CTV.ca – In its report “Canada’s Rivers at Risk: Environmental Flows and Canada’s Freshwater Future,” the WWF-Canada looks at the health of 10 major rivers, not by analyzing the water quality but by assessing their water flow. It says the combined threats of climate change and growing demand for fresh water are hurting Canada’s rivers. That demand is growing through:

* agriculture

* electricity generation

* expanding cities

* and industry needs

“Even seemingly remote northern waters like the Mackenzie are at risk,” says Tony Maas, the director of Fresh Water for WWF-Canada. “As temperatures rise, and industrial water withdrawals and interest in hydropower increase, we must start planning now to protect river flows to ensure water security for the communities and economies that depend on them.”

Link to source

Download Report: “Canada’s Rivers at Risk: Environmental Flows and Canada’s Freshwater Future, PDF (WWF, 2009).

Website: “Canada’s Rivers at Risk,” WWF.