Policy and governance projects were set out as a separate research theme, but research was closely connected to initiatives in other themes. The objective was to stimulate the development of comprehensive and effective instruments for managing issues of water quality, quantity and allocation, sustainability in aquatic ecosystems, water-related health issues and commercialization of water resources.

On a broad scale, researchers evaluated governance instruments at both provincial and federal levels and compared and contrasted their effectiveness in providing sustainable management of water quality and quantity. Effective ways and means to have network activities influence policy formation were evaluated.

Policy and governance projects

• Building local capacity to provide clean water, led by Dr. Rob de Loë
• Governance and policy making for the Great Lakes Basin, led by Dr. Mark Sproule-Jones
• Health and social benefits of pathogen reduction by drinking water treatment, led by Dr. Diane Dupont, Department of Economics, Brook University
• Multiple objectives and multiple stakeholder decision making in water resources management, led by Dr. Keith Hipel