Canada, too, is filled with much natural resources, which prove vulnerable to modern urbanization and the increasing demand for water. One thing that Canada does have as an advantage over Australia, is a larger source of replenish able water supply which comes annually with the melting of the winter snows in the great mountain ranges of the region. Therefore, Canada does have some sense of security that nature will help in terms of a conservation strategy. However, the nation does also want to ensure greater protection of its natural resources, which depend highly on water, especially in an age where the cities are growing across the region. In order to protect these valuable natural resources, Canada too, relies heavily on groundwater for its water allocation. According to research, around 30% of Canadians get their drinking water from groundwater resources, instead of surface water resources that endanger the natural environment of the region (). This water is acquired through government owned and privately held wells that then produce water which is transported into urban areas. Research states that "a recent statistical compilation of profiles of groundwater use by province, it is the industrial sectors -- primarily manufacturing, mining, thermal power generation and aquaculture -- that are the biggest consumers. Next come the municipal and agricultural sectors," (Cote 2006). By allocating groundwater to industry, Canada is ensuring the growth of its business capitol,...
The Canadian government regulates over the use of water in the nation with a strict hand, and under the Food and Drugs Act, "the importance of water both environmentally and strategically justifies a federal presence in this area," (Cote 2006). Whereas Australia's plan is fragmented based on provinces, Canada uses a strong and united force to regulate its water usage.
Thus, both nations present similar, yet unique strategies to handle their most valuable resource -- water. Both use groundwater in order to protect vulnerable ecosystems, and focus their management strategy more on conservation. Yet, they are fundamentally different based on the demands of the terrain, population, and government role and strategy. Whatever their differences, the two nations are doing the right and necessary thing by taking the path of conservation.
References
Cote, Francois. (2006). Groundwater. Freshwater management in Canada. Library of Parliament. Retrieved March 5, 2010 from http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/ResearchPublications/prb0554-e.html#groundwateruse
Government of South Australia. Water resource management overview. Water Resources. Retrieved March 5, 2010 from http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/water/1overview/index.html
WWF-Australia. (2010). National Water Initiative. Water Management. Retrieved March 5, 2010 from http://www.wwf.org.au/ourwork/water/nwi/
