Life by the Water

WATER has a natural attraction. It is a place to play, learn and relax. Water can be used for transportation or to produce energy. We use it to cook, clean and water gardens. It offers scenic beauty and tourism revenue. All living things depend on water - from microscopic life to fish, plants and animals. Some live right in the water, while others live on land by the stream.		*PDF version* Click below to open or right-click to save lifebroc.pdf (Acrobat pdf - 1.08 Mb)
People are part of this picture, too. Think of the river as a neighbour. Each one of us can have an impact, particularly property owners along a lake or river.

Water Ways

There are many routes that water can take to reach the stream. In urban areas, much of the runoff is directed into ditches and storm sewers that connect to local rivers. The hard surfaces of roads, driveways and roofs move water away quickly. Water that soaks into the ground will slowly seep toward the river.

transpiration - plants draw water through their roots and 'breathe' out water vapour through pores in leaves
runoff - water that moves over land
storm sewer - gutters direct water into catch basins and to underground sewer pipes that carry water into rivers
infiltration - water soaks into soil
recharge - water penetrates ground until it reaches acquifer

Shoreline Homes

Several habitat types come together at the shore. Forest species change to water-tolerant plants and then to an underwater community. Human activity can disturb the balance of life here.

- wildlife from forest uses river for drinking and food
- overhanging tress and shrubs provide cover in the water and shade to keep water cool
- fish use shallow water to spawn
- some insects, such as dragonfly, spend fish stage of life in water
submergent - community of plants and animals that live underwater
emergent - plants that have roots under water and other parts above water

Riparian (and other) Zones

The riparian zone is the land adjacent to the shore. It is a vital part of a river and important to its overall health.

The floodplain is the land outside the normal stream channel that can be covered during periods of high water. Placing development outside the floodplain keeps people and property out of harms way.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Benefits of Shoreline Care

Less work for you

Help preserve water quality

More beautiful property

Place to relax

Wildlife to watch

Visual and noise buffer

Less risk of property damage

Put Waste In Its Place
Do not dump yard waste by the stream where high water could carry it off. Rotting plants use up oxygen, which makes the water poorer for fish. Sticks can dam up the water and worsen flooding. Garbage, old tires and other refuse are not only unsightly, but can be a hazard to wildlife.

Fresh and Clean
You want to live by water that is fresh, not fouled. Be careful with fertilizers or chemicals that can wash into storm sewers and streams. Never refuel near the water. If you are on a septic system, be sure to keep it properly maintained.

Buffer Strip
Leave the area beside the shore as natural vegetation. Even a few metres can create a wildlife corridor. The shade will keep the water cooler, which is better for fish and water quality. If you have lawn down to the shore, plant some bushes and trees instead.

Know Your Limits
Be sure you know where the edge of your property is - it may not extend to the water's edge. In many places the municipality owns the land adjacent to the river. Do not remove vegetation or alter the property that may belong to the municipality or a neighbour.

AVOID PROBLEMS

Flood Damage
High flows can be caused by melting snow, heavy rainfall and ice blockages. Flooding is a natural event and each river has a 'floodplain' where the water wants to flow. Avoid problems by not building in flood-prone areas or storing equipment there either.

Erosion
Disturbing the shore can have long-term consequences. Removal of rocks or trees may lead to erosion that will eat away at your yard. Also, changing the shore could alter the river and cause flood waters to rise higher.

The Fine Print
Various regulations are in place to ensure that the actions of one person do not harm other people or the environment. Property owners may cause problems for themselves if they undertake work without proper building approvals. Check at the Planning Department and Conservation Authority with your plans before you start construction.

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