With more than 30 years’ experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Mark Nelson is a Class 1 Drinking-Water Operator and a CBWA (Canadian Bottled Water Association) Certified Plant Operator. As founder and president of Nelson Water in Ottawa, Mark focuses on dealing with challenging water treatment system designs for problem water. He also heads the largest water bottling plant in the city of Ottawa with a delivery network throughout the Valley.
Canada has an abundance of rivers, streams, and lakes that make up a significant 7 percent of the renewable freshwater for the whole world. Unfortunately, there are some severe pollutant threats that are putting these vital water sources at risk. Lachine Canal, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario have all developed a reputation for being polluted, but even Lake Winnipeg has been added to the list of being the most threatened lakes in the world. So, here we’ll explore the biggest pollutant threats for Canadian lakes and what you can do to help the situation.
Plastic
Most of us are aware that plastic pollution has become a massive problem in recent years. Plastic is thought to be responsible for up to 90 percent of the pollution in the world’s oceans, and studies have suggested that the Great Lakes could be even worse. Samples taken from Lake Erie suggest between 1,500 and 1.7 million tiny particles of plastic per square mile. This is 24 percent higher in concentration compared to the samples taken from the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the pieces are microscopically small that measure less than two-tenths of an inch. This can have a massive impact on the food chain, as fish mistake these particles for food and chemicals from the plastic are transferred to the fish, and whatever eat those fish.
While this is a widespread problem, we can all play our part to reduce plastic pollution. You can reduce the plastic footprint of your home and family by swapping disposable plastics for reusable items, such as food containers, plastic bags, and water bottles.
Pharmaceuticals
One of the most significant water pollution risks to the Great Lakes is pharmaceutical chemicals and compounds. Most sewage treatment plants lack the ability to treat or filter any pharmaceutical traces. Recent research has highlighted that this type of pollution is affecting amphibian reproductive cycles and lifestyles.
Studies conducted at the Canadian Lakes have shown that even small levels of estrogen, a hormone in birth control pills, can significantly decrease fish populations. Male fish have even been shown to grow female reproductive characteristics such as eggs.
There is also a concern that common medications including antibacterials and antibiotics could create resistant bacteria strains that could be passed on through the consumption of fish or other wildlife. While most of the samples taken from Canadian lakes have shown low levels of pharmaceuticals, there is evidence of the impact on fish and wildlife.
The problem has become such a concern the Government of Canada has produced an information guide to detail the safe disposal of pills and medications. The number one rule is not flushing any drugs down the sink or toilet.
Agricultural Runoff
Runoff from agricultural activities has become a big problem our lakes, primarily because of the nitrates used in pesticide and fertilizer products, particularly phosphorus. Phosphorus has been recognised as a problem for many years since high levels were determined to be the cause of turning lake water green in the 1960s. The reduction of chemical detergents was thought to cause a pollution turnaround, but in recent years, there has been a return in the visible damage. Blooms of toxic, invasive algae have appeared, which feeds on the nitrates and occupies thousands of kilometres of space in Lake Winnipeg, Lake Erie and other North American lakes. These swaths of algae compromise oxygen levels to force fish and other aquatic life to migrate in search of oxygen and food.
Today, the majority of the phosphorus feeding this algae can be attributed to farmland runoff. Many experts suggest that only an overall of modern farming practices will provide a solution to this problem. There is new technology and equipment that allows fertilizer to be put in the ground earlier rather than sprinkling during the winter months, while GPS guided machinery can highlight where fertilizer has been distributed.
Synthetic Fragrances
Today, almost every single product seems to have a synthetic fragrance. Multiple everyday items such as detergents, perfumes, cleaning products, and makeup contribute to this type of pollution. Traces of these chemical compounds have been detected in milk and fatty tissues or humans and animals. There are currently over 300 chemicals contained in fragranced products, but “musks” are considered the most hazardous. These contain lipophilic chemical compounds that combine and dissolve in oily liquids. This means that the fragrance remnants are more likely to contribute to sewage sludge buildup.
Switching to naturally scented products and environmentally friendly cleaners can reduce your contribution to this form of pollution. Ask yourself whether you really need that bold smelling product or have to wear cologne every day.
Oil Sands Operations
In recent years, the health and environmental risks of Alberta’s oil sands have been shown to be underestimated. Mining, processing and the massive mechanical vehicle traffic are just some of the most apparent detrimental effects of this industrial project. There are also problems resulting from the levels of evaporation and dust that end up in the lakes. One disturbing study showed that the toxic hydrocarbon levels were already reaching warning levels in six area lakes. This is 20 times more damage than when the mines were first established.
More damage can be prevented by decreasing the dependence on nonrenewable resources including oil. This means reducing reliance on cars and opt for walking, biking or using public transport. The rest of the issues will need to be left in the hands of higher levels of government.
Human Waste
In 2012, Environment Canada disclosed that over 150 billion litres of under treated or untreated wastewater is dumped into Canadian waterways each year. Old infrastructure or communities lacking facilities have allowed raw spills into our lakes. In 2013, Lake Winnipeg was named the most threatened lake as a result of sewage discharge and agricultural runoff. Even where there is an adequate form of water treatment, storm waters can cause overflows to allow raw sewage to spill into lakes, rivers, and oceans directly.
The Government of Canada has stated that 850 facilities throughout Canada require an upgrade, and a plan for repair and replacement of the most high risk facilities has been released. This will begin in 2020 and is expected to reach the low risk facilities by 2040. Unfortunately, these upgrades will not apply to any facilities in the far north.