Fawn Lake Entrance. Source: Mississippi Valley ConservationLakes, streams, rivers, and ponds make up surface water sources. The majority of drinking water in Canada comes from surface water. As water is drawn from the surface for use, it is replenished with precipitation from rain and snow, as well as ice melt, and groundwater.

Surface water is also extremely valuable in providing people with opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and other forms of recreation. Surface water is also used for agricultural irrigation, as process and cooling waters in power plants, and in many industries including chemical, steel, lumber, and mining operations.

In addition to human uses, surface water is also an important part of our natural environment, providing drinking water for wildlife, and habitat for aquatic species.

Next: Groundwater

Adapted from Pollution Probe's Drinking Water Primer