A major issue that could become a ground for concern if no solution is found quickly : the threats incurred by drinking water sources. Alain Thivierge, Professor of Environment and Geography at Collège François-Xavier Garneau, told me about this serious issue in Quebec.

The St. Laurent river suffers the progression of ocean tides (salted tides). These are affecting the river all the way to the city of Trois-Rivieres and are becoming increasingly problematic, especially in Gaspésie, destroying the coast. The tides are also responsible for the move of Magdalen Islands, which are only made of sand, as well as bank erosion.

But the most serious concern is the threats to which drinking water is exposed. Quebec derives about 40% of its drinking water from the St. Laurent river. Considering the actual rythm of progression of the tides in the river, it is estimated that in about 25 years, the 175,000 people concerned in Quebec will no longer take their drinking water from this source. As the town is not equipped with desalination facilities, Quebec studied the possibility to get drinking water from small tributaries, but the results were not convincing.

For now, everyone acts as if this problem did not exist, as if the city did not lack water. As a matter of fact, for large cities such as Quebec, finances to get out will undoubtedly be found. But it will certainly be much more difficult for small municipalities.

However, we can underline the positive effects of these salty tides : as the river is closed to boat traffic increasingly later and thaws earlier, the trade benefits from it. The St. Laurent serves the Great Lakes region, and is a major road of North American trade.

Nevertheless, we can also find problems of drinking water in the southwest of the United States. The development of California requires a lot of water. "Go to Las Vegas," said Alain, in order to see the fountains and other water overused. In Los Angeles, there are 15 million people but drinking water for only a million people. 100% of the Colorado River that flows (in theory) in the Pacific is used for energy, agriculture ... The State of Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested to bring drinking water from the Great Lakes, lowering the water level in the Great Lakes by 30cm (by pumping water upstream in the St. Laurent). But can you imagine the Niagara Falls with a lower rate of flow ? And what will the fishes say ? It is not taken for granted that wildlife would not suffer such a change (which is, fortunately, still far from being operated).

Americans consider Canada as an important source of drinking water, but soon, it will no longer be true. "And the average citizen knows nothing of all this, " concludes Alain. The real problem may be there, consumption habits are not about to change ...

Finally, let’s remember that, despite all these already existing concerns about drinking water, the United States continue to exploit their shale gas, that is a disaster for drinking water.

See you soon, Be green, Ben