As the federal lead for freshwater science, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Science and Technology Branch is leading the development of a National Freshwater Science Agenda. It is an inclusive and coordinated roadmap that identifies the most pressing freshwater challenges across Canada. Over the next ten years, the National Freshwater Science Agenda will [...]
Bill C-59, which included the Canada Water Agency Act, received Royal Assent on June 20, 2024. The next steps for the Canada Water Agency (CWA) to officially commence its operations as an independent entity include the issuance of several orders-in-council: An order specifying the coming-into-force date of the new law. An order designating Winnipeg as [...]
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are human-made substances that persist in the environment and have been dubbed ‘forever chemicals.’ People can be exposed to PFAS through many routes, one of which is potentially drinking water. During wastewater treatment, PFAS can accumulate in the treated effluent from sources within the urban sewer collection system and discharged [...]
Microplastics are ubiquitous in our lives and in the environment. Canada is currently negotiating an international agreement on plastics pollution, and has joined other countries in banning some single use plastics. Despite the enormity of the problem, understanding how microplastics circulate in the environment and in our bodies is in its early stages. CWN’s [...]
Welcome to the Summer 2024 edition of News Splash. For those of us in the water sector, all eyes have been on the City of Calgary since June 5th. Main breaks are not uncommon, but a break in a feedermain from the treatment plant is particularly critical. There will be much to learn by [...]
On June 5, the data strategic sharing group convened for its third meeting. Aravin Amirthalingam from the City of Calgary outlined his team's approach to digital transformation. The utility has made significant strides in creating a system for continuous improvement. However, Aravin highlighted that digital projects frequently fail due to a misalignment between strategy [...]
High inflation, supply chain disruptions and increased interest rates are contributing to the rising costs of delivering water services. Our aging water infrastructure, coupled with ongoing growth and development, necessitates significant investment in infrastructure upgrades. Despite water being relatively underpriced, it remains a costly necessity, especially for low-income, senior and disabled Canadians. Water utilities [...]
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We're excited to share that our Canadian Municipal Water Consortium has launched a Strategic Advisory Committee. The Canadian Municipal Water Consortium is a national network of leaders from 26 utilities who share a common goal of advancing municipal water management. The strategic advisory committee supports greater alignment between the consortium’s priorities and members’ needs. Members of [...]
We’re thrilled to announce that Carol Malesky, principal of financial services at Stantec, is joining us as a speaker during our upcoming webinar. The webinar will examine how Canadian utilities can advance equity and affordability through customer assistance programs and rate designs. Carol is a utility economist with over 25 years of experience assisting water, [...]