Water News
Please note, the daily news can now be found at our new website, waterportal.ca . We will no longer be updating this page, as this website will be removed in the coming weeks. All of our content can be found at our new website, with a modern look and better functionality on all your devices.
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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New accessible fishing dock now open in Lacombe
Red Deer Advocate
A new fully accessible fishing dock is now open at a Lacombe pond. There was a grand opening for the dock at the Len Thompson Trout Pond on Saturday ahead of the Lacombe Fish and Game Association’s annual Kids Can Catch event. Click here to continue reading
Record-breaking heat in N.W.T., Nunavut, has ‘scary’ implications for land users
CBC News
In fact, it was the hottest ever on record for the communities of Arviat, Baker Lake, and Rankin Inlet in Nunavut, as well as for Fort Liard, Fort Simpson and Yellowknife in the N.W.T. Taking a step back and looking at the entire meteorological spring, from the start of March to the end of May — it was the driest ever on record for Fort Liard. Click here to continue reading
Government of Canada invests in further protecting Canada’s waters from aquatic invasive species
Water Canada
Threats to biodiversity are being felt across Canada and the world. After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to global biodiversity. Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to Canada’s waters, economy and society. They can grow quickly, compete with native species and alter habitats. Click here to continue reading
Microplastics found in every sample of water taken during Ocean Race
The Guardian
Sailors testing the waters during the Ocean Race, which travels through some of the world’s most remote ocean environments, have found microplastics in every sample. Up to 1,884 microplastic particles were found per cubic metre of seawater in some locations, up to 18 times higher than in similar tests during the last Ocean Race, which ended in 2018. Scientists noted that the sensitivity of their instruments is now higher. Click here to continue reading
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