The Great Lakes are the largest fresh water bodies in the world. The basin is home to Canada's largest urban population - those cities have dramatic impacts on the lakes. Chemicals and pharmaceuticals are flushed into the lakes, altering the health of all species in the water and on the land. On the brighter side, new urban developments are doing using natural processes to clean the polluted water coming from their streets. We go aboard the Limnos, a floating laboratory used by the National Water Research Institute's to monitor water quality, fish populations and invasive species like the zebra mussel. Inland, we look at agricultural impacts on rivers and streams, and investigate how conservation groups have worked to improve the health of these water systems. Hundreds of small municipalities are responsible for delivering safe drinking water to their residents. What happens when that system breaks down? Walkerton - E coli - widespread illness and loss of life . What happened? Can it happen again?
Segment Breakdown
- Urban Sprawl 4:49
- Invasive Species 3:59
- Complexities 4:29
- Rural Watersheds 6:34
- Walkerton 4:48
- Climate Change 2:07
Production Stills:
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Brian Karney on the shore of Lake Ontario, near Ajax. |
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Canada's largest research ship, the Limnos, at the National Water Research Institute. |
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Overflying downtown Toronto. |
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Niagara Falls, On. |
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Mennonites stoking hay, in rural Ontario. |
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Dave Rudolph explains the impacts of agricultural pollution near Waterloo, On. |
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