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: High water closes parts of Rhine river in south Germany to shipping
Reuters
Parts of the river Rhine in Germany have been closed to shipping because of a rise in water levels following recent heavy rain, German authorities said on Thursday. Rhine river shipping has been stopped around Maxau in south Germany as vessels do not have enough space to sail under bridges, preventing vessels reaching Switzerland. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Catastrophic flood drives Greek village of Metamorfosi to seek relocation
Reuters
When floodwaters gushed through the Greek farming village of Metamorfosi in September, residents fled. Now they want to relocate their entire community, terrified it cannot survive another bout of extreme weather driven by climate change. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Not so silver lining: Microplastics found in clouds could affect the weather
Science Daily
From the depths of the seas to snow on mountains and even the air above cities, microplastics are turning up increasingly often. Now, researchers have analyzed microplastics in clouds above mountains. They suggest that these tiny particles could play a role in cloud formation and, in turn, affect weather. Click here to continue reading
What low water levels in Edmonton could mean for fish this winter
CBC
With multiple bodies of water under water shortage advisories after a dry start to the month, some fish in Edmonton could be facing a tough winter. Low water levels can also mean there are reduced oxygen levels — even before a stream or lake gets seized up by ice. The fish and other creatures in those bodies of water will be using up what oxygen is available to them going into the winter. Click here to continue reading
Governments of Canada and Manitoba allocates funds to boost hydro capacity at Pointe du Bois Renewable Energy Project
Water Power & Dam Construction
The federal-provincial investment allocates $314 million for the installation of eight new hydroelectric turbines at the Pointe du Bois Generating Station. Additionally, $161.6 million will be directed towards constructing a new 230kV transmission network in the Portage la Prairie area. Click here to continue reading
It was called a once-in-a-century flood. Cities aren’t sure they’re ready for the next one
CBC
British Columbia municipalities face challenge of mitigating floodwaters that flow across international borders. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Flood protection plans for English homes cut by 40%
The Guardian
The number of properties that will be better protected from flooding by 2027 has been cut by 40%, and 500 of 2,000 new flood defence projects have been abandoned, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Melting ice falling snow: Sea ice declines enhance snowfall over West Antarctica
Science Daily
As the world continues to warm, Antarctica is losing ice at an increasing pace, but the loss of sea ice may lead to more snowfall over the ice sheets, partially offsetting contributions to sea level rise, according to Penn State scientists. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: State of emergency declared in parts of France after record rainfall
The Guardian
Widespread flooding in northern and eastern France has led to thousands of people having to evacuate their waterlogged homes, the collapse of roads and the closure of schools and public buildings. Record rainfall has caused rivers to break their banks, forcing the government to declare an official state of emergency in hundreds of towns and villages. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: As water becomes a weapon of war, we must focus on cooperation and peace
The Guardian
In recent months, the world has been bombarded with reports of attacks on major dams and civilian water systems in Ukraine, water being used as a weapon during the violence in Gaza and the West Bank, unrest and riots in India and Iran over water scarcity and drought, and conflicts between farmers and herders in Africa over land and water sources. Our limited and precious freshwater resources have become triggers, weapons and casualties of war and conflict. Click here to continue reading