Drinking water is one of society’s most critical water needs
and delivery of safe drinking water is a national strategic priority around the world.
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The forWater Network is leveraging diverse expertise in water quality and treatment, hydrology, forest management, and resource economics to provide the critical new knowledge and technologies needed to build resilient, adaptive communities.
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DRINKING WATER AND FORESTS
75% of the world's accessible fresh water comes from forests
Forests are an integral part of the water cycle.
Forests capture and store water, and play an important role in providing drinking water for millions of people. Canadian forests are the primary source of drinking water for more than 58% of Canada's urban and rural communities, as well as most Canadian Indigenous communities.
The value of the natural purification and water storage capacities of the world’s forests has been conservatively estimated in excess of 4.1 trillion USD annually.
Forests capture and store water, and play an important role in providing drinking water for millions of people. Canadian forests are the primary source of drinking water for more than 58% of Canada's urban and rural communities, as well as most Canadian Indigenous communities.
The value of the natural purification and water storage capacities of the world’s forests has been conservatively estimated in excess of 4.1 trillion USD annually.
THE CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
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Natural disturbances in forests are having increasingly negative effects on drinking water sources and treatment |
Landscape disturbances such as wildfires and floods are increasingly common and can substantially deteriorate drinking water source quality.
These disturbances are being exacerbated by climate change and are increasing in severity, with specific threats to forests, drinking water sources, and drinking water treatability.
These disturbances are being exacerbated by climate change and are increasing in severity, with specific threats to forests, drinking water sources, and drinking water treatability.
OUR APPROACH
High-quality science, partner engagement, and capacity building for enhanced water security
High-Quality ScienceProduction of new knowledge is at the core of source water protection. A better understanding of drinking water and source water threats informs technological responses.
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Partner EngagementforWater is built on industry and government partnerships, where high-quality science can translate into real-world outcomes for enhanced water security in Canada and abroad.
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Capacity BuildingforWater strategically invests in the development of young professionals to ensure tomorrow's leaders are well-equipped to sustain source water protection advancements.
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Ready to meet the faces of forWater?
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From the forest to the laboratory, our Executive Team and teams of researchers are working to better understand and overcome issues for drinking water source protection.
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