Water in our world
- Once evaporated, a water molecule spends about 10 days in the air.
- Water helps to regulate the earth's temperature.
- About 70% of the earth is covered in water but only 2.5% is fresh water in various forms.
- Almost 9% of Canada's total area is covered by fresh water and 2% by glaciers and icefields.
- Canada has about 25% of the world's wetlands - the largest wetland area in the world.
- In Canada, there is more water underground than on the surface.
- The Great Lakes are the largest system of fresh, surface water on earth, containing roughly 18% of the world supply.
Water use
- Canadian communities without water meters use an average of 74% more water than metered communities
- On average, 13% of municipal piped water is lost in pipeline leaks - up to 30% in some communities.
- A single lawn sprinkler spraying 19 litres per minute uses more water in just one hour than a combination of ten toilet flushes, two 5-minute showers, two dishwasher loads, and a full load of clothes.
- Approximately 1000 kilograms of water is required to grow 1 kilogram of potatoes.
- About 75% of all agricultural water withdrawals in Canada take place on the Prairies, mainly for irrigation.
- Water power meets about 62% of Canada's electrical needs.
Water and health
- Every year, 1.8 million people die from diseases related to poor quality water; 90% are children under five, mostly in developing countries.
- The addition of chlorine to our drinking water has greatly reduced the risk of waterborne diseases.
- It is recommended that people drink 2 to 3 litres (about 8 glasses) of fluid every day.
The freshwater-related facts in this list originate from various third-party sources considered to be authoritative. For information on the source material, contact H2O@ec.gc.ca
Presented in cooperation with the American Water Works Association.