Water News
Alberta Water News is a free, subscription-based service that provides the latest information on water news across Alberta and upcoming events.
The news is distributed weekly on Mondays via a collated email and Monday to Friday via WaterPortal social media (X was Twitter). Please note that news will not be distributed on Holiday Mondays and will be released the following Tuesday.
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Hub to study climate change’s effect on water
The Western Producer
A UN University Hub focusing on water will be located at the University of Calgary to help communities adapt to changes. Bridging the gap between scientists and decision makers to better deal with the impact of climate change on water is one goal of a pioneering global initiative involving the University of Calgary. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: It’s one of Europe’s last pristine rivers. Can scientists save it from 50 dams?
The Guardian
The Neretva river, which runs 140 miles (225km) from the Dinaric Alps to the Adriatic Sea, supports bears, wolves lynx and myriad rare species. It ranks among the most biodiverse and intact rivers in Europe – but ecologists say it is also among the most threatened. More than 50 dams, including one already under construction, are planned along its length and tributaries. Click here to continue reading
Earth is getting extra salty. And that’s bad for freshwater supplies
National Observer
Humanity is messing with the Earth’s “salt cycle,” with potentially dangerous consequences for drinking water supplies, crop production, and ecosystems. It’s the first time that scientists have documented the extent to which humans have changed the salt content of the land, water, and air across the globe. Click here to continue reading
Let coastlines be coastlines: How nature-based approaches can protect Canada’s coasts
The Conversation – Canada
Our go-to solution to protect property and infrastructure is to build walls to block wave energy — walls that have become ineffective and unaffordable. It’s time to look beyond the status quo and consider nature-based solutions to protect the places we love. Click here to continue reading
After July floods took four lives, Nova Scotia plans flood plain mapping by 2026
The Richmond News
A plan is now in place to create the kind of detailed flood plain maps that some of Nova Scotia’s emergency managers have said they lacked when torrential flooding occurred in July. It’s expected the mapping will be conducted over the next three fiscal years and be completed by 2026. Click here to continue reading
B.C. Hydro postpones filling Site C reservoir for another year
Vancouver Sun
B.C. Hydro has been forced to abandon its plan to fill the Site C reservoir this fall, owing to some major unfinished business at the hydroelectric dam on the Peace River. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Water Utility Innovations Explored in NYC Environmental Tech Lab
Government Technology
The Environmental Tech Lab in New York City selected eight companies to explore proofs of concept as part of its inaugural Operational Efficiency Challenge and Data Utilization Challenge. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: High water closes parts of Rhine river in south Germany to shipping
Reuters
Parts of the river Rhine in Germany have been closed to shipping because of a rise in water levels following recent heavy rain, German authorities said on Thursday. Rhine river shipping has been stopped around Maxau in south Germany as vessels do not have enough space to sail under bridges, preventing vessels reaching Switzerland. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Catastrophic flood drives Greek village of Metamorfosi to seek relocation
Reuters
When floodwaters gushed through the Greek farming village of Metamorfosi in September, residents fled. Now they want to relocate their entire community, terrified it cannot survive another bout of extreme weather driven by climate change. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Not so silver lining: Microplastics found in clouds could affect the weather
Science Daily
From the depths of the seas to snow on mountains and even the air above cities, microplastics are turning up increasingly often. Now, researchers have analyzed microplastics in clouds above mountains. They suggest that these tiny particles could play a role in cloud formation and, in turn, affect weather. Click here to continue reading