Quebec's groundwater reserves under threat from climate and sprawl
Environmental groups and municipalities warn that the province is consuming more freshwater than it can replenish. Climate change is making the problem worse.
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Environmental organizations and municipalities are sounding an alarm about Quebec's groundwater. The province holds three percent of the world's renewable freshwater reserves, yet groups like Eau Secours say those supplies are being depleted faster than they can be restored.
Climate change and urban sprawl are the primary culprits. Rising temperatures make droughts more frequent and severe, making it harder for natural water reserves to replenish. The groups have called on the government to launch a provincewide evaluation and strengthen regulation of groundwater extraction.
In a letter to Environment Minister Pascale Déry, they warned that farmers and residents in rural areas — who depend on groundwater for daily consumption — will be the hardest hit. Déry said she needs more data before commenting on the issue. The Canadian Climate Institute has documented that climate change has intensified droughts worldwide, a trend that's directly affecting Quebec's ability to maintain its water security.