If, on the other hand, we use the total for all categories, then it includes industrial, etc. If this is the calculation, is340 litres per person an accurate reflection or not? what does it mean when we are told as individuals to cut down on domestic use and to conserve water in the summer, for example? who are the biggest users? what does this mean for conservation efforts? what are your experiences and feelings about water conservation?

Sources of water

look at a map of canada to identify the main bodies of water. On the flipchart, record key words as they come up, for example, oceans, rivers, and lakes. Distinguish freshwater from saltwater and add these two words to the flipchart. Ask participants for other sources of freshwater besides rivers and lakes, for example, springs and wells. Well water comes from underground springs. It is called groundwater. Add these words to the flipchart. Ask participants to share what they know about wells and springs, perhaps in rural areas.

Water is a natural resource

On the flipchart write, "Water is a natural resource." Ask participants to name other natural resources and record these, for example, trees (wood and pulp for paper), rocks (minerals), oil and natural gas (for fuel).

Now, look at a map of the world. Ask participants to estimate what fraction of the earth's surface is made up of water. Record these estimates on a flipchart. Do calculations to convert fractions to percentages.

Compare Canada with other countries in regard to sources of freshwater. Have participants estimate how much of the world's total freshwater is located in Canada. Record these estimates in fractions and convert to percentages.