The treaty provides principles for Canada and the United States to follow in using the waters they share. For example, both countries must agree to any project that would change the natural levels or flows of boundary waters. Far ahead of its time, the treaty states that waters shall not be polluted on either side of the boundary to the injury of health or property on the other side. The principles in the treaty are as relevant today as they were in 1909.

The treaty established the International Joint Commission, with three members from each country. The ongoing work of the IJC helps to fulfill the treaty’s purpose of preventing disputes as well as resolving them.

The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada's national river conservation program. It promotes, protects and enhances Canada's river heritage, and ensures that Canada's leading rivers are managed in a sustainable manner. It is a federal-provincial program that is governed by a Board, consisting of representatives from each of the participating provinces and territories, as well as a representative from Parks Canada (the lead agency) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national natural history and natural science museum. It promotes awareness of Canada's natural heritage through permanent and travelling exhibitions, public education programmes, active scientific research, and the maintenance of a 10-million-specimen collection. A Crown corporation, the Canadian Museum of Nature includes the public museum building in downtown Ottawa as well as a research and collections facility in Gatineau, Quebec. The historic museum building, which has been undergoing a major, five-year renovation, will be fully complete in 2010. New galleries will include a Water Gallery which will explore the diversity of life on our blue planet and the critical role that water plays in sustaining all living things.

The Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) is a national organization of individuals and organizations interested in the management of Canada's water resources. The membership is composed of private and public sector water resource professionals including managers, administrators, scientists, academics, students and users. CWRA has branch organizations in eight provinces and members throughout Canada and beyond.

Our mission is to assist First Nations with environmental issues and environmental capacity development. Through our programs, we take action on climate change, build sustainable communities, protect lands and waters, and conserve biodiversity.