Water Use: IrrigationCanadians are among the highest water users in the world, using twice as much per capita as the average European. Despite emerging threats to water security such as climate change, pollution and increasing urbanization, most Canadians do not consider water quantity an issue. Because of our relative abundance of water, conservation is seen as a well-intentioned activity, but not a necessity.

The most obvious and immediate uses of water occur in water's natural setting. These are called "instream uses". Human activities that are instream uses include hydro-electic power generation, shipping, and water-based recreation. The ultimate example of an instream use of water might be concern over the habitat of fish and other life-forms that live mainly in water bodies.

Most instream uses do not consume water, but they can damage its quality. For example, oil leaking from freighters or outboard motors can cause localized pollution. Similarly, the reservoirs created for hydro-electric power generation and for other uses can have effects on the quality of water through their changes in water flow patterns.

Bottled Water CapBottled water can be a convenient and portable drinking water alternative when tap water is not available, or in emergency situations when municipal tap water has been compromised. Since the early 90’s Canadians consumption of bottled water has continued to rise, and in 2005 Canadians spent $652.7 million on bottled water and consumed 1.9 billion litres.

The use of water is increasing as urban, industrial, and agricultural expansion has led to increasing competition for the same water supply. Water management involves the anticipation and/or resolution of user conflicts in a manner that protects the environment. Good water resource management maintains a balance between growing social and economic demands and the continued ability of our freshwater resources to support them.