U.S.-Canada Transboundary Water Management
| Geolocation: | 49° 0' 32.5829", -104° 16' 56.0156" |
|---|---|
| Total Population | at least 4545,000,000 millionmillion |
| Climate Descriptors | alpine |
| Predominent Land Use Descriptors | agricultural- cropland and pasture, conservation lands, industrial use, forest land, rangeland, urban, religious/cultural sites |
| Important Uses of Water | Agriculture or Irrigation, Domestic/Urban Supply, Fisheries - wild, Hydropower Generation, Industry - consumptive use, Other Ecological Services, Recreation or Tourism |
Contents
Summary
The United States and Canada share a 5,000 mile border, crossed by over 150 rivers and lakes (Hall, 2007). The flow of transboundary rivers is surprisingly even, with about half flowing into each country Lemarquand, 1986), which creates what would presumably be an ideal environment for excellent transboundary relations. U.S.-Canada Transboundary waters have been managed largely successfully since the signing of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 (BWT). One especially important part of the success of the BWT was the creation of an independent fact-finding organization called the International Joint Commission (IJC). Recent growth in population, economic activity, environmental impacts and land development along both sides of the border have led to rising tensions over shared water resources. Though after more than 100 years the BWT has successfully prevented and resolved many disagreements, unresolved disputes and contentious issues have occurred, and may grow more frequent as economic pressures rise along the border. The Columbia River Agreement and Devil’s Lake Outlet are two particularly clear cases which continue to put strain on the transboundary water relations of the two countries.
Natural, Historic, Economic, Regional, and Political Framework
Analysis, Synthesis, and Insight
Individuals may add their own Analysis, Synthesis, and Insight (ASI) to a case. ASI sub-articles are protected, so that each contributor retains authorship and control of their own content. Edit the case to add your own ASI.
Learn moreASI:The International Joint Commission as a model mechanism for transboundary water relations
Contributed by: Charles van Rees (last edit: 17 May 2013)
