Thank you for the question.
I brought a document that explains the rights of the river. One of those rights is to be free from pollution. I also have an article that talks about some areas of the St. Lawrence River that are completely polluted. Contamination doesn't just come from agriculture. It also comes from fecal coliforms, which make the water in certain parts of the river unsuitable for recreational activities such as kayaking. It is not even suitable for activities involving indirect contact with the water. A single drop of water can contaminate a person and make them ill enough to require a hospital visit.
It's urgent to act today. That's why we've adopted a vision of rights. It's easier that way to spot the big polluters. We're not going to dwell on minor cases of pollution caused by simple water use, or by people swimming in a stream, for example. This vision will guide politicians and facilitate the management, or governance, of entities with legal status, such as the great St. Lawrence River.