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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Compare and contrast: Drought shrinks river that feeds the Amazon to lowest level ever recorded
CBC
One of the Amazon River’s main tributaries has dropped to its lowest level ever recorded, Brazil’s geological service said Friday, reflecting a severe drought that has devastated the Amazon rainforest and other parts of the country. Click here to read the story.
Click the following link for more information on Drought.
Compare and contrast: How bad will flooding get by 2100? These AI images show US destinations underwater
The Guardian
Sea levels along the US coastline could rise as much as 12in from 2020 to 2050 due to climate crisis, scientists warn. Click here to read the story.
Click the following link for more information on Flood.
Compare and contrast: Wastewater bacteria can breakdown plastic for food
Science Daily
Comamonadacae is a family of bacteria often found growing on plastics in water. A new study finds a bacterium in this family can break down the plastic for food. Researchers also identified the enzyme the bacterium use to degrade plastic. The discovery opens new possibilities for developing bacteria-based engineering solutions to help clean up difficult-to-remove plastic waste. Click here to read the story.
UCalgary addresses big water challenges through global collaborations
Water Canada
This summer, Albertans were reminded of the importance of water security when drought and water shortages led to increased concern around water usage. These concerns underscore a broader conversation about our relationship with water, its impact on our lives and how we manage this precious resource. Click here to read the story.
Groundwater testing shows ‘high levels’ of cyanide near mine disaster: Yukon
The Canadian Press
Yukon officials say they are working to understand how groundwater moves through an area where a failure at a mine released millions of tonnes of cyanide-laced ore into the surrounding environment, about 480 kilometres north of Whitehorse. Click here to read the story.
Compare and contrast: Federal Spending for Flood Adaptations
Congressional Budget Office
New “Federal Spending for Flood Adaptations” report. Highlights:
1) Last 10 yrs, US flood damage averaged $46 B/yr rising 25-33% by 2050.
2) Households and the feds main beneficiaries of damage reductions.
3) ROI is USD $2-$6 / 50 yrs – interesting benefit-cost discussion. Click here to read the story.
Click the following link for more information on Flood.
Climate change is causing algal blooms in Lake Superior for the first time in history
The Conversation – Canada
Lake Superior is known for its pristine waters, but a combination of nutrient additions from increasing human activity (including farming and development), warming temperatures and stormy conditions have resulted in more frequent blooms of potentially harmful algae. Click here to read the story.
Sask. irrigation analysis finds economic benefit
The Western Producer
Rehabilitating the Westside Irrigation Project at Lake Diefenbaker will boost gross domestic product by at least $5.9 billion over 50 years, according to the Saskatchewan government. It said the $1.15 billion project will generate 30,000 person years of employment and 9,500 construction jobs while adding 90,000 acres of irrigation. Tax revenue to governments is conservatively projected at $770 million with value added processing. Click here to read the story.
Click the following link for more information on Irrigation.
Compare and contrast: Hurricane Helene leaves thousands without clean water in its wake
The Guardian
Boiling water advisories and water conservation orders are in place in counties in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. More than 160 boil water advisories were in effect in North Carolina as of Tuesday. On Sunday, officials in Asheville said that nearly 100,000 residents may not get access to water for weeks. Click here to read the story.
Click the following link for more information on Climate and Severe Weather.
Enwave expands Deep Lake Water Cooling System with Toronto Water, recognized by the UN
Water Canada
Enwave Energy Corporation has commissioned the expansion of its Deep Lake Water Cooling (DLWC) System, adding a fourth intake to the sustainable energy system. The expansion, in partnership with Toronto Water, will allow more buildings across the city to connect to the innovative cooling system, which provides an environmentally friendly alternative for managing energy demand. The commissioning took place at Enwave’s John Street Energy Centre. Click here to read the story.
Click the following link for more information on Infrastructure.