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Ojibways of Onigaming water operator wins national First Nations water award

Brian Indian from Ontario’s Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, near Kenora and the Manitoba border, has won the 2022 National First Nations Water Leadership...
water-treatment-plant-stock-image

Ontario’s Thames Centre cites importance of transparency over HAA levels in drinking water

Thames Centre officials say they are adjusting their day-to-day operations in order to reduce excess levels of haloacetic acids found in the drinking water,...
Anglian-Water-Drone-Water-Leak-Screen-Capture

UK drought conditions helping drones spot water pipe leaks

Anglian Water, a large U.K.’s water and wastewater utility, is taking advantage of unusually dry conditions by using drones to spot water pipe leaks...
drinking-water-stock-image

Most US residents trust local water utility, AWWA poll finds

Interestingly, just more than half of the polled water customers said they were aware that utilities frequently test tap water.
Force-Flow-Banner

Regina’s new water meters will provide near real-time data

The City of Regina has begun the three-year, $42.5-million process of installing new water meters that will be able to transmit residential and commercial...
Algae-Sensor-in-use-UToledo

UToledo testing real-time sensor as algae warning system for water treatment

The University of Toledo is testing a real-time optical sensor on Lake Erie drinking water to protect public drinking water during the harmful algal...
PlumeStop injection

The problem with PFAS waste incineration

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) released a memo placing a moratorium on the incineration of materials containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). According to the memo, the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act requires the ban until the DOD issues guidance implementing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of PFAS. And, what does the EPA’s current interim guidance say about incinerating PFAS-containing waste? It is best summarized this way: “More research is needed.”
Sentryx Intelligent Network web interface

Halifax water uses advanced pressure management pilot to reduce leakages

After hitting a static level of breaks and non-revenue water (NRW) loss, for Halifax Water (HW) the challenge is increasing leak awareness to reduce run time. To help reduce NRW loss, HW partnered with Mueller for a performance trial of an advanced pressure management and control platform.
Utilities automation software

Using Python can help Canadian water utilities cope with vast amounts of incoming data

Infinitii ai looks at the automation of utilities using machine learning program, Python, and the development of a new automation software called face pro.
Tritrium-concentration-groundwater

Investigating the source and age of nitrate in drinking water wells

This case study involved an environmental isotope investigation of groundwater in a small community where the groundwater was known to be impacted by nitrate.
Harmsco-water-filtration-equipment

Using cartridge filtration systems to remove PFAS contaminants from drinking water

End user households and municipal water utilities are increasingly grappling with the need to address PFAS once they are detected in source water.
Solar-Farm-EL-Smith-Water-Treatment-Plant-web

EPCOR powering water treatment plant with new solar farm

EPCOR’s new 13.6-megawatt solar farm in Edmonton is providing about half of the electricity needed to power its E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant. Enoch Cree...
wastewater-treatment-clarifier-image

International water companies partner to make wastewater treatment greener

Three major water utility companies in Denmark, Australia and the U.K. are partnering to create a new generation of sustainable wastewater management for customers,...
Stockholm-Junior-Water-Prize

Ontario highschooler wins Stockholm Junior Water Prize for algae-fighting experiments

When her father, a commercial fisherman, was finding it more and more difficult to ply his trade due to harmful algal blooms, 16-year-old Annabelle...
Jackson-Water-Crisis-Press-Photo

Jackson’s water struggles multiply after rain pushes water plant to the edge

After nearly a month-long boil water advisory over turbidity, Mississippi’s capital, Jackson, was finally pushed to the edge when flooding altered the primary water...
Water-research-stock-image

UWaterloo leads new PFAS investigation into seven Ontario water systems

The University of Waterloo is leading an interdisciplinary research team that hopes to unlock key information that will inform Canadian water systems about potential...
Collingwood-Resort-water

Collingwood, New Tecumseth set to update costs of pipeline drinking water agreement

New Tecumseth is ready to confirm how much it will pay for the expansion of the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant in Collingwood,...
SCG_Process_Emergency_Water_Distribution

Mobile water stations allow municipalities to be prepared for infrastructure crisis

As the threat of more frequent storms and natural disasters persists in Canada’s changing climate, one company headquartered in British Columbia has created a...

Less wind from climate change may mean larger algal blooms, new research shows

A new study out of Australia’s Griffith University has found that a 20% decrease in wind speed from climate change could result in algal...
tire-marks-road-stock-image

USask team looks for ways to remove toxic tire compound from water

Following the University of Saskatchewan’s successful research into rubber tire particles impacting rainbow and brook trout through urban stormwater, researchers are now getting an...
great-lakes-report-cover

New US-Canada Great Lakes report rates ecosystem status ‘fair’

Environment and Climate Change Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have jointly published a new report that provides an overview of the status...
Tower-arctic-image

Iqaluit hires Tower Arctic to remediate water tank contamination

The City of Iqaluit has hired Tower Arctic Ltd. for just under $800,000 to remediate underground water tanks suspected of fuel contamination. The contamination caused...
yukon-water-students

Yukon University takes on federal First Nations water operator training

Yukon University has agreed to deliver the classroom and certification portions of Indigenous Services Canada’s (ISC) Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP) for First Nations...
wastewater-treatment-plant-stock-image

Water infrastructure spending, construction on the rise, says StatCan

New Statistics Canada data for 2020 shows that capital expenditures and the pace of construction for water infrastructure has accelerated in recent years. According to...
Peracetic Acid Graphic

What you need to know about peracetic acid for water treatment disinfection

The many drawbacks of disinfection by chlorine in pre- and post-treatment applications has led to a growing interest in peracetic acid (PAA) as an alternative in some applications. PAA has a unique chemistry that is highly effective against bacteria and other contaminants. It does not form any known DBPs and has less environmental impact. Before substituting chlorine with PAA, it is critical to understand the chemistry, its applications, and methods of handling and dosing.
Digital technology helps new employees by documenting the knowledge and experience of long-time workers.

The new workforce is equipped to modernize water data management

Dealing with old technologies, unsupported infrastructure, and monolithic architecture is an unfortunate reality for many cities and agencies. These outdated systems not only leave organizations vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, they also create a management nightmare for IT teams. They require a lot of time and resources just to keep the lights on and are not appealing to the new generation of workers that are very much needed in the municipal water industry.
Aerial view of the new water reservoir.

New water system provides safe, long-term drinking water for First Nation in Alberta

In early October 2021, the existing Goodfish Lake Water Treatment Plant in Whitefish Lake, Alta. suffered a catastrophic failure and could no longer produce water. A public communication and water system changeover strategy was quickly organized to complete the transition to the new regional water supply. The project marked a successful collaboration between the Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 leadership, Associated Engineering, and Thompson Infrastructure.
Delco Water ultra-filtration skids

Water should not be judged by its history, but by its quality

The two primary methods of supplying recycled water from wastewater treatment for drinking water reuse are indirect potable reuse and direct potable reuse.
City-Guelph-Stock-Image

Guelph’s award-winning Water Supply Master Plan approved by council

After winning two prestigious awards for its new Water Supply Master Plan, the Ontario City of Guelph has now approved the plan for implementation. The...
Grand-River-Fergus-Ontario

Dry June leads to water restrictions in southern Ontario and beyond

As dry weather persists, water restrictions are becoming more commonplace across Canada, with water users in southern Ontario’s Grand River watershed being the latest...
Victoria-BC-aerial-view

Greater Victoria proposes $1B water filtration plant by 2037

A new water filtration plant proposed for British Columbia’s Greater Victoria region could top $1 billion, according to a new water supply master plan...
firefighting-foam-stock-image

EPA drastically tightens PFAS advisory levels, pledges funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has significantly lowered its health threshold levels for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a move that could...
Soo_Locks-Sault-Ste_Marie

Water treatment plant closes downstream of oil spill in Ontario’s Algoma Region

Following an Algoma steel plant’s lubricant oil spill into St. Mary’s River, local officials downstream in Echo Bay have shut off their water treatment...
Buffalo-Pound-Water-Treatment-Plant

Graham-Aecon partner for major Buffalo Pound plant upgrades in Saskatchewan

A joint venture between Aecon and Graham Construction has been awarded a $325.6-million design-build contract for upgrades to Saskatchewan’s Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant...
Whitehorse-Water-Worker-Image

Whitehorse investing $5M in 18 water, wastewater upgrade projects

The City of Whitehorse is investing $5.1 million in 18 water and wastewater projects that include new watermains, improvements to the storm sewer drainage...
Niagara-Falls-stock-image

Niagara Region wins best tasting tap water in Ontario

Through the diligence of six area water treatment plants, Ontario’s Niagara Region has won first place in the best tasting tap water competition at...
Yellowknife-water-stock-photo

AECOM to design new submarine pipeline for Yellowknife’s drinking water

AECOM has been selected to provide engineering services for a new underwater potable water supply line in Yellowknife, now that the 1969 steel pipeline...
blue-green-algae-Nova-Scotia

Nova Scotia launches blue-green algae public service announcements and blooms reporting site

Nova Scotia has launched a new public awareness campaign to highlight the health risks surrounding blue-green algae in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Under the...
Wildfire-stock-image

Wildfire elevated legacy phosphorus in Alberta’s Crowsnest River, study finds

Resource extraction, wildfire, and municipal wastewater discharge are increasing particulate phosphorus levels along a 50-km stretch of the low-nutrient Crowsnest River, joint research from...
ALERT-V2-in-situ-water-monitoring-station

Using a portable autonomous laboratory to prevent microbiological water supply contamination

ALERT V2 monitoring stations are autonomous, portable, and connected laboratories that are capable of accurately and rapidly quantifying microorganisms.
solar-power-radar-level-sensors-water

Delivering reliable level readings from remote areas helps improve water quality management

A fine-meshed network of real-time level measuring points at smaller, non-navigable watercourses can help mitigate water shortages or predict floods.
CRD-emergency-water-distribution-units

BC’s Capital Regional District tackles emergency water distribution and seismic preparedness

The CRD's emergency response plan now includes custom-built emergency water-distribution units capable of distributing drinking water to large numbers of people.
Water-monitoring-dashboard-example

BC project employs machine learning predictive analytics to manage water resources

Collecting regional data and using machine learning to provide a real-time view is fundamental in helping water authorities forecast and predict.
Okanagan Basin Water Board team collecting data

Hydrometric data proves vital to the long-term health of the Okanagan Water Basin

The Okanagan Water Basin is deemed a region of interest and is marveled at by hydrologists as a living laboratory. New hydrology monitoring aims to help it.
Burloak-Water-Treatment-Plant

Upgrades made to Halton Region’s Burloak Water Purification Plant

Upgrades at the Burloak Water Purification Plant included replacing the filter membranes, concrete tank linings, large diameter valves and SCADA system.
Corrosion-attack-on-a-metal-valve

An overview of thermoplastic valves and their performance

Thermoplastic valves offer a dependable and economical way to handle corrosive chemicals in some of the harshest environments.
Double-Check-Valve

Handling water supply cross connection and backflow prevention with ease

Backflow preventers are vital for eliminating the potential for potable water contamination. They require proper sizing and installation to operate reliably.
Basement-oil-tank-stock-image

Ottawa considers incentives to help swap out heating oil fuel tanks to protect source...

A City of Ottawa committee is recommending council approval of the home heating oil fuel tank incentive program to help eliminate contamination threats to...
Kundert-Knezic-award-winners

U of Waterloo grads win AWWA awards for drinking water Master’s papers

Two graduates of the University of Waterloo’s WaterSTP program have won academic achievement awards from the American Water Works Association for their Master’s thesis...
Moraine_Lake_Stock_Image

Feds to fund creation of Canada Water Agency and Atlantic First Nations Water Authority

The federal government has earmarked funding to create a Canada Water Agency that will centralize work with communities on freshwater issues, as well as...
Atlantic_wetland-site

PEI scientist researching natural solutions for sustainable water

PEI farmers often see water and nutrients running through well-draining soils quickly during rain events. Sometimes, water drains too quickly for farmers to make good use of it for their crops and animals, and the runoff can affect nearby streams and rivers. One easy and cost-effective solutions solution involves constructing wetlands on farmland.
Mackenzie River Basin

New Mackenzie River Basin report combines indigenous and scientific knowledge

A recent report describes changes to the aquatic ecosystem health, furthers the understanding of conditions and developments in the Mackenzie River Basin. This is...
shoreline_barrier-Lake_Nipigon

Barrier used for Gull Bay First Nation’s shoreline restoration project

In June of 2021, Barclay Construction approached Layfield Group Ltd. requesting assistance on a shoreline restoration project for Ontario Power Generation within the Gull Bay First Nation community in Gull Bay, Ontario. The project required that approximately 1.2 km of shoreline be isolated from Lake Nipigon, with a watertight barrier to prevent water from interrupting construction efforts and preventing construction runoff from entering the fishing waters offshore. It would need to be in place for approximately four to six months.
PFAS sorption

Canadian site is a model for PFAS cleanup efforts worldwide

One remediation project in central Canada serves as a model case for the growing multitude of facilities that are finding PFAS contamination. More than five years into the performance monitoring phase, it is the world’s first demonstrated in situ treatment of PFAS.
Chlorine gas container system

Preventing a minor chlorine gas leak from becoming a major one

Responding to a chlorine gas leak can be difficult with a room full of chlorine gas, and the advisable solution is to close all of the container valves and ventilate the room to reduce the chlorine concentration. Of course, by this time the amount of leaked chlorine gas may be significant, eliminating ventilation as an option. The event becomes a reportable incident, that now needs to be dealt with by first responders and reported to the appropriate authorities. Halogen Valve Systems Inc. designs and manufactures automatic emergency valve closure systems designed to enhance the safety of chlorine gas installations.
SENTRY-OCWA-infographic

Sensors allow for immediate response to incoming raw water quality changes

With treatment plants, their raw intake source water quality can change rapidly and impact treatment performance. These water quality events are not typically caught by traditional sampling methods or sensors in time to be managed efficiently. Always on, low-maintenance water quality monitoring can provide better protection from incoming water quality issues by alerting operators to key events in real time.
Iqlauit_waterfront

Feds fund new Iqaluit reservoir to boost winter drinking water supply

For a community that has struggled to maintain reliable drinking water, federal funding of more than $214 million will allow the City of Iqaluit...
Quinte-water-plant-image

New connections to Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte water plant lift five advisories

Newly-built water treatment plant connections have allowed the federal government to lift five long-term drinking water advisories for the Mohawks of the Bay of...
Mount_Polley_mine_image

Three BC engineers reprimanded over Mount Polley tailings disaster

Eight years after the Mount Polley tailings disaster, three engineers have been penalized following disciplinary proceedings by Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.
Water-First-Interns

Water First set to begin fourth First Nations water operator intern partnership

Some 14 interns will be recruited from seven northern Ontario First Nations to pursue entry level water operator training or water quality analyst certifications...
microplastics-sample-finger

UWaterloo launches Microplastics Fingerprinting Research Project website

A University of Waterloo-based project has launched a new website to detail progress towards identifying science-informed strategies for the problem of microplastics in drinking...
salt-truck-on-road

Environmental standards not protecting lakes from road salt, global study finds

Researchers who conducted a large crowdsourced global experiment on the effects of deicing salt say their results show that current water quality guidelines across...

Manitoba streamlines bacteriological tests for water in northern Indigenous sites

Manitoba officials are investing in an automated microbiology testing system based in the City of Thompson that would expedite drinking water testing for three...
Kempenfelt_Bay_Barrie

Barrie earns perfect score in Ontario water quality inspection

Following its annual provincial inspection, the Ontario City of Barrie has earned a perfect score for its drinking water. The city’s rating will soon be...
wastewater-operator-stock-image

Canada opens new funding for recruitment of First Nations water operators

The federal government has launched a call for proposals that will provide up to $500,000 per project that addresses the retention, recruitment and availability...
Hamilton-Water-staff-leak-detection

Hamilton saves over $500k using proactive water leak detection program

Following a two-year pilot project, the City of Hamilton launched a program to proactively detect water leaks in underground pipes in early 2021. That...
Longueuil-wastewater-treatment-plant

Longueuil, Quebec strives towards better water future with new projects

Despite recent challenges with sewage overflows, the Quebec city of Longueuil has two significant projects in the works that officials hope will change the...
farmer-fertilizer-application-stock-photo

UWaterloo study says turn nitrogen pollution into an advantage

A new University of Waterloo study could act as a roadmap for scientists, policymakers, and the public to begin to overcome the lasting impacts...

Great Lakes drinking water study links gastro bugs to heavy storms

A new study of environmental and health data shows that the risk of stomach bugs in four North American cities around the Great Lakes...
Yukon-water-treatment-lab

Mobile water treatment lab gives Yukon students hands-on hours

After COVID-19 halted the ability of Yukon University students to visit local water treatment plants for on-site training, new funding has allowed the school...
engineer-SCADA-control-panel

EPA unveils cybersecurity action plan for water utilities

As the U.S. formulates a national plan to increase the resilience of its critical infrastructure against cyberattacks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has laid...
groundwater-migration-model

Developing an action plan for remediation and management of PFAS in groundwater

By James M. Tinjum and Elliot Draxler A better understanding is needed of how different PFAS compounds migrate within and between surficial source areas, the...

Studying cyanobacterial blooms, nutrients and oxygen in a phosphorus-rich lake

By Robert Bowen Victoria, British Columbia, experienced several record-breaking weather events last year, including a heat dome, with temperatures reaching over 40°C, a prolonged drought,...
water-soil-sampling-stock-photo

Regulating and removing PFOA and PFOS to protect public health

By Saleha Kuzniewski In 2006, Environment Canada and Health Canada concluded from their studies that while PFOS were not a health concern at the exposure...
Creelman-UV-Water-System-web

Overcoming water treatment disinfection challenges from elevated ammonia levels

By Tony Kobilnyk Chlorine disinfection can become difficult when ammonia concentration is as low as 0.2 mg/L. At this level, ammonia begins reacting with chlorine...
web-access-platform-digital-water-utility

An affordable start to digital transformation for water utilities

By Dave Johnston With the right sensors and systems, even small- to medium-size water utilities can start realizing the benefits of digitalization without having to...
Shoal Lake water treatment plant

Water treatment plant offers growing future to northern Ontario First Nation

When the members of Shoal Lake #40 First Nation began drawing safe water from their newly opened water treatment plant in September 2021, it marked a historic milestone for the people living on the reserve. Located on the Manitoba/Ontario border, on the shores of Shoal Lake, the community went 24 years without safe drinking water.
Access vault

Improving public health in the Arctic by providing a safe water supply

While preventing such waterborne infections remains a goal of improved access to high-quality water, access to adequate water quantity is also important for preventing “water-washed” diseases. These occur where personal sanitation practices, for example hand washing, can prevent transmission of diseases to other people. This issue has become particularly relevant during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
self-cleaning scraper strainers

Automatic scraper strainers protect critical membrane systems

Membrane filtration is a valuable, commonly used means of filtering water and wastewater. The challenge is that membrane systems are delicate and can be easily damaged by large particulates in the water. A pre-filtration step eliminates this risk by removing oversized suspended solids to prevent damage, eliminate unnecessary maintenance, and reduce the cost of premature membrane replacement.
Pumps

Examining the basics of pump selection

Every pump application differs and with growing technology, there are dozens, if not hundreds of options to choose from for each application. However, there are some options that are much more efficient than others. Selecting the right pump will lead to energy savings, lower maintenance costs, process improvements, and a significant reduction in risk of system failure.
Windigo-First-Nation-Island-Water

Community of Windigo Island uses hollow fibre nanofiltration technology

From a drinking perspective, the main difficulties in using Lake of the Woods as a drinking water source are elevated levels of turbidity during upset events and dissolved organic carbon and colour.
Saskatchewan-blue-water

Saskatchewan study gets to bottom of ‘blue-water event’

Saskatchewan researchers say the reason a local lake turned a bold shade of blue below the ice was due to a pigment that originated...
Lethbridge-water-treatment-plant

Lethbridge water treatment upgrades allow plant to recycle waste stream

The Lethbridge water treatment plant is attempting to reduce the amount of water it draws from the Oldman River, as well as reduce its...
photo of Iqaluit, Nunavut

Water contamination issues return to Iqaluit as fuel odours continue

Iqaluit officials have once again bypassed the local water treatment plant out of fears of contamination, as fuel odours continue to raise red flags. Just...
Drinking-water-tap

Fluoride back on tap in Windsor after political, supply chain delays

Fluoride has officially returned to Windsor and the surrounding Ontario area following years of political disagreement and some more recent technical delays. ENWIN Utilities Ltd....
Curve_Lake_photo

Canadian courts approve class-action settlement over First Nations drinking water

A federal court and the Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba have approved a historic $8 billion class-action settlement to address decades of clean...
Dr.-Helen-Baulch

New high-tech buoy will help monitor Buffalo Pound Lake water quality

Saskatchewan’s Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant will be changing its monitoring equipment this coming summer with the purchase of a new sensor-loaded “superbuoy” that...
salt-truck-on-road

Environmental alternatives needed as road salt use triples, study finds

The use of road deicing salts has tripled in the U.S. over the last 45 years, posing an increasing threat to human health and...
Jonathan Riberdy photo

First Nations water operator honoured for getting package water plant online

As a water operator, it continues to be a challenging journey for Jonathan Riberdy of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. But, his will to face adversity...

Tiny Township groups stay in fight to protect pure water against gravel mining

Residents and researchers in Ontario’s Tiny Township are fighting the expansion of gravel pit operations they say could compromise the most pristine water ever...
Residuals Management Building Exterior

Red Deer’s new residuals management facility will reduce environmental impacts

The City of Red Deer engaged Associated Engineering to improve management of the residual waste streams produced by the city's water treatment plant. The solution was to build a new residuals management facility.
Insertion-Flowmeter-Diagram

District metered areas: Why accuracy matters

New approaches in measuring non-revenue water, such as virtual district metered areas (where there is no boundary valve closure), and an increase of monitoring points with flow, pressure, or noise data remote collection, require accurate and repeatable flow data as a base for all the top-end analysis.
US-cases-of-gastroenteritis-graph

Using hydrogeological flow modelling to identify sources of hepatitis outbreaks

Hydrogeological flow modelling approaches provide a viable and cost-effective means to identify sources of groundwater contamination contributing to hepatitis outbreaks.
air-operated-double-diaphragm-pumps

Using air-operated double-diaphragm pumps to optimize filter press operation

For those looking to optimize their filter-press operations, no matter the industry or product, air-operated double-diaphragm pumps offer a number of operational advantages.
Singer valve

How to diagnose and repair automatic control valves

As control valves are often unseen or in remote locations, how do crews know when something is wrong before it causes a bigger problem? What can they do to prevent or reduce the risk? The answers lie in the capabilities of the control valve.
groundwater divide

Examine the fate and transport of groundwater contaminants before settling legally

Determining the responsible party of impacted groundwater is difficult. For example, when you have multiple owners of a business over time, multiple potential sources in close proximity, or complex subsurface conditions, there may be some uncertainty about when and where the release occurred.
BC-Flood

Tragic week of flooding causes havoc in BC, Merritt WWTP fails

Over the course of just more than a week, several British Columbia communities have been ravaged by more than a month’s worth of rainfall,...
Algal-bloom-research-vessel

US ocean service outlines new $15M research grants into harmful algal blooms

The largest governmental ocean science service in the U.S. is investing US$15.2 million into new research projects about the biological and financial impacts of...
reverse-osmosis-machine-JTF-North

Iqaluit’s water emergency enters second month

Canadian Armed Forces Operation LENTUS remains active in Iqaluit as the northern city’s state of emergency over drinking water contamination enters its second month. Some...
Water-Replenishment-District-building

PFAS lawsuits continue as California sues 3M for groundwater pollution

California's largest groundwater agency is suing 3M and a series of other companies it believes are responsible for “knowingly” polluting groundwater with perfluoroalkyl and...

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