Yukon Watershed
Daniel Harcourt & Pat O'Leary
Facts About the Yukon Watershed
The Yukon river is one of the most important Salmon breeding grounds in the world. Chinook Salmon are the main type of Salmon in the area.
Water Drinking Practices in Yukon
Problems with Water in Yukon
-Presence of minerals (iron)
-High Chlorine Concentrations
-Odors
-Pollution from humans or natural sources
In some areas where the water is contaminated, people are required to boil their water before consuming it because of waterborne pathogens.
Consequences of Consuming Contaminated Water
-Beaver Fever
-Legionnaire's Disease
-E. Coli
-Viral infection
-Various parasitic worm infestations
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC)
Economic Sanctions from Contaminated Water:
Many people use the river water as a way to support themselves. Due to new information coming out about the dangers and uncleanliness of the water, many of those who pay locals for things like fish and other goods from the water are hesitant to continue. This causes an economic rift in the rural areas, and is leaving many without the needs to support themselves, and or their family.
Preservation Taking Place:
“In a December 2 ruling, Yukon Supreme Court Justice Ron Veale ruled that the Canadian territory's government did not have the authority to override a land-use plan to preserve the bulk of the 26,000-square-mile (67,000-square-kilometer) Peel Watershed region.”
Prevented mining in the area
Allowed for further conservation
- 80% of area for wilderness, 20% for industry