Climate stressors are putting unprecedented pressure on Canada’s drinking water systems, necessitating stronger adaptation, greater efficiency, and modernization of water management policies to ensure long-term, safe water supplies.
Climate change and environmental factors strongly impact Canada’s water supply for food and agriculture. York University reports that while agriculture is a relatively small user of water nationally, 6-9% of total withdrawals, it is a high-consumption user for irrigation and livestock, as that water isn’t returned to the source.
Major climate drivers include reduced snowpack and glacial melt, given warmer temperatures in the west, where 85% of all agricultural irrigation occurs. Agricultural runoffs and toxic algae blooms are degrading water quality for livestock and irrigation in Ontario and Quebec. Increased precipitation in Atlantic Canada is causing delayed seeding and rising sea levels, leading to saltwater intrusion into coastal freshwater aquifers. Increased drought and extreme heat, shifts in seasonal precipitation leading to winter/spring flooding, and hotter, drier summers. This leads to crop yield variability, food shortages, wildfires, increased evapotranspiration, water shortages for irrigation, and lower flows. Warmer, wetter conditions are spreading agricultural pests and diseases, increasing pesticide use and lowering crop quality, according to the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI).
CCI also notes that climate change exacerbates drought by shifting rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures, leaving ecosystems increasingly vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions and water shortages. Drought increases the risk of flooding. Dry conditions degrade soil quality and kill vegetation, reducing the soil’s ability to retain water. Heavy rainfall following a drought increases the risk of flooding. In addition, animal manure and synthetic fertilizer pose risks to water quality.
Climate change also impacts Canada’s water supply for personal drinking water and hygiene. Residential and municipal use accounts for approximately 12% of total withdrawals, which can contribute to water scarcity, damage to aging infrastructure, and water quality issues. Health Canada reports confirm water-related health. These include threats to drinking water, accelerated chlorine decay, increases in waterborne diseases, physical injuries, and mental health impacts from extreme weather events. Canada’s water supply has experienced increased seasonal variability, characterized by earlier spring snowmelt, higher winter flows, and reduced summer flows, particularly in Western Canada. While overall national volume remains high, climate change has driven increased drought frequency, glacial meltwater, and water quality issues, including impacts on hydroelectricity and municipal supplies.
Canada’s water supply relies heavily on surface water (lakes, rivers) for over 85% of treated municipal water, while ~30% of Canada’s population (including 80% rural) uses groundwater. Despite Canada possessing significant global freshwater resources, supply concerns exist in southern regions where 85% of residents live near limited water sources. Canada’s water supply now faces intense pressure from climate-driven droughts, high per-capita consumption (among the highest globally), urban growth, and industrial demand.
Canada is enhancing water conservation and expanding access through federal investments in infrastructure, the elimination of long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities, and the modernization of water management policies. Key initiatives include investing in water and wastewater technology, promoting water-efficient fixtures, and implementing drought response plans.
Water supply is implemented by more than 20 federal departments and agencies with freshwater-related responsibilities. The Minister of Environment is the federal lead on freshwater, and the Canada Water Agency (CWA) and Environment and Climate Change Canada carry out the Minister’s responsibilities.
CWA offers strategies to unify water management across regions and improve forecasting and early warnings for drinking water and recreational water use.
CCI advocates to Ottawa to: plan proactively for shortages by developing and implementing government drought response plans; enhance water conservation, adopt water-efficient irrigation, water use restrictions, and improve groundwater protection. CCI supports irrigation, infrastructure, and water storage investments, and incentivizes drought-tolerant crop varieties. CCI urges farming communities to have strong crop insurance, disaster relief programs, and mental health supports for those coping with stress during droughts. CCI also champions partnering with Indigenous groups to address the disproportionate impact of water insecurity by resolving long-term drinking water advisories.
Climate stressors are putting unprecedented pressure on Canada’s drinking water systems, necessitating stronger adaptation, greater efficiency, and modernization of water management policies to ensure long-term, safe water supplies.
Learn More Resources:
Canadian Climate Institute – Climate Change and Drought
Environment and Climate Change – Canadian Environmental
Sustainability Indicators: Water Use in Canada
Government of Canada – Canada’s Changing Climate
Health Canada – Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate
York University – Water and the Food System
This Post was submitted by Diane Szoller, Climate Scorecard Canada Country Manager.