments 

Public hearings in environmental assessment: towards a civics approach
This research explored aspects of public hearings in environmental assessment (EA). Various strengths and weaknesses of the hearings process were identified, and diverse suggestions for improvement were made. Suggestions made include emphasizing dialogue, communication, understanding and mutual learning. It is available to download here.

Mediation in Environmental Assessments in Canada: Unfulfilled Promise?
2010. Details reasons for adopting a mediation approach to unmet promises discovered through environmental assessments, as well as possible approaches to the mediation. It is available to download here.

Canada-Manitoba Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation
2007. Identifies current legislation around environmental assessments and consultations, including public notices and consultation with Aboriginal peoples. http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/eal/publs/cdamb_coop.pdf


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First Nations

Video: Shoal Lake 40 - The Road Home



Walking the Edge Of Water
A new dance by Rulan Tangen, director and choreographer of Indigenous Dance Troupe, Dancing Earth. "For summer of 2011, choreographer Rulan Tangen continues in the direction of exploration of Native perspective on environmental issues. As urged by Native grandmothers, she began cultural research protocols in Canada this spring at Trent University, gathering community members to share concepts and movements from creation stories and philosophies invoking women as sacred water carriers, to current threats to Native lands and water through gold, oil, uranium and pollution - an issue that is becoming globally relevant." http://www.dancingearth.org/blog/?p=616

Mother Earth Water Walk
A program started by Anishnaabeg elder Josephine Mandamin at Lake Superior in 2003. In 2011, the walk brang together water from the four directions of our continent: The Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.  For more information on past and current walks, and ways to get involved, please visit their website or Facebook page.

No Running Water Video Series
2010. Winnipeg Free Press feature of four videos accompanied by indexed articles relating to the plight of First Nation's communities in Northern Manitoba and their lack of access to running water and sanitation. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/no-running-water/

Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)
A "national, First Nation-directed environmental non-profit organisation with charitable status and is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada". Their website features a wealth of information on provincial environmental initiatives. They have old webinars available to listen to, by request, on their webpage. Particularly of note is their page on protecting lands and water at: http://cier.ca/protecting-lands-and-water/

Indigenous Peoples and Watershed Management: A Discussion of Rights, Interests and Interesting Approaches
2009. A presentation by Merrell-Ann Phare of the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources. Download here.  Meryl-Ann Phare is a lawyer and the Executive Director of CIER. She is the author of Denying the Source. 

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Water webpage:
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/enr/wtr/index-eng.asp.
See also Proposed Legislative Framework for Drinking Water and Wastewater in First Nation Communities at: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/enr/wtr/h2o/index-eng.asp

Water for Life
2005. The conference report released by the Southern Chiefs Organization: http://www.scoinc.mb.ca/environment.php.


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General  

New Website (2011): Canada’s Water InfoStream
According to their website, Canada’s Water InfoStream is a compilation of online water data and information resources from across Canada. Resources on this webpage consist of data and information from provincial, territorial and federal governments, as well as those jointly administered with other agencies and groups. This initiative is being led by the Council of the Federation Water Stewardship Council in accordance with the Water Charter. It is intended to be a valuable resource for the academic community, policymakers, and individuals interested in the science and policy of water resources.
http://www.councilofthefederation.ca/infostream.html#top
  
New Blog (2011): OurLivingWater.ca
Written by some of the best known water advocates in the country, this blog brings together the various regional voices that collectively reflect the issues and solutions for the incredible rivers, lakes, and aquifers we all share. OurLivingWater.ca expands this water conversation across Canada by connecting water advocates from every region of the country. It is your best source for reliable commentary on the latest and most pressing water issues of our time. http://www.ourlivingwater.ca/

A Forest of Blue: Canada's Boreal Forest, the World's Waterkeeper
2011. Saving Canada’s boreal forest is increasingly viewed as a global conservation priority. But until recently, the water resources of the boreal have garnered scant attention. The Pew analysis is the first compilation of decades of research on Canadian boreal water reserves from diverse sources. http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/reports/A-Forest-of-Blue-Canadas-Boreal-Forest-the-Worlds-Waterkeeper-328843

How Green Are We?
A series of  environmental statistics available from Statistics Canada. Stats Canada offers a web portal that provides access to a wide range of environmental statistics, information on Canada’s environment and its relationship with human activity.  Included are issues related to natural resources (e.g., energy and minerals, forests, water, land), air and climate, pollution, wastes and measures to protect the environment. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/subject-sujet/theme-theme.action?pid=1762?=eng&more=0

Water Environment Research Open Access Papers
Water Environment Research (WER)  features peer-reviewed research papers and research notes, as well as state-of-the-art and critical reviews on original, fundamental, and applied research in all scientific and technical areas related to water quality, pollution control, and management. Selected WER articles are now available free to the public on a monthly basis thanks to a new open access program from the Water Environment Federation. Visit http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wef/wer;jsessionid=26g4tsa1udkg.alice to view each month’s open access article.

The Government of Manitoba Handbooks
The Provincial Government produced a Water Protection Handbook, a Water Quality Handbook, and a Water Strategy Handbook, all available online as PDFs.

Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute (NWRI)
NWRI provides water scientific and technical knowledge for users of water S&T, including governments, environmental regulators, policy makers, land-use planners, researchers, and industry: http://www.nwri.ca.

Changing the Flow: A Blueprint for Federal Action on Freshwater 
2007. Gordon Water Group. "Government action to protect fresh water has been sorely lacking for 20 years as the pressure on fresh water - from pollution, climate change, drought in Western Canada and falling levels in the Great Lakes - are increasing". To find out what the Canadian government should be doing, and to access the entire PDF of the Blueprint. http://www.gordonwatergroup.ca/page/blueprint.  

An Introduction to Canadian Environmental Law and Tools
2007. This Primer by the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper provides a brief introduction to environmental laws, such as the Fisheries Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and tools such as judicial review. http://www.waterkeeper.ca/content/other/clean_water_primers.php

Eau Canada - The future of Canada's water
2006. This book is available from the Manitoba Eco-Network library, or to purchase online. The book's website, here, contains an "Action Centre" where you can send suggestions of action items to be posted. Examples might include the ongoing hearings on oil and gas development in Alberta, upcoming events and conferences, forthcoming publications, or ongoing campaigns. Send suggestions to frontdesk@ubcpress.ca.

Manitoba's Water Directory
2005, 2nd edition. Lists all agencies and departments in the province that deal with water issues. Call 204-945-8271 for a hard copy or visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/directory/


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Hydro Electricity

New Website (2011): Energy Justice
"On an average day, over $3.5 million worth of electricity flows from the dams in Northern Manitoba to consumers in the south. Each time we flick a light switch we benefit from this inexpensive and reliable power. But what is happening at the other end of the power line?" This website aims to answer that question by providing thoughtful, non-polarized consideration of issues related to Manitoba's hydro-electric system. Please visit their new page at: http://energyjustice.mcc.org/

Lake Winnipeg Water Level Regulation Resource List
2011. This compilation is meant to help members of the public familiarize themselves with the regulation of Lake Winnipeg water levels by Manitoba Hydro, as well as the social and environmental effects of regulation.  It should not be considered comprehensive of available information sources. To download, click here.


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Industry and Economy

UNEP’s Green Economy Report – Updated Water Chapter
2011. This chapter has three broad aims. First, it highlights the need for providing all households with sufficient and affordable access to clean water supplies as well as adequate sanitation. Second, it makes a case for early investment in water management and infrastructure, including ecological infrastructure. The potential to make greater use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in reducing water treatment costs and increasing productivity is emphasised. Third, the chapter provides guidance on the suite of governance arrangements and policy reforms, which, if implemented, can sustain and increase the benefits associated with making such a transition.
http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/

Drilling Down: Groundwater Risks Imposed by In Situ Oil Sands Development
2011. Drilling Down: Groundwater Risks Imposed by In Situ Oil Sands Development, by Water Matters, provides clear, achievable recommendations for improving groundwater management, assessment and monitoring in the oil sands region. In Drilling Down, Water Matters recommends scientifically rigorous monitoring and assessment of groundwater resources by the provincial and federal governments, and perhaps most importantly the eradication of technical and regulatory uncertainties inherent to the in situ oil sands industry that pose huge risks to groundwater in the region. 
http://www.water-matters.org/pub/drilling-down

A drought in your portfolio: are global companies responding to water scarcity?
2011. This report explores corporate responses to water scarcity around the world. The research identifies a significant proportion of global companies as being at risk from water scarcity and highlights the short time frame within which water scarcity will begin to have detrimental financial impacts for companies and their investors. Despite this, the research shows only a handful of the global 2000 companies analysed have the policies, management systems and reporting mechanisms they need to adequately address the risks they face from water scarcity. We conclude that the vast majority of companies and investors remain unaware of both current and future water risks and are therefore failing to protect company value.
http://www.eiris.org/files/research%20publications/EIRISWaterRiskReport2011.pdf

Report: Water and the Future of the Canadian Economy
2011. Building on conversations from the Inaugural Canadian Water Summit, The Innovolve Group, with the support of Industry Canada, RBC, Transcontinental and Cascades, has authored an in-depth and revealing report on "Water and the Future of the Canadian Economy."
By providing fresh intelligence, stakeholder perspectives and common language on the intersection of water and the Canadian economy, the Report helps businesses and policymakers plan for a future where water will play an increasingly important role in defining Canada’s productivity and competitiveness. The Report is now available for downloading in both, English and French at http://www.watersummit.ca/?q=water-report/report 

Solving the Puzzle: Environmental responsibility in oilsands development
2011. The Pembina Institute presents a 19-point plan that identifies policies required to protect the environment and restore Alberta’s international reputation regarding the oilsands. http://pubs.pembina.org/reports/solving-puzzle-oilsands.pdf

Fracture lines: Will Canada’s water be protected in the rush to develop shale gas?
2010. Explores the transformation of the natural gas industry in the last decade, and its impacts on Canadian politics and economics, as well as risks to human and environmental health. "Just as conventional supplies of natural gas seemed on the verge of depletion, the oil patch combined a 60-year old technology called hydraulic fracking with the technology of horizontal drilling to exploit a seemingly implacable resource: natural gas trapped inside deep and densely packed shale rock. This paper explores both the potentials of this new technology and the dangers it poses to the environment and our water supplies." http://www.powi.ca/pdfs/groundwater/Fracture%20Lines_English_Oct14Release.pdf
 

Changing Currents: Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors
2010. The world’s supply of freshwater is limited and finite. While Canada is blessed with an abundance of freshwater, an expected increase in the development of the natural resource sectors begs the question of whether our country has enough to support economic growth while also maintaining the health of our ecosystems. We need to know whether we are in a position to sustainably manage our water resources for future generations and if we have the capability to deal with issues like an anticipated change in precipitation patterns caused by climate change. http://www.nrtee-trnee.com/eng/publications/changing-currents/changing-currents-eng.php 


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International Water Issues

Our Right to Water: A People’s Guide to Implementing the United Nations’ Recognition of the Right to Water and Sanitation
2011. As the first anniversary of the UN General Assembly's historic recognition of the human right to water and sanitation draws near, the Council of Canadians has released a new report by chairperson Maude Barlow, titled Our Right to Water: A People’s Guide to Implementing the United Nations’ Recognition of the Right to Water and Sanitation.
 The report finds that Canada is legally bound to respect the UN vote, and therefore to address the pressing issue of access to water and sanitation in First Nations communities.
"Freshwater is central to our very existence and must be protected by public trust law for the common good, not for individual profit." 
http://www.canadians.org/

Tuna Report: Rankings of Canadian Supermarkets
2011. Greenpeace’s report, Lifting the lid on the major canned tuna brands in Canada: Ranking the sustainability and equitability of tuna sourcing, reveals that most canned tuna lining supermarket shelves comes from destructive and socially irresponsible fisheries. Globally, tuna stocks are on the decline. Tuna fisheries are plagued by overfishing and use fishing techniques that threaten at-risk species such as turtles, sharks and sea birds. http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/tunaranking

A Deadly Toll: The Gulf Oil Spill and the Unfolding Wildlife Disaster by the Center for Biological Diversity
2011. This report compiles federal data, scientific papers and media accounts to estimate the number of animals hurt by the spill nearly one year later. Using multipliers to calculate the true cost of the damage to wildlife species, the Center estimates that approximately 6,000 sea turtles, 26,000 dolphins and whales, 82,000 birds, and countless fish and invertebrates may have been harmed by the disaster. Based on the documented, ongoing effects of previous oil spills, pollution from the 2010 BP spill will continue to affect Gulf wildlife for decades.

To read the press release: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2011/gulf-disaster-04-12-2011.html
To read the whole report: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/energy/dirty_energy_development/oil_and_gas/gulf_oil_spill/pdfs/GulfWildlifeReport_2011.pdf

See also Cornell University Lab of Ornithology’s video Deepwater Horizon: One Year Later summarizing what we now know about the impacts of the oil spill on birds. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/page.aspx?pid=1855

Final Recommendations Of The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force
2010. The final report of the National Science & Technology Council, Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water Availability & Quality (U.S.A. Federal Government Task Force). http://www.whitehouse.gov/files/documents/OPTF_FinalRecs.pdf

Fourteenth Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality
2009. The International Joint Commission recommends that the governments of Canada and the United States create and apply an uncommonly strong Accountability Framework for Great Lakes restoration and protection under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.  http://www.ijc.org/php/publications/pdf/ID1631.pdf

Summary of 5th World Water Forum proceedings
The 5th World Water Forum took place from March 16-22, 2009 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Forum is the largest international event that focuses on freshwater. The IISD summary of this event, as well as information on the first four Forums, is available here. The 2009 Conference also created a webpage following the event. http://www.worldwaterforum5.org/.

The Third United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDRIII)
2009. This report is the joint effort of the 26 UN agencies and entities which make up UN-Water, as well as the result of their partnership with governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. http://www.unesco.org/water/wwap/wwdr/wwdr3/tableofcontents.shtml. 

The International Watersheds Initiative: Implementing a New Paradigm for Transboundary Basins
2009. The Third Report by the International Joint Commission. http://www.ijc.org/en/publications/rpts.htm.

Global International Waters Assessment Report
2006. Outlines key international issues, including freshwater shortages, engineering of river flows, pollution and overfishing. This document is the Final Global International Waters Assessment. http://www.unep.org/dewa/giwa/.

Comments on the International St. Mary-Milk Rivers Administrative Measures Task Force Report
2006. Prepared by Ralph I. Pentland for The Program on Water Issues at the Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto. http://www.powi.ca/pdfs/waterdiversion/st.mary_milk.pdf. 

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Lake Winnipeg

 

The Save Lake Winnipeg Act (Bill 46) Presentations and Submissions to the Legislature
2011. Presentations and written submissions regarding the Save Lake Winnipeg Act (Bill 46) were heard by The Legislative Standing Committee on June 13th and 14th, 2011. The majority of presentations and submissions were in support of the bill; however, some were opposed and others felt the proposed legislation was not strong enough.  The Act passed the third reading and was proclaimed law on June 16th.

View the proceedings at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/hansard/5th-39th/sed_06/sed_06.html

The Save Lake Winnipeg Act amends five existing acts in an effort to reduce the amounts of phosphorous and other nutrients entering Lake Winnipeg.  The act introduces measures to:
•    Conserve wetlands on crown land
•    Expand the hog barn moratorium to all of Manitoba
•    Prohibit winter manure spreading
•    Place a two year moratorium on peat mining
•    Require the preparation of drinking water and wastewater management plans in certain jurisdictions
•    Require the City of Winnipeg to upgrade or replace its North End wastewater treatment plant

View the Act: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/39-5/b046e.php

State of Lake Winnipeg Report
2011. the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada released the State of Lake Winnipeg report in July, 2011. The report, led by Manitoba Water Stewardship and Environment Canada, is a collaborative effort by many researchers from government, universities, and non-governmental organizations and is the first comprehensive assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of Lake Winnipeg since intensive lake monitoring began in late 1990s.

The State of Lake Winnipeg report serves as a reference to measure progress towards reducing nutrient loading, will help in the assessment of the overall health of the lake, and also provides key information to support current and future research on Lake Winnipeg. The report is available as both an extended technical report and a highlights report.

Sudden ecosystem state change in Lake Winnipeg, Canada, caused by eutrophication arising from crop and livestock production during the 20th century
 2011. This report comments on the current state of the Lake, as documented through Leavitt's comprehensive study, and offers suggestions for significantly reducing phosphorus contributions in order to ensure the survival of the lake. To download the complete report, which is available through Manitoba Water Stewardship Board, go to: 
http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/water_quality/lake_winnipeg/pdf/
report_lake_wpg_paleolimnology_2011.pdf

Blue-green algae plague Lake Winnipeg
2011. An article from this year's annual special water issue of Canadian Geographic magazine. "The Lake is sicker than the Great Lakes in the 1960s. It’s time to start buying prescriptions". http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/magazine/jun11/lake_winnipeg_algae.asp

Peak Phosphorus: Opportunity in the Making
2009. A report outlining the relationship between water quality and food security in the Lake Winnipeg Basin, and addresses ways to manage, harness and recycle phosphorus.
http://www.iisd.org/pdf/2010/peak_phosphorus.pdf

Reducing Nutrient Loading to Lake Winnipeg and its Watershed: Our Collective Responsibility and Commitment to Action
2006. The final report issued by the The Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board, which contains over 132 recommendations.  http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/water_quality/lake_winnipeg/lwsb2007-12_final_rpt.pdf

The Watershed Observer
Lake Winnipeg Foundation’s newsletter, is available online at: http://www.lakewinnipegfoundation.org/resources/e-newsletter/

Restoring the Health of Lake Winnipeg: Canada's Sixth Great Lake
2005. By Lake Winnipeg Implementation Committee. http://www.redriverbasincommission.org/Reports/lakewpg_dec12.pdf

Visit our Lake Winnipeg Watershed section of our website for more information.


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Maps

Map of major drainage basins contributing to Manitoba waters
Available at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/floodinfo/maps/mb_maj_basins_map.html

Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) digital map of North America
The CEC and its partners developed the first map of North America to be drawn by all three North American countries—the first living map of our continent to be available online and updated as new information is available. Institutions and individuals can freely use the map to advance scientific research, environmental promotion and any number of applications. The atlas partners—the CEC, Atlas of Canada, Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática, and the National Atlas of the United States. www.cec.org/naatlas.

National Topographical Map
Data is available as a free download at: http://maps.nrcan.gc.ca/topo_metadata/index_e.php


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Prairies

New Website (2011): Heart of the Boreal
A new website dedicated to raising awareness about Manitoba’s boreal forest.  It contains stories, videos, maps and photos about this unique ecological treasure. http://www.heartoftheboreal.ca/ 

Prairie Provinces Water Board
This board has representation from the prairie provinces which contributes to monitoring groundwater and surface waterbodies across the prairies. Its website features information about water jurisdiction, groundwater management, and ways of reporting emergency water-related situations. Please visit their website at: http://www.ppwb.ca/. 

The Prairie Water Directive
2009. Outlines expectations for responsible water governance from water NGOs across the Prairies.  www.prairiewaterwatch.ca

An impending water crisis in Canada's western prairie provinces
2006. http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/0601568103v1.pdf  

Province rejects the Pembina Valley Water Coop in their attempt to divert water from the Sandilands to south central Manitoba. 
The Clean Environment Commission: http://www.cecmanitoba.ca/archives/hearings/index.cfm?hearingid=30#4.

Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy Forum
2006. "Program Synopsis and Lessons for Canada and Alberta” http://rosenberg.ucanr.org/forum5.cfm?displaysection=1.

Water in the West: Under Pressure 
2005. A report released by the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. It is available online at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/381/enrg/rep/rep13nov05-e.htm .

The Prairie Water Policy Symposium
 2005. Meeting notes from this symposium, hosted by the IISD, have been posted on the website at: http://www.iisd.org/pdf/2005/pwps_notes.pdf.


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Privatisation   

Public Water For Sale: How Canada will privatize our public water systems
2010. A report released by The Council of Canadians and The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). targeting municipal, provincial and territorial governments regarding the Canada European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). It warns that public water in Canada will be lost unless the provinces and territories take immediate steps to remove water from the scope of negotiations. http://canadians.org/trade/documents/CETA/water-report-1210.pdf

The Polaris Institute Inside the Bottle Campaign Team
The focus of this campaign, which has produced a series of newsbytes, is on two companies who were busy at the World Water Forum in Mexico City, attempting to influence global water policy. The new privatization mantra is 'community involvement', where a few local actors sit on committees and are forced to become the collection agencies for the corporations, who still hold the reins and collect the profits through public-private 'partnerships'. Receive Newsbytes directly by signing up at www.insidethebottle.org.

On the Table: Water, Energy and North American Integration.
2007. A report sponsored by the Munk Centre's Program on Water Issues. http://www.powi.ca/pdfs/events/powi20070910_9am_On_the_Table.pdf


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Wastewater

An Investigation into nutrient reduction and ammonia treatment at the City of Winnipeg's wastewater treatment facilities
Clean Environment Commission final report (2009): http://www.cecmanitoba.ca/resource/hearings/21/Hearings-Wastewater-Final_Report.pdf
Supplementary report (2011): http://www.cecmanitoba.ca/resource/hearings/21/nXp%20supplement%20final3.pdf

Taking Stock: North American Pollutant Releases and Transfers (13th Edition) by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
2011. Highlights of the report:

  • Over 228 million kilograms of direct pollutant releases to surface waters were reported by industrial facilities in North America in 2006.
  • In addition to direct releases to water, a minimum of 133 million kilograms of pollutants were transferred to sewage and/or wastewater treatment systems.
  • Ninety percent of reported volumes released to surface waters comprised just two pollutants—nitrate compounds and ammonia—associated with nutrient loading and aquatic “dead zones” affecting North American waters.
  • The report highlights sources of pollutants, including heavy metals, found in two important cross-border river systems—the Rio Grande/Río Bravo and the Columbia River watersheds. 

View the report: http://www.cec.org/Page.asp?PageID=1226&SiteNodeID=638&BL_ExpandID=273

The Chesapeake Bay Stormwater Training Partnership (CBSTP)
The partnership was created to deliver targeted training on new tools and practices to improve the quality of stormwater runoff. By joining the Partnership you will have direct access to training modules and have access to additional training resources such as free and reduced cost webcasts and one- and two-day training workshops. www.cbstp.org

Municipal Wastewater Effluent in Canada - General Backgrounder
2006. http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/mwwe_general_backgrounder_e.pdf

Review of the State of Knowledge of Municipal Effluent Science and Research
2006. Review of Existing and Emerging Technologies & Review of Wastewater Treatment Best Management Practices (Hydromantis Inc. & University of Waterloo, Dept. of Civil Engineering). http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/csr_rev_emerge_tech_bmp.pdf

Wastewater Improvement News
The City of Winnipeg's Water and Waste Department is pleased to advise you that they have created an email newsletter called Wastewater Improvement News. To subscribe: http://winnipeg.ca/wpgmail/start.stm


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Watershed Planning & Stewardship

Lower Athabasca (Oil Sands Region) Water Quality Monitoring Program: PHASE 1 - Athabasca River Mainstem and Major Tributaries Oil Sands Region Water Management Approach
2011. A preliminary surface water quality monitoring plan for the lower Athabasca River and tributaries. This plan details the water quality monitoring plans and the steps needed to ensure biodiversity; it recommends a single, holistic, ecosystem-based approach to watershed management in the oil sands region. To access this document, please go to: http://www.albertawater.com/reports/WQMP_ENG.pdf

Video Series: The Story of Water Management on the Bow River
2011. Water is the lifeblood of southern Alberta and the Bow River is critical to the health of the Region. This educational series of vignettes takes the viewers on a journey of Water Stewardship of the Bow River and how that stewardship affects life in the Bow Basin. From food production to ecological protection to recreational opportunities, the series paints a story of the real Bow River – not only its beauty, but its enduring qualities to sustain life, and of the people whose job it is to keep it that way. http://www.albertawater.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=460

The Smart Watershed Benchmarking Tool
2006. This guidance document contains:
A complete benchmarking tool with step-by-step guidance on how to interpret community scores; detailed profile sheets that describe each of the 14 Smart Watershed programs, including a case study, tips for implementing or improving the program, and further resources and links; overview of smart watershed programs, their benefits and applications for local communities; and further details on restoration budgeting and adapting the tool for special community conditions.
It can be downloaded for free as a PDF at: http://www.stormwaterpa.org/assets/media/resources/ELC_SWBT.pdf.

Watershed Planning Handbook
A resource of the US Environmental Protection Agency, is available for free by calling the EPA at 1-800-490-9198, or visiting:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/watershed_handbook.

Causal Analysis Diagnosis Decision Information System (CADDIS). 
This is a new US Environmental Protection Agency tool for determining causes of ecological harm to rivers and streams . http://www.epa.gov/caddis.

The East Souris River integrated watershed management plan
Accepted by the Manitoba Government as the first plan to be recognized under the new Water Protection Act. http://www.tmcd.ca/watershed/watershed_management_plan.html.

The Assiniboine River Watersheds process
Involved the Project Management Team (PMT) and Watershed Planning Advisory Team (WPAT). For background info, go to: http://www.uarcd.com/IWMP.htm. 

Urban Stormwater Retrofit Practices.
Center for Watershed Protection, Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series.  http://publicfiles.dep.state.fl.us/SEC/OLA/ELC_USRM3.pdf

Participatory SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis of Land  and Water Stewardship : South Nation Conservation Clean Water Program
 (Cecilia Ferreyra and the Guelph Water Management Group). This report (2007) is an exploration of how the emerging source water protection process and the existing land and water stewardship initiatives across Ontario might be integrated. http://www.environment.uwaterloo.ca/research/wpgg/Documents/Integration_Report_2.pdf

The Wetlands & Watersheds Article Series by the Centre for Watershed Protection.
To expand your current watershed guidance, tools and resources, go to: http://www.cwp.org/store/free-downloads.html


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Water Conservation

YouTube Video - Using the Hydro Water Saving Kit: Installing Tap and Shower Aerators.
2011. Watch Josh Brandon of the Manitoba Eco-Network Water Caucus explain the intricacies of installing the aerators provided in your Manitoba Hydro Water and Energy Saver kit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKEH_tawcqA&feature=relmfu 

 Canadian Water Survey
2011. Conducted by Unilever and RBC, this survey reveals that "Canadians [are] overconfident in country's supply of fresh water". Read the report here.

Moving Toward a Soft Path Approach? A Case Study of Water Management in Guelph, Ontario
2010. This report provides an overview of water management policies and practices in the city of Guelph, Ontario, within the broader context of growth pressures on water resources in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region of Ontario, recent research on water demand management, soft path planning and public opinion polling on water issues. It is available from the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP) website at: www.cielap.org/pdf/towardsoftpathapproach.pdf.

Worth Every Penny: A Primer on Conservation-Oriented Water Pricing
2010. A report by the Polis Project on International Governance's "Water Sustainability Project"  http://www.poliswaterproject.org/publication/344

An Analysis of Canadian and Other Water Conservation Practices and Initiatives: Issues, Opportunities and Suggested Directions
2006. From the Canadian Council of Ministers for the Environment. http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/kinkead_fnl_rpt_2005_04_2.1_exec_summary.pdf.

The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell
2005. This resource is a joint publication of Friends of the Earth and POLIS Project on Ecological governance. http://www.foecanada.org/PDF/nutshell_lowres_final.pdf.

For more links on Water Conservation please visit our Household Water Conservation page.


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Water Quality

The Framework for Safe Drinking Water
2011. In Canada municipalities own and are responsible for drinking water treatment facilities and must supply the public with safe drinking water. This task is often more difficult in rural municipalities. Smaller communities generally have less expertise, fewer resources, and poorer quality source water than larger cities. Another problem is that most existing water treatment technologies are optimized for larger centres and may not work as well when scaled down. The Framework for Safe Drinking Water is meant to counter these challenges and streamline the daunting task of building new or updating older drinking water treatment facilities. By looking at it from both the legal and health perspectives we can help communities get the safest drinking water possible.
http://www.safewater.org/PDFS/aawtt/FrameworkforSafeDrinkingWater.pdf 

2010 Fall Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
The 2010 Fall Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Scott Vaughan, was tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 7 December 2010.  The purpose of this report is to provide Parliament with an objective review of the federal government’s performance in managing environmental and sustainable development issues.  The 2010 report covers the following three topics in detail:

  • How the federal government responds to oil spills from ships
  • How it monitors the quantity and quality of our fresh water 
  • How it supports adaptation to climate change impacts

View the full report at: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_201012_e_34435.html

Source Water Protection website
The Canadian Environmental Law Association's on-line collection of publications and media releases on protecting drinking water sources. http://www.cela.ca/coreprograms/detail.shtml?x=1437.

USDA- NIFA 2011 National Water Quality Conference
Held in Washington, DC. A complete list of abstracts (and some complete presentations) from the 2010 NIFA Water conference are available at: http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2010/abstract_index.html.

The Summary Table of the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
These guidelines have been updated and is now available on Health Canada's website. It includes a summary of past, current, revised and upcoming guidelines, including microbiological, chemical, physical and radiological guidelines. To access the summary and to access individual chapters of the Guidelines, please go to: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/2010-sum_guide-res_recom/index-eng.php .

Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
Available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/guide/index-eng.php.

Canadian Water Quality Index (version 1.1)
2011 A newly updated tool for calculating water quality using an Excel spreadsheet. It is the most up to date index and replaces previous versions that existed on CD-Rom.  http://www.ccme.ca/ourwork/water.html?category_id=102.

The Walkerton Commission of Inquiry Reports
Available in two parts on the Ontario Attorney General's Webpage. It is also available in its entirety on CD-Rom by contacting Publications Ontario. 

Centre for Watershed Protection Pollutant Removal Database
CWP statistically analyzes pollution removal values for each major group of stormwater BMPs. http://www.cwp.org/


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Wetlands

Netley–Libau Nutrient-Bioenergy: Video by the International Institute of Sustainable Development
2011. This video uses animation, photos and text to provide a step-by-step description of cattail harvesting at Netley–Libau Marsh, a coastal wetland at the southern end of Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba. The research taking place at Netley–Libau Marsh by the IISD and its partners, the University of Manitoba and Ducks Unlimited Canada, has proven that cattails, a common plant that grows throughout the marsh, can be successfully harvested to produce bioenergy in the form of pellets, cubes or logs.




Take A Stand For Wetlands: Video by Ducks Unlimited
2011. Wetland drainage is a major environmental problem. We lose approximately 80 acres of wetlands on average every day in Canada. We used to be able to say that we didn't understand the true value of wetlands -- but that's no longer the case.

Updated Pocket Guide: Invasive Species in Manitoba: River, Lake & Wetland Invaders
2011. Information on 5 new aquatic invaders of threat to waterway & riverbank areas in Manitoba has been added, including Nodding thistle, Common tansy, Invasive Phragmites, Spiny waterflea and Round goby.  Download a PDF copy or email info@invasivespeciesmanitoba.com to request a free paper copy.  Visit the Invasive Species Council of Manitoba website for more information: http://www.invasivespeciesmanitoba.com/site/

Seeking Manitobans’ Perspectives on Wetlands: What we Heard
2011. As part of a broader review of the Manitoba Water Strategy, the Manitoba Water Council, at the request of the Minister of Water Stewardship, conducted public consultations seeking Manitobans’ perspectives on wetlands during the summer of 2010.  This document summarizes the responses that were collected. http://www.manitobawatercouncil.ca/pdf/final_mwc_what_we_heard.pdf.

Wetlands and Water Quality
A 2-page document by Ducks Unlimited detailing why wetlands are significant to water quality, as well as why they are being destroyed at such an alarming rate. http://www.ducks.ca/resource/general/wetland/pdf/water.pdf

The Value of Natural Capital in Settled Areas of Canada - A report for decision-makers
2004.  Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. http://www.ducks.ca/aboutduc/news/archives/pdf/ncapital.pdf.
US Environmental Protection Agency website on wetlands
This website contains information on types of wetlands, how the EPA is protecting them, US legislation affecting wetlands, and links: http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/

Wetlands & Watershed Article Series
This 6-article series, developed by the Center for EPA, provides guidance on how and why to protect wetlands by managing them at the watershed scale. http://www.cwp.org/documents/cat_view/73-wetlands-and-watersheds-article-series.html

Wetland Legacy (EPA) by Conservation Media:

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