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Fresh water is an important resource connected to the environment and society. Water is a critical component of ecological cycles. Aquatic ecosystems harbor diverse species and offer many valuable services. People require water to run industries, for energy, and to grow food. Due to the importance of water, humans have tried to control water resources in a variety of ways (Goudie 1997). In Canada we are very fortunate to have extensive supplies of water, but we take this resource for granted. The pressures of human development are causing many of these water sources to lower their quality. We dispose of human wastes, animal wastes, and chemical substances into the environment at such a rate that even the largest lake and river systems have difficulty cleansing themselves and sustaining life. Canadians are said to be the largest water users withdrawing more than 2000 Liters of water per person per day. Agriculture accounts for the largest volume of consumption and the highest ratio of consumption to withdrawal (Mitchell 1995). Over 10% of the water withdrawn from natural sources in Canada supplies municipal systems used by residents, businesses and some industries. The most water withdrawn is used by farmers, mainly for irriga