Source water protection is important for drinking water safety, as well as for ensuring adequate quality and quantity of water for the environment, industry and recreation. Dr. de Loë’s team sought to improve understanding of key knowledge gaps related to water governance, and to ultimately improve source water protection processes and outcomes in Canada.
The researchers intend to extend value of water estimates by incorporating indirect benefits from water’s use, such as those from recreations, tourism and other activities. These estimated values will then be linked to measurable changes in water quality, which will provide policy makers with the necessary information and tools for decision-making.
The goal of the research project was to improve water security in Canada by enhancing governance for source protection and land use through the generation of an integrative definition of water security and the development of a comprehensive water security framework.
This project proposes to build on the strong foundation of the Great Lakes Futures Project (GLFP) by targeting the science-policy interface, using insights into the consequences of current policy decisions to work with stakeholders and develop strategies that will ensure the future sustainability of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.
This project proposes to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS) -based integrated modeling interface to evaluate Best Management Practices in the Gully Creek watershed to address this opportunity.