Projects to improve the water quality of the St. Lawrence

Improving water quality involves controlling point source and nonpoint source pollution, whether from bacteriological or chemical contamination, the presence of factors compromising the environment's physical integrity, contaminated sites or the introduction of new contaminants.

Point sources of water contamination in the St. Lawrence have been identified and fairly well described. On the other hand, less is currently known about nonpoint source pollution and its effects on human health. Examples of nonpoint source pollution include nutrients from agricultural runoff and atmospheric inputs as well as new contaminants from wastewater discharge or the resuspension of contaminated sediment.

The governments of Canada and Quebec are pursuing initiatives to shed light on these various sources of nonpoint source pollution in an effort to reduce water pollution and improve water quality. Their activities in this regard are guided by three orientations, each associated with specific objectives and projects.

To complement the work being undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations are encouraged to take action by presenting a project supported by their community under the Community Interaction Program.

Participants

Government of Canada

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Health Canada
• Parks Canada Agency
• Public Health Agency of Canada

Government of Quebec

• Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation
• Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques
• Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune
• Ministère de la Santé publique
• Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux