July 23, 2014 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Environment Canada
Today Minister Aglukkaq and Nova Scotia Environment Minister Randy Delorey announced the renewal of a cooperative water monitoring agreement between Environment Canada and Nova Scotia Environment. The Memorandum of Agreement for Water Quantity Surveys ensures the on-going collection, processing, publication and distribution of water quantity data in Nova Scotia.
Over the past century, the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia have built an extensive network of water monitoring infrastructure to enhance the use of our water resources. This renewed agreement advances our understanding of the availability, variability and distribution of water resources in Nova Scotia. Historic water level data collection contributes to scientific studies, ecosystem protection, infrastructure design and policy development. Real-time data is essential for flood and drought forecasting, as well as for many industrial processes, agriculture management and electricity generation.
The Nova Scotia network of approximately 28 water quantity monitoring stations has been co‑managed by Environment Canada and Nova Scotia Environment since 1975. This renewed agreement provides for annual operating costs of $460,000, of which 47% is covered by Environment Canada, 39% by Nova Scotia Environment, and the remaining costs from commercial contributions.
“Renewing this agreement demonstrates our commitment to the sustainable use of our country’s lakes, rivers and streams. Accurate and timely water quantity data is critical to understanding Nova Scotia’s water availability and distribution, thereby ensuring public health and safety.”
-- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council.
“This agreement and partnership will ensure that important water monitoring continues in our province. Good scientific data on water quantity is critical to understanding many current issues including climate change, flood management and drought.”
-- The Honourable Randy Delorey, Minister of Nova Scotia Environment
For more information, please visit Environment Canada’s National Hydrometric Program website.
Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
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Environment Canada
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