Weather and hydrologic conditions on the Great Lakes and neighbouring coastal communities can turn quickly, without much warning. A water crisis, whether it's flooding (driven by high winds, waves and lake levels), lake effect snow, ice dams in the tributary rivers or unsafe conditions, can wreak havoc on coastal communities and lake users. Also, first responders during a flash flood event need the best available information to avoid flooded areas to get to people in need in a timely fashion. The resilience of a community relies heavily on its capacity to coordinate adequately the communications between local authorities responsible for the multiple aspects of climate readiness with the public.

Water Issue Leaders:
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and Great Lakes Observing System

Excess phosphorus is lost into water systems in large rain and melt events through surface runoff or through subsurface drainage systems. In the Great Lakes watershed, most fields are drained using perforated plastic pipes placed 3 feet deep, and 30-50 feet apart which outlet into ditches and watercourses. Effective drainage is critical to agriculture and oftentimes surface inlet structures (ie. catch basins) are installed in low-lying areas of the field to drop excess water below ground to the watercourse. There are a number of points in which sorption materials could be used to capture phosphorus before it reached the watercourse, including drainage outlets, inlets and on the field itself. A key issue is that traditional sorption materials work best in still water, while agricultural drainage systems cannot be compromised with reduced flow capacity in major storm events. Another opportunity is for captured phosphorus to be recycled.

Water Issue Leader:
Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Phthalates, used in shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, cosmetics, and other personal care products; triclosan used in some toothpaste; and bisphenol-A (BPA) found in conned goods are examples of compounds that have disrupted the endocrine systems of wildlife, causing testicular cancer, genital deformations, low sperm counts, and infertility in a number of species, including polar bears, deer, whales, and otters, just to name a few. They are also linked to a number of health concerns, particularly in pregnant women, fetuses and young children, but also in adults.

Water Issue Leader:
McMaster University

Across North America, during wet weather events, our cities too frequently release large volumes of untreated sewage into nearby rivers, lakes and oceans through combined sewer overflows. Sewage spills contain bacteria, viruses and pathogens that can be harmful to the environment and human health (swimmers and other recreational water users). Some cities are already reporting their sewage spills, but unfortunately, most of the cities do not notify the public when sewage spills happen. Waterkeepers from Canada and the USA have been advocating for cities to inform the public when and where a sewage overflow is occurring in real-time so people can make informed decisions about how to connect with their river and lake. Real-time reporting will help people avoid areas impacted by sewer overflows and avoid unnecessary exposure to sewage pollution.

Water Issue Leader:
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative