CANADA
type: Concept

CA/EC/WSC
type: Concept
definition: The Water Survey of Canada is the national agency responsible for the collection, interpretation and dissemination of standardized water resource data and information in Canada. The Water Survey of Canada can trace its beginnings to 1908 when Canada initiated a formal approach to determine the extent of the nation's water resources. As an emerging nation, Canada recognized the need for comprehensive water resource information to define reliable supplies of good quality water, to determine hydro power potential, to assess irrigation potential and to protect Canada's sovereignty over its water resources. All major water supply systems, hydro electrical generation facilities and irrigation projects in Canada have been designed, built and operated using the products and services of the Water Survey of Canada. Today, the Water Survey of Canada continues as the lead agency for collecting and disseminating relevant and reliable water resource information in Canada. Our agency continues to play a major role in the activities of numerous international and interprovincial boards and commissions involved in the management of Canada's water resources. It is the designated agency responsible for water resource monitoring in support of interjurisdictional agreements and treaties. The Water Survey of Canada's reputation for excellence is recognized internationally, and our agency continues to set the standard for environmental monitoring. [Source: "http://www.wsc.ec.gc.ca/"]
in scheme: providers