The water that circulates in our world today – through the air, the land, and our bodies – has been here for billions of years. Water is unique in that it can dissolve and carry within it more substances than any other liquid. Wherever water travels it picks up and transports chemicals, minerals and nutrients. This is how healthy waters help sustain all life on Earth.

Alongside local, place-based, and Traditional/Indigenous knowledge, this information can support decision-making and action to help protect our waters, so they remain healthy for generations to come.

Dive into the world of water quality

What are the characteristics of fresh water? How are they measured? Why do they matter? Explore this guide to water quality to learn all this and more!