Monitoring the Foundation for Water Management
By John Lilley, Executive Director, CWRA.

Water shortages are an issue for Canada as well as the developing world. A recent report by Environment Canada, "Threats to Water Availability in Canada", points out that "our apparent abundance of freshwater is relative rather than absolute". The increasing urban population in southern Canada has resulted in a growing mismatch between sources of freshwater and areas of highest demand. The needs of municipalities, agriculture and industry must increasingly be balanced against the need to maintain adequate streamflows in rivers to support aquatic ecosystems and fish populations.

The report also notes the "worrisome implications of climate change". These include changes in precipitation amount, type, and geographic and seasonal distribution; in evaporation and evapotranspiration; and in the timing and rate of snowmelt. These changes will have serious implications in Canada (and abroad) for water availability, flooding, droughts, agricultural water demands, urban and industrial water use, and rural water supplies.

The Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) promotes effective management of water resources. We focus our efforts on Canada and Canada's water, but also participate in international activities. Through our permanent committee, "CANCID" the Canadian Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, membership in the World Water Council, and affiliations with organizations such as the International Water Resources Association, the CWRA is involved in international water management efforts, especially those related to irrigation and drainage, and increasing the effectiveness of water use for food production.

As CWRA President Valerie Cameron notes in the CWRA's March 22, 2004 press release, "knowledge, information exchange, and monitoring provide the foundation for effective management of the water resource." More and better monitoring data are needed to anticipate threats and reduce the risk of water shortages. As Ms. Cameron points out, "If these (monitoring) networks are inadequate, it becomes difficult for water managers to make effective management decisions."

The Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) is proud to support WaterCan/EauVive in its efforts to provide clean water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Canada shares common elements of water management with the developing world increasing competition for the resource and a lack of information for effective management. It is critical that all water-related organizations work to ensure that there are adequate monitoring systems. Only with a better understanding of water availability and use can we reduce the risks of water shortages and conflicts.