Watersheds and Integrated Water Resources Management

A watershed can be defined as a geographic area of land in which precipitation drains to a common point on a stream, river, pond, lake or other body of water. All urban, rural and industrial land uses can potentially affect or be affected by surface and groundwater water quality and quantity in a watershed.

(Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service)

We all live in a watershed. Canada is comprised of five major watersheds or drainage basins. These are: the Atlantic Ocean, Hudson Bay, Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Each of these is made up of numerous smaller scale sub-basins and sub-watersheds.

The watershed has emerged across Canada, and in many countries as a critical landscape planning unit for the protection of the environment and support of sustainable development.

Integrated Water Resources Management

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is emerging as the preferred approach to manage land and water resources in balance with human, industrial, and environmental needs.

IWRM activities are often focussed on watershed areas. As a major land use and consumer of water, agriculture has a significant presence in watersheds across Canada and has an important role in protecting land and water and participating in IWRM activities.

Programs to Support Agriculture Land, Water and Watershed Management

AAFC programs provide information and support for implementing beneficial management practices which help to protect land, water, and watersheds. Some programs include the National Water Supply Expansion Program, Environmental Farm Planning and National Farm Stewardship Program. Agriculture uses water for production and agricultural activities may have impacts on water quality and quantity in watersheds.

Information

Additional information including publications and website links regarding agriculture and watersheds.