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: Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings according to new research
Science Daily
Researchers have shown that a transition to green wastewater-treatment approaches in the U.S. that leverages the potential of carbon-financing could save a staggering $15.6 billion and just under 30 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions over 40 years. Click here to continue reading
Drought puts Alberta farmers at risk of another scourge of grasshoppers
CBC
Dealing with drought conditions at his farm near the town of Bow Island in southern Alberta last year, he could see the insects hopping all over the fields where he grows lentils, durum wheat, canola and beans. Click here to continue reading
Drought-resistant mosquito brings earlier possibility of West Nile virus to Alberta
Global News
“We are in a drought so you would expect the mosquito population overall would be lower this year. A local expert on mosquitoes says a drought this summer may not bring the relief it used to from the hungry insects. Click here to continue reading
Pictou Country to receive wastewater upgrades
Water Canada
“Pictou is a vibrant community with tremendous opportunity for continued growth and today’s investment will ensure the residents and businesses of Salem have access to an upgraded wastewater system so they can continue to grow and thrive”. The Salem wastewater extension project includes the construction of a wastewater collection and pumping system to serve part of the community. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Record number of river barriers removed across Europe in 2023
The Guardian
Europe removed a record number of dams and other barriers from its rivers in 2023, a report has found, helping to restore its disturbed waterways to their natural states. Nearly 500 barriers were taken out of European rivers last year, according to figures compiled by Dam Removal Europe, an increase of 50% from the year before. Click here to continue reading
Higher water rates, rebates part of Lethbridge water conservation plan
CBC
With drought conditions still persistent across southern Alberta, the City of Lethbridge is putting its options on the table with a new water conservation plan. One of those options is charging some residents more for their water use. The plan aims to reduce water use by 20 per cent by 2030. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: Africa’s iconic flamingos threatened by rising lake levels
Science Daily
It is one of the world’s most spectacular sights — huge flocks or ‘flamboyances’ of flamingos around East Africa’s lakes — as seen in the film Out of Africa or David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet. But new research has revealed how the lesser flamingo is at danger of being flushed out of its historic feeding grounds, with serious consequences for the future of the species. Click here to continue reading
Community near proposed quarry wants project crushed
National Observer
A coalition of Milton residents is calling on the Ford government to stop the construction of a quarry northwest of Toronto. The group argues that the project, spearheaded by James Dick Construction Ltd. (JDCL), poses environmental risks, threatens local water sources, endangers wildlife habitats and raises serious safety and health concerns for the community. Click here to continue reading
School uncovers buried stream, transforms its schoolyard
CBC
Buried under cities across Canada, in culverts and tunnels, are networks of rivers and streams that once nourished the surrounding landscapes. Now, there are efforts to uncover or “daylight” some of them, restoring habitat for plants and animals, while helping prevent urban flooding. Click here to continue reading
Compare and contrast: As Thailand revels in Songkran water fights, tourist hub Samui suffers through drought
The Guardian
Residents say taps can stop running for days, causing disruption to businesses and daily life. “The water hasn’t run for two and a half days now,” says Wachirawut Kulaphetkamthorn, who has been unable to use his shower. “Last year, the water came every other day, but this week, it hasn’t run for 2-3 days in a row”. Click here to continue reading