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Impact Area

Clean Water

Clean water starts with healthy wetlands.

Canadians are used to a safe and reliable water supply. But we can no longer take it for granted.

Making a dam difference at the Étang Stater wetland Get the story

Making a dam difference at the Étang Stater wetland

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Run-off, pollutants and toxic blue-green algae are becoming larger threats as more and more wetlands are destroyed.

Scientists are uncovering the power of wetlands as natural water filters. Wetland vegetation traps sediment and pollutants, and wetland microorganisms break down the contaminants.

We need wetlands to regulate our water levels, too. Flooding and drought events are worsening as the wetlands that used to hold water are lost.

Wetlands loss means more water issues. But there’s hope. A continent-wide effort called Rescue Our Wetlands is using science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation projects to fight for wetlands.

Together, we can save our water.

Water Action Agenda commitment statement

Ducks Unlimited's continental approach to water action: The tri-national Ducks Unlimited (DU) Conservation Family includes Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Ducks Unlimited Inc. (DUI) & Ducks Unlimited Mexico (DUMAC).

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Building with nature
Alberta, Provincial, Science, Wetlands

Building with nature

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A trumpeter swan takes flight.
A trumpeter swan takes flight. © Ducks Unlimited Canada

Taking Action

Our planet will always have water, but if we don’t take care of it, it won’t always be safe.

Water is contaminated by runoff from urban centres, agriculture and other industrial activities. Nature’s balance is upset when wetlands are drained, sending water downstream, unfiltered and in excess.

One way to deal with number two Get the story

One way to deal with number two

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For more than 80 years, we’ve been leading the way in wetland conservation and research. Right now, we’re working on projects that:
  • Save wetlands on the Prairies, where wetland loss has contributed to algae and water quality problems.
  • Bring sustainable practices to the boreal forest, which has the largest number of intact wetlands in the world.
  • Restore wetlands along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, where as much as 95 per cent of wetlands have been destroyed.
  • Protect coastal wetlands that protect the land from erosion and provide essential fish and wildlife habitat.
Reviving Sturgeon Bank: A new vision for marsh restoration
Pacific Coast, Partnerships, Science, Water

Reviving Sturgeon Bank: A new vision for marsh restoration

An ambitious pilot project is aimed at reclaiming lost ground and restoring the marsh to its former footprint in British Columbia's Fraser River Estuary.

“Thirst traps” in the garden? Yes, but for pollinators!
Pollinators, Water, Wildlife

“Thirst traps” in the garden? Yes, but for pollinators!

You can help pollinators stay hydrated this spring with a simple wildlife watering station on your balcony or in your backyard.

Pilot project filters road salt before it hits our waterways
Atlantic, Partnerships, Water, Wetlands

Pilot project filters road salt before it hits our waterways

Constructed wetland in City of Moncton snow disposal facility holds promise for holding back harmful road salts.