Tackling plastic pollution in Canada’s waterways

PhD student Eric Fries awarded prestigious Nicholas Reid Memorial Award for water leadership

As the world prepares to mark Earth Day on April 22, we’re proud to celebrate one of its own change-makers: Eric Fries, a PhD student in the Environmental Applied Science and Management program, has been awarded the Nicholas Reid Memorial Award, a prestigious honour recognizing leadership and innovation in water-related research.(Toronto Metropolitan University)

Water experts on edge as another dry summer heats up in southern Alberta

Prominent hydrologists are sounding the alarm as another dry summer in southern Alberta - with the possibility of water restrictions - is coming into focus.

Water levels are low. Really low.

"The snowpacks in the mountain headwaters of the Bow River, the Oldman River, Red Deer River and North Saskatchewan River are generally extremely low, some of the lowest I've ever seen," John Pomeroy told CBC News in a recent interview. (CBC)

Halifax Water to divert millions of cubic metres of wastewater into Halifax harbour

Halifax Water will be diverting millions of cubic metres of wastewater into Halifax harbour and the Bedford Basin in the coming week due to maintenance at treatment facilities.

The utility said it needs to replace UV lighting equipment at its facilities in Halifax and Dartmouth, which will cause them to be shut down for different periods of time.

"Unfortunately, the way the system is set up, we cannot divert wastewater to other locations," said Brittany Smith, senior communications adviser for Halifax Water.

 (CBC)

Six Nations taking federal government to court over access to safe drinking water

The most populous First Nation in Canada says a lack of access to safe drinking water has caused fear, anxiety and health problems, and has driven community members away.

Now, Six Nations of the Grand River is taking the federal government to court over it.

The band council filed a lawsuit in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Canada over “its failure to ensure a reliable supply of safe drinking water,” it said in a news release last week.

The statement of claim, which has not been proven in court, asks the feds to help resolve the issue, and provide financial compensation for “the harm to the community from their past failures.”

(Brantford Expositor)