As wildfires intensify across much of Canada, they serve as a reminder of how climate change is disrupting ecosystems and threatening drinking water supplies. Canadian Water Network (CWN) hosted a timely and thought-provoking webinar that explored how communities can build resilience to climate shocks and secure water sources. During the webinar: Professor Monika Emelko from the [...]
The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water and wastewater systems is drawing increasing attention across local, national, and international media. As public concern grows, water utilities face mounting pressure to explain how they are monitoring and mitigating PFAS-related risks. At the same time, this challenge presents a valuable opportunity to proactively engage [...]
At the International Water Association’s World Water Congress and Exhibition in Toronto, Canadian Water Network (CWN) hosted a business forum focused on assessing chemicals in our water. The session brought together leading experts to discuss new methods for assessing chemicals in water that are revolutionizing our understanding of human health impacts, both in Canada and [...]
Utilities need to navigate the delicate balance of providing water services to all customers, including those needing bill payment assistance, while also recovering service delivery costs. Utilities can provide customer assistance programs for customers who need help with their bill payments. When designed effectively, rate structures can also help address the challenges low-income households face. [...]
The water sector faces many challenges with integrating climate adaptation into long-term planning and decision-making. Deep uncertainty associated with climate change or complex socio-political realities constrains decision-making, causing paralysis and inaction. Existing planning approaches and resources lack the flexibility to adjust to emerging realities resulting from rapidly changing conditions or situations, such as rising sea [...]
The National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID), in collaboration with Canadian Water Network (CWN), hosted a webinar focused on demystifying the science behind wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) and its role in public health. This session highlighted key findings from the 2022 Royal Society of Canada policy brief on wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The brief [...]
