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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Compare and Contrast: Airport submerged as widespread flooding continues in China – video report
The Guardian
At least 11 people have been killed in Beijing after four days of torrential downpours, according to Chinese state media. A further 27 people have been reported missing since Typhoon Doksuri triggered widespread flooding in the north of the country. Click here to continue reading
High levels of arsenic detected in 112 wells across N.L. — and hundreds more could be at risk
CBC News
More than 100 households in Newfoundland and Labrador have learned their well water contains dangerous levels of arsenic — and hundreds more across the province may be drinking the toxin without knowing it. The Department of Environment recently released the first batch of results from its free testing program for private wells it announced last year. Click here to continue reading
Disaster Financial Assistance for Nova Scotia’s July 2023 Floods
Water Canada
The Province’s Disaster Financial Assistance Program is designed to help Nova Scotians, municipalities, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations get back on their feet after a major storm or natural disaster. Not all disasters are covered by private insurance, and this program helps those whose losses are not insurable. Types of losses can include flood damage and damage to uninsurable items like household appliances, such as washers, dryers and furnaces. Click here to continue reading
Manitoba Government announces new tiered municipal water and wastewater investment framework
Water Canada
The Municipal Water and Wastewater Investment Framework establishes investment tiers for the province to clarify funding mechanisms, procurement approaches, and partnership opportunities for municipalities. The Manitoba government will structure its review and support for projects using the new framework that is informed by input from partners. This approach will categorize water and wastewater projects into three tiers according to cost, project type and scale, and potential to utilize alternative delivery and financing approaches. Click here to continue reading
Meteorologist says national flash flood warning system would save lives
CBC News
A week after floods in Nova Scotia contributed to the deaths of four people, including two children, some people are asking why more wasn’t done to warn residents of possible flash floods. Some provinces that have historically had higher flood risks, like Ontario and Quebec, have their own flood forecasting programs, but Nova Scotia does not. Click here to continue reading
Finding ways to grow crops with limited moisture
The Western Producer
In the areas suffering from consecutive years of serious drought, soul searching is underway on what can be done differently to make better use of whatever moisture is available. Troy LaForge, a well-known agronomist from southwestern Saskatchewan, believes stripper headers on combines are going to become increasingly popular. LaForge farms near Cadillac and uses a stripper header. Click here to continue reading
More moisture still needed for farmers, says latest Alberta Crop Report
Red Deer Advocate
Central Alberta farmers still need more moisture to allow crops to finish growing, according to the provincial government’s latest crop report. Further moisture is “required” for crop yields to reach their current potential, according to the Alberta Crop Report, which was released Thursday, July 27 features conditions as of Tuesday, July 25. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: Swimmers avoiding the water over fears of raw sewage on UK beaches
The Guardian
Almost a quarter of the UK’s sea swimmers may not take a dip in the ocean this year because of sewage dumping by water companies, according to a poll. Sewage was dumped into waters near England’s most celebrated beaches for nearly 8,500 hours last year, analysis shows. A separate review earlier this year found there were 1,504 discharges in 2022 on beaches supposed to be free from such pollution. Click here to continue reading
Low water in N.W.T. means less hydro power, more use of diesel generators
CBC News
A drop in water levels in the southern N.W.T. means hydro generators are producing less electricity for Yellowknife and its surrounding area — and diesel generators are helping to meet the need. Click here to continue reading
Tools for wetland classification: research contributes to major win in Manitoba wetland conservation
Water Canada
Wetlands face an ever-increasing threat worldwide, despite their value in providing essential services like carbon storage, water purification, wildlife habitat, and more. Wetlands play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity. And these vital ecosystems are our allies in the pursuit of sustainability and climate resiliency. Click here to continue reading