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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To boost supply chains, scientists are looking at ways to recover valuable materials from water
Science Daily
For many materials critical to supply chains that will help enable America’s decarbonization transition, resources are limited. Traditional mining is fraught with challenges, so advancing clean energy depends on finding new ways to reliably access critical materials. Click here to continue reading
Heavy snowfall warning issued on Alberta mountain highway
CBC News
Despite being three days away from the official start of summer, some parts of Alberta are slated to see snow — and a lot of it, according to Environment Canada. At around 3:50 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, the weather agency issued a snowfall warning for Highway 93 in Banff National Park from Lake Louise, Alta., to Saskatchewan River Crossing, Alta., and from Jasper, Alta., to Saskatchewan River Crossing. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: ‘Unheard of’ marine heatwave off UK and Irish coasts poses serious threat
The Guardian
An “unheard of” marine heatwave off the coasts of the UK and Ireland poses a serious threat to species, scientists have warned. Sea temperatures, particularly off the north-east coast of England and the west of Ireland, are several degrees above normal, smashing records for late spring and early summer. The North Sea and north Atlantic are experiencing higher temperatures, data shows. Click here to continue reading
‘Nervous anticipation’: Flashbacks of 2013 flood in southern Alberta come every June
CTV News
Every June, many Calgarians who live near the Bow and Elbow rivers start to worry. Some watch the weather forecasts more closely. Others take a weekend drive to the Rockies, an hour west, to see what’s left of the winter snowpack high in the mountains. They’re haunted by the days in 2013 when the rivers breached their banks, triggering floods that brought widespread devastation to city residents and businesses. Click here to continue reading
Central Alberta experienced moderate to extreme drought conditions in May
Ponoka News
Parts of the province experienced moderate to extreme drought conditions in May, but the situation is not yet dire for producers. A preliminary assessment of May’s drought conditions showed a degradation of soil moisture levels from the month prior throughout much of Alberta, said Trevor Hadwen, an agroclimate specialist from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Click here to continue reading
If you think this week’s rain means relief for Alberta farmers, think again
CBC News
Alberta farmers have been facing down a disquieting start to the season this year, not that far removed from devastating drought conditions two years ago that saw multiple provincial municipalities declaring agricultural disasters. Click here to continue reading
Alberta irrigation springs a leak
The Western Producers
For the second consecutive year, farmers and ranchers in a southern Alberta irrigation district face uncertainty regarding their ability to access water for crops and livestock. The canals of the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District would usually run full bore during a spring that has seen persistent dry conditions permeate the southern half of the province. But it’s only been able to provide a trickle of what’s needed this year, following a major leak in its canal system. Click here to continue reading
Warning to stay away from North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton’s creeks as water levels rise
Global News
Albertans are advised to be careful around the North Saskatchewan River and its tributaries in the coming days. The City of Edmonton said due to the continuous rain, the river and its shorelines, along with the city’s creeks, may make nearby trails unsafe. Click here to continue reading
This salty gel could harvest water from desert air
Science Daily
MIT engineers have synthesized a superabsorbent material that can soak up a record amount of moisture from the air, even in desert-like conditions. As the material absorbs water vapor, it can swell to make room for more moisture. Even in very dry conditions, with 30 percent relative humidity, the material can pull vapor from the air and hold in the moisture without leaking. The water could then be heated and condensed, then collected as ultrapure water. Click here to continue reading
Salmon are dying in dried-up river beds in northern Yukon
CBC News
Yukon River chinook and chum salmon in the Old Crow region of the territory are being hit with the perfect storm — not only are this year’s runs expected to be dismal, but the life cycle of the salmon is being broken. Over the last several years, lower numbers of chinook and chum salmon have made the long journey from the ocean to creeks and streams at the mouth of the Porcupine River, spawned, and then died. The small fry would then make their way back to the Bering Sea in spring. Click here to continue reading