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: 3M requests trial delay to settle PFAS water contamination lawsuit
The Guardian
3M was scheduled to face trial in South Carolina federal court on Monday in a lawsuit brought by the Florida city accusing the company of manufacturing PFAS, or per- and polyflouroalkyl substances, despite knowing for decades that the chemicals can cause cancer and other ailments. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: Arizona limits future home-building in Phoenix area due to lack of groundwater
The Guardian
The state of Arizona has restricted future home-building in the Phoenix area due to a lack of groundwater, based on projections showing that wells will run dry under existing conditions. The action by the Arizona department of water resources on Thursday is set to slow population growth for the Phoenix region, the state capital, home to 4.6 million people and one of the most rapidly expanding areas of the United States. Click here to continue reading
Preparing for weather-related emergencies in Canada
Statistics Canada
In fall 2022, 1 in 5 Canadians were extremely or very concerned about the risk of a weather-related emergency or natural disaster affecting their household. Click here to continue reading
Calgary-based biosand filter organization celebrating 30 years of providing clean water
CTV News
The Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) has 1.7 million of its biosand filters in communities all over the world. Taryn Meyers, senior manager of marketing and engagement, says they’re made with simple elements that can be found locally and consist mainly of concrete and filtered sand. Click here to continue reading
Government of Canada continues to monitor and invest in COVID-19 wastewater monitoring
Water Canada
On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization determined the current COVID-19 situation no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), however the Government of Canada recognizes that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still circulating across Canada and worldwide. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: The farmers dealing with water shortages even before historic Colorado River deal
The Guardian
In 2022, the Colorado River water allocated for farmers in central Arizona – the state’s tri-county urban and agricultural heartland – was cut by 65% overall, but most Pinal county farmers lost 80% or more. This year the allocation is virtually zero, as the river’s complex priority system means farmers in central Arizona currently bear the brunt of the state’s reduced allocation. Click here to continue reading
Government of Canada investing in preventing aquatic invasive species in Quebec’s waters
Water Canada
Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to Canada’s waters, economy and society when species are introduced to areas outside their native environment, they can grow quickly, compete with other species and alter habitats, causing serious ecological harm in our waters. Click here to continue reading
An Alberta miner’s proposal to drill 7,200 wells near Winnipeg has rural residents on edge
CBC News
An Alberta mining company wants to drill thousands of wells in southeastern Manitoba to remove millions of tonnes of sand in an aquifer that serves as the source of drinking water for tens of thousands of people. Click here to continue reading
Bay du Nord on hold for 3 years, Equinor announces
CBC News
Canada’s first deep water oil project has been shelved for three years “in the face of challenging market conditions,” according to Norwegian oil giant Equinor. The company sent a news release shortly after noon on Wednesday, in the midst of the Energy N.L. Conference and Exhibition in St. John’s. Click here to continue reading
Earth’s health failing in seven out of eight key measures, say scientists
The Guardian
Human activity has pushed the world into the danger zone in seven out of eight newly demarcated indicators of planetary safety and justice, according to a groundbreaking analysis of the Earth’s wellbeing. Click here to continue reading