Global Water Futures (GWF) is a seven-year research initiative that will position Canada as a global leader in water science for cold regions. The project will provide governments, businesses and communities with the risk management tools they need to tackle threats to Canada’s water supply and quality.
Program Highlights:
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Funded in part by a $77.8-million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, GWF is Canada’s largest water research project.
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The program is supported by a unique partnership between universities across Canada with core support for the research being supported by the University of Waterloo, University of Saskatchewan, Wilfrid Laurier University, and McMaster University.
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The University of Waterloo is leading nine projects and are involved in eight additional projects.
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Over 90 University of Waterloo researchers and graduate students are involved.
News
Six new University of Waterloo-led Global Water Futures projects announced
Cold regions are experiencing dramatic changes to regional climate and environmental conditions, bringing about more severe floods, longer drought periods and deterioration of water quality that are putting economies, communities and ecosystems at risk. Six new University of Waterloo-led research projects that are part of the Global Water Futures program, will catalyze interdisciplinary research to help tackle these environmental challenges.
Front page of The Record features GWF researchers commenting on the importance of keeping the Grand River healthy
Professor Mark Servos, Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection and professor of Biology, Nandita Basu, professor in the Departments of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Civil and Environmental Engineering, and post-doctoral fellow, Kim Van Meter, were prominently featured in Kitchener-Waterloo’s local newspaper.
An important process fueling harmful algal blooms investigated in Canadian water bodies
For many Canadians, summer time means time at the lake, swimming, fishing, boating, and relaxing. Nothing can spoil this experience like blue-green mats of muck, caused by algal blooms. These blooms negatively affect not only recreational activities – but also put drinking water source, property values, wildlife, and human health at risk. In the 1970s, scientists discovered that the nutrient phosphorus caused algal blooms, which led to new regulations and improved sewage treatment. Nevertheless, blooms continue to plague many Canadian lakes.