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More than ever, sustainable surface and ground water supplies are essential to communities across North America and around the world. The strains of industry and agriculture on ground water are noticeable as pressures on water supplies intensify and supply patterns change. The increase of agriculture over vulnerable aquifers, climate change and hydrocarbon production are impacting our water quality. Unregulated use or uncontrolled flow of ground water can cause water quality degradation and conflicts between water users. Reports have shown that ground water use has contributed to a decrease in base-flow to some streams and rivers, affecting surface water ecosystems.

Some jurisdictions in North America recognize that surface and ground water are connected. Considerations of the ecosystem and in-stream flow requirements are factored into the water use decision process. In Canada, British Columbia is the only jurisdiction that does not regulate ground water. The provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia, as well as Washington State and Idaho in the United States are recognized as leaders in North America for their ground water allocation and permitting frameworks.

With the increased contamination of surface and ground water, communities are looking at ways they can protect and maintain their water supply ensuring safe drinking water for generations to come. Some communities are incorporating as small drinking water systems (SDWS) and creating the infrastructure to govern and define how the SDWS will be maintained. These communities can now negotiate with local provincial or state governing bodies.