How is Water Use Managed?

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.

Water Budget

Can you imagine taking care of your family without knowing your budget? Knowing how much money is coming in each month, how much you need to spend on various essentials, and how much you can reasonably save for a rainy day? Not knowing would be an invitation to disaster because of the temptation to overspend.

Water Pricing

Canadians rank among the world’s highest per capita water users, which is not surprising given that municipal water rates rank among the lowest of all developed countries. The NUS Consulting Group publishes a survey every year of international water costs.

Water Use Legislation and Regulation

For the most part, waters that lie solely within a province's boundaries fall within the constitutional authority of that province. In terms of water use and consumption provincial legislative powers include areas of flow regulation; authorization of water use development; water supply; and thermal and hydroelectric power development.