PUBLISHED: 23 November 2021      Last Edited: 23 March 2023

The Bog

The Bog is where thoughts, opinions, discussion pieces, and action converge. Influential thinkers from the water community are invited to share their insights on current or controversial water topics. Please note that the views expressed herein are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Alberta WaterPortal.

Promoting source water protection against wildfires in Alberta

Jun 25, 2019

By François-Nicolas Robinne of Global Water Futures North America is perpetually burning, or so it seems! California is experiencing year-long fire seasons, the last two years have been the worst fire seasons on record in British Columbia, and the town of High Level in northern Alberta was evacuated late-May to the out-of-control Chuckegg Creek wildfire. With the hot and dry…

Why we plan around watersheds

May 7, 2019

by Jeff Wiehler from the Land Use Planning Hub A land use plan is a blueprint for the future. It sets out goals for a specific region and then identify what activities, uses or development best fit in the goals. There are two key parts of land use planning: What area or region will be covered by the plan The goals and…

Municipal treatment of drinking water is the key to community health, but it can have hidden toxins as well

Aug 29, 2018

by Emily Walsh in collaboration with the Alberta WaterPortal Clean drinking water is something many of us take for granted, while others go to great lengths to protect and restore our natural water resources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 780 million people around the world lack access to a treated water source.1 This does not…

Corporate Water Stewardship: a crucial part of global water security

Jun 21, 2018

By Brie Nelson and Edwin Piñero  Commercial and Industrial Water Use and Water Related Risks  Companies that make up the industrial sector and commercial sectors play a significant role in water use. In Alberta, approximately 38% of water allocations are for commercial and industrial activities.1 This number excludes companies that receive their water from municipalities and from irrigation districts. Across…

Words of Wisdom from Alberta’s Aqua Champion, Kim Sturgess

Jun 6, 2018

We are still buzzing with inspiration after Kim Sturgess’s convocation speech yesterday after receiving an Honorary Degree of Law from the University of Calgary. Kim provided the engineering graduates with a few words of wisdom as they start on their career paths, but professionals of all experience levels can benefit from her lessons. 1. Live where your heart is happy…