Guidance for Canadian water utilities to develop a Net Zero Water Roadmap

The Net Zero Water Roadmap project, funded by the Government of Canada through its Implementation Readiness Fund, is focused on accelerating progress towards greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and net zero emissions in municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater services.

Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan aims to achieve net zero by 2050, as outlined in the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. To meet this target, municipal water utilities need expert information and guidance on how and where to start reducing GHGs.

Canadian Water Network (CWN) brings the latest research, innovations, and best practices to Canadian utilities through case studies, briefs, webinars, and tangible tools. These resources are designed to support decision-making with municipal councils and other levels of government.

  • Opportunities to learn from national and international experts and share knowledge with other utility leaders.
  • Access to helpful resources and webinars.
  • Guidance to develop a customized net zero water roadmap for your municipality.
  • Canadian municipalities.
  • Members of CWN’s Municipal Water Consortium.
  • Federal partners and regulatory bodies.
  • Provincial water associations.
  • Private sector innovation partners.
  • Energy utilities, cleantech networks, and companies.
  • International water research centres and academia.

Be Part of the Net Zero Water Roadmap

As we advance our Net Zero Water Roadmap, we want to showcase the important work at your utility. Complete our national survey to show how your team is enhancing service resilience in the face of climate change and uncertainty. Your responses will help highlight leadership and innovation across the sector and may be featured in the Net Zero Water Roadmap.

Partners and Committees

Through the net zero water roadmap project, CWN is convening a national network of experts, decision-makers, and collaborators.

A National Advisory Committee of thought leaders, water utility leaders and private sector partners will guide the development of resources for Canadian municipal water utilities to build a net zero water roadmap.

A Technical Advisory Committee will identify, review, and recommend new and emerging technologies and solutions that assist with emissions reductions.

Two Communities of Practice where experts can identify applicable and pragmatic approaches to reducing emissions.

Funding

On October 10, 2024, the Government of Canada announced CWN as a successful grant recipient under the Implementation Readiness Fund. This grant supports CWN’s project Charting the Course to Net Zero Water: Mobilizing Canada’s Municipal Water Network for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Mitigation, which focuses on developing networks and sharing knowledge.  The project is active until March 2027.

“By decarbonizing our water systems, we are investing in a healthier and cleaner environment for future generations. Projects like this one by the Canadian Water Network are helping communities to build the knowledge and skills needed to deliver essential services while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a green economy for a sustainable future.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change