Breaking boundaries in water research

Urban water stress is no longer a future concern. Water scarcity is already shaping how cities grow and develop. This challenge is not only about how much water is available, but also about where water flows and how long it stays within urban systems. One key player in this urban water cycle is the stormwater pond. Commonly found across cities, these ponds are often seen as simple drainage facilities.  In reality, they play a much larger role. Stormwater ponds store water, redirect flow pathways, and control how long water remains in the system, making them important nodes in urban hydrology. 

A new water-based nanotechnology formulation developed by Michael Tam, a researcher with The Water Institute, could help reduce agricultural contamination by minimizing pesticide splash and runoff into soil and waterways.

Dr. Nandita Basu delivered a distinguished public lecture at the University of Victoria, highlighting integrated pathways to water, food, and energy sustainability through the SOLUTIONSCAPES framework. Her talk emphasized that while many effective environmental solutions already exist, their impact depends on coordinated, landscape-scale implementation that accounts for real-world complexity. The lecture also marked her recognition with the Distinguished Women Scholars Award.