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Ottawa (22 March 2022) — This year, the theme for World Water Day is groundwater. The theme reflects how too often groundwater is taken for granted, even though around the world many people depend on it.
In Canada, 8.9 million people or 30.3% of Canadians rely on groundwater. That includes 42.8% of Saskatchewan residents, 66.5% of New Brunswick residents and everyone on Prince Edward Island.
Pollution and overuse both issues
One reason that the United Nations has made groundwater the theme for World Water Day is the serious problems that can occur when not enough is done to protect the aquifers where groundwater is found. These problems include groundwater becoming polluted and more water being taken out of aquifers than rain and snow can add.
Importance of groundwater will increase due to climate change
A United Nations report released to mark World Water Day, Groundwater — Making the Invisible Visible, predicts that, as surface water sources dry up due to the impact of climate change, we will depend more and more on groundwater. However, the report also suggests that not enough is being done to protect groundwater. The report calls for better information on groundwater sources and stronger environmental regulations.
Unfortunately, the report appears overly optimistic about the role the private sector can play. While the report acknowledges that mining and oil and gas extraction have the potential to cause groundwater to become polluted, the report suggests that data from the mining and oil and gas sectors could be used by public bodies. Expecting the private sector to provide accurate information when it is likely to result in greater scrutiny of their activities seems more than a little naïve.
Public sector must take lead in protecting groundwater
The conflicts of interest that exist when the private sector is expected to provide information that could interfere with its ability to make money is why the public sector has to be involved in all aspects of protecting groundwater. Whether its collecting data about groundwater resources, or overseeing how groundwater is used, well-funded, independent public bodies are the only way we can ensure groundwater resources will be protected for future generations.