Why Conserve Freshwater?

“To conserve, protect, and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources for current and future generations” – this is our mission statement at Freshwater Conservation Canada - and has been since the 1970s. But what does it really mean, and why is it important?

We often think of Canada’s freshwater supplies as clean and healthy, but the reality is that many streams and rivers are highly impacted, and only those in protected or remote areas can be considered pristine.

Many Canadians have heard that Canada is home to 20% of the world’s freshwater, giving us a sense of comfort that we have plentiful access to this essential, life-giving resource. The reality is that most of our water is considered non-renewable, meaning it is not part of the global water cycle because it is locked away in aquifers and glaciers, for example. In addition, more than half of Canada’s renewable freshwater flows northward into the Arctic Ocean and Hudson Bay, leaving it inaccessible to most of our population, which lives within a few hundred kilometres of our southern border. This leaves much of the remaining supply under heavy demand and stress.

But it’s not just about the water. Freshwater ecosystems include the rivers, streams, wetlands, and lakes where freshwater is found. An ecosystem is a whole community of living things interacting with each other and their physical environment, consisting of water, soils, rocks, air and other habitat components. Freshwater ecosystems are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting not only aquatic species (like fish and mussels) but also birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, fungi, and plants. But freshwater ecosystems are also one of the most threatened environments due to a multitude of human activities, including dams, diversions, floodplain development, overexploitation, habitat destruction and fragmentation, water use, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Together, these stressors, along with the impacts of climate change, have resulted in a freshwater biodiversity crisis. And despite our wealth of water, Canada is not immune to these threats. In fact, our false sense of abundance may contribute to declines in water quality, availability, and habitat health. A 2022 study that reviewed the conservation status of over 3000 freshwater species in Canada found that nearly 12% of those species were considered “at risk” and another 18% considered “special concern” (at risk of becoming threatened or endangered).

Athabasca Rainbow Trout used to be so plentiful that they were excluded from catch limits and minimum size limits in Alberta’s 1949 fishing regulations. In the decades since, their numbers have declined precipitously, such that they are now considered Endangered. Cumulative effects of land use have impacted water quality and ecosystem health in the Athabasca Rainbow Trout home range.

Declines in freshwater biodiversity should be a wake-up call, or early warning signal, about the state of our freshwater ecosystems and resources. In addition to the threats to biodiversity, communities increasingly face freshwater-related challenges: from blue-green algae blooms that make waters unsafe to swim in (there are over 130 advisories in Canada at the time of writing this), to water pollution that makes it dangerous to eat fish. From floods that put lives and infrastructure at risk to droughts that threaten food production, stress municipal drinking water supplies, and pose challenges to wastewater treatment, freshwater issues are affecting communities across Canada, and we all bear the costs.

These are the reasons there is an immediate need to conserve, protect, and restore these ecosystems and why Freshwater Conservation Canada is stepping up.

Our work focuses on water quality and quantity, as well as aquatic communities and their habitats. It includes restoration, native species protection and recovery, and assessment and monitoring to inform action. Wherever possible, we include volunteer opportunities and community engagement, giving folks an opportunity to connect with these spaces and be part of a positive movement. Our work on riverscapes and riparian corridors is building resilience to climate change by planting trees and using low-tech process-based restoration to kickstart the natural recovery of streams that have been impacted by human activity. The results: improved water quality and water security, increased stability, increased native biodiversity, reduced flood and drought impacts, refuge from increased air and water temperatures, improved connection with and understanding of our natural spaces and heritage, and more.

Why does it matter?

Healthy and functional freshwater ecosystems are essential for more than just fish. These systems supply drinking water, water for industry and agriculture, wastewater treatment, recreational opportunities, food and medicine, and habitat for a plethora of species. They buffer the impact of extreme weather like floods, droughts, and fires and play an important role in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Canada’s freshwater ecosystems, including the spaces they occupy and the species they support, are also part of our Canadian heritage and identity and have spiritual and cultural value that’s impossible to put a price tag on. Although governments play a key role in their protection, we cannot rely on governments alone to protect what is important to Canadians. This is why Freshwater Conservation Canada is here and why we need your help.

Land use, climate change, and changes to stream ecology have caused some streams that historically would have flowed year-round to dry up in late summer. Besides the obvious problems this causes aquatic species that live in the water, it also impacts agricultural producers and downstream water users who depend on water availability.

How to get involved?

Join us! Attend a volunteer event, join your local chapter, hold a fundraising event, or donate to support our ongoing work. Talk to your friends and family about the need for freshwater conservation and restoration, and tell your elected officials that this work is important and worthy of investment. We couldn't do it without our dedicated staff, volunteers, members, donors, sponsors, and funders. We thank you!

Continue to learn, be engaged, and don’t give up hope.

Action is the antidote – participating in restoration work and learning about freshwater ecosystems is an important way to be part of solutions to the challenges facing our freshwater systems.