Water Literacy
"Adapted from and used with permission" Water Stewardship, M. McClaren. 1995. BC Ministry of
Environment, Lands and Parks (MOELP). Victoria, BC.
A water literate person is someone who understands:
- Water is essential for all life to exist.
- Water is a unique material with unique physical and chemical characteristics.
- All water is part of the hydrological cycle.
- Streams, lakes, and rivers, as well as other water bodies are part of larger systems known as Watersheds.
- Watersheds are dynamic.
- Humans are major users of water.
- Water is finite.
- Water connects all Earth systems.
- Aquatic habitats are essential elements of the biosphere.
- Contaminants and toxins can move within water.
- Water resources are managed and there are a variety of vocations working with water management.
- Different human cultures have different values about water and different patterns of use.