Water Under Pressure:
Research on Canadian Groundwater Resources
with
Dr. Alfonso Rivera, Chief Hydrogeologist
Natural Resources Canada
Although Canada is a water-rich country with many rivers and lakes, ten
million Canadians rely on groundwater for their water supply. These water
resources are being stressed in many areas due to contamination, changes
in climate and the increasing demands of growing population centres and
the large needs of industry and agriculture. What do we know about this
precious resource? Will it be adequate in quantity and quality, to meet
the growing demand? Why is groundwater becoming a major policy issue for
Canadian governments at all levels?
Dr. Alfonso Rivera will present an overview of the state of groundwater
research in Canada, highlighting what we know, and what we need to find
out soon in order to make scientifically-sound decisions about groundwater
resources.
Internationally recognized for his expertise in groundwater resource
evaluation and numerical modelling, Dr. Rivera is Chief Hydrogeologist
at Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, and chairs the
National Ad-hoc Committee on Groundwater. During 2001, he performed extensive
consultations across Canada in view of preparing, in association with
the provinces, private sector and universities, a national vision and
action plan towards a framework for collaboration in groundwater research
in Canada. He is based in the Quebec Regional Office of Natural Resources
Canada.
Simultaneous translation will be provided.
Co-Sponsors:
--the Speaker of the Senate, the Hon. Daniel Hays
--the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Hon. Peter Milliken
--Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE)
--NSERC
DATE: Thursday, February 7, 2002 from 7:30 am - 9:00 am
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