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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How is the Canadian water sector evolving?
Water Canada
Water continues to be a significant issue in Canada. Challenges with water quality, infrastructure, and resources impact many communities across the country on an annual basis. Three of WSP Canada’s leading water experts share their thoughts on the solutions for the water issues impacting communities now, and the discussions that should be taking place about the water issues forecasted across the next decade. Click here to continue reading
Canada Water Agency: Keeping our waters clean, now and into the future
Water Canada
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has highlighted another step forward with the Budget 2023 investment to protect Canada’s freshwater supply by establishing a new Canada Water Agency. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Canada Water Agency will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, local authorities, scientists, and other partners to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean, and well-managed for everyone. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: US supreme court shrinks clean water protections in ruling siding with Idaho couple
The Guardian
The scope of a landmark law to protect America’s waterways has been shrunk by the US supreme court, which has sided with an Idaho couple who have waged a long-running legal battle to build a house on wetlands near one of the state’s largest lakes. Click here to continue reading
Slowing ocean current caused by melting Antarctic ice could have drastic climate impact, study says
The Guardian
A major global deep ocean current has slowed down by approximately 30% since the 1990s as a result of melting Antarctic ice, which could have critical consequences for Earth’s climate patterns and sea levels, new research suggests. Click here to continue reading
Plastic waste puts millions of world’s poorest at higher risk from floods
The Guardian
A devastating 2005 flood that killed 1,000 people in the Indian city of Mumbai was blamed on a tragically simple problem: plastic bags had blocked storm drains, stopping monsoon flood water from draining out of the city. Now a new report, attempting to quantify this problem, estimates that 218 million of the world’s poorest people are at risk from more severe and frequent flooding caused by plastic waste. Click here to continue reading
Government of Canada taking next step in addressing “forever chemicals” PFAS
Water Canada
PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals”, are a large group of extremely persistent human-made substances used in a wide range of everyday products, such as food packaging, non-stick cookware, clothing, and cosmetics. They are also used in industrial products and specialized applications including firefighting foams, lubricants, and oil/water repellants. PFAS are found nearly everywhere in the environment, including in the air, groundwater, oceans, lakes, rivers, and soils, as well as in wastewater, landfill leachate, sewage sludge, and contaminated sites worldwide. Click here to continue reading
Expansion and upgrades to Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant turns waste gas into power and keeps Calgarians flushing for years to come
City of Calgary
We often take for granted that when our toilets flush, the waste just disappears, never to be seen again. However, the level of technical and specialized knowledge, skills and equipment that’s needed to operate and maintain a facility that takes care of our wastewater and protects the health of our rivers is immense, and exceptionally complex. That’s why The City is investing over $1 billion in a program of extensive upgrades and expansions to the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant to protect the environment and accommodate our city’s future growth. Click here to continue reading
Alberta wildfire count decreases after spate of rain
CBC News
The Alberta wildfire count has decreased slightly after several days of sporadic rainfall offered a reprieve for firefighters. According to the provincial wildfire status dashboard around noon Wednesday, there were 71 wildfires burning across Alberta. In Alberta’s forest protection zones, there were 67 wildfires with 17 considered out of control. Click here to continue reading
How nature could help fix our flooding and sewerage problems
Discover Wildlife
With climate change and overloaded sewerage systems driving more and more extreme flooding events, engineers are increasingly turning to nature for solutions. Click here to continue reading
Edmonton bringing back public water bottle filling stations
CTV News
For the third summer in a row, the city is setting up water bottle filling stations to make sure Edmontonians have access to clean, safe drinking water. The stations are attached to fire hydrants and are located near public city washrooms wherever possible. Click here to continue reading