News

Researchers highlight wastewater monitoring as a powerful tool to support public health responses

Water Institute member Dr. Mark Servos, a biology professor and Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection, has received $900,000 from the NSERC Alliance Advantage fund and an additional $450,000 in provincial funding the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks to advance wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) methods for monitoring high-risk substances in communities.

On January 24th, The Water Institute and the Society of the Water Institute Graduate Students (SWIGS) hosted the second edition of Bake Your Research, inviting participants to showcase their culinary creativity by baking or cooking edible masterpieces that visually represent water research at the University of Waterloo.

The University of Waterloo is a key partner in Global Water Futures (GWF), one of the largest university-led water research programs in the world. Over the past eight years, GWF has served to position Canada as a global leader in water science, delivering innovative tools and knowledge to address critical threats to freshwater resources, aquatic ecosystems, and water security.

Today, the University of Waterloo is releasing the Global Water Futures Impact Report. The report provides examples of the scientific and societal impact that Waterloo researchers have made through their participation in the program.

The Water Institute has announced their lineup of distinguished water researchers set to deliver WaterTalks during the 2025 winter term.

Effective knowledge mobilization is essential for turning research into real-world solutions, and university centers and institutes play a pivotal role in making this happen. By fostering co-creation with end-users, nurturing long-term relationships with key stakeholders, and translating complex ideas into accessible formats, these hubs bridge the gap between academia and application. From informing policy to driving innovation, they ensure that research is not only shared but also applied, amplifying its impact on pressing global challenges.

Microplastics can go right through wastewater treatment plants, and researchers have engineered bacteria commonly found in there to break down this pollution before it can persist in the environment.

Researchers from the University of Waterloo added DNA to several species of bacteria found in wastewater, allowing them to biodegrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic found in carpet, clothing and containers for food and beverages.

This week the Water Institute hosts the last The Value of Water in Canada webinar. Since its inception and launch in early 2022, the webinar series has provided a valuable platform for thought-provoking discussions on the value of water and water valuation. Bringing together economists, water resource managers, researchers, water protection advocates, consultants and private and public sector practitioners, the series explored cutting-edge practices and the growing demand for water valuation insights across various industry sectors.

Celebrating the distinguished careers of Water Institute faculty

The Water Institute bids a heartfelt farewell to 11* faculty members retiring in 2024. Their exceptional contributions to water research and education have shaped the lives of hundreds of students and strengthened the University of Waterloo’s reputation as a leader in water research.

While commonly associated with the summer, algal blooms can also persist into the fall. As of late October 2024, blooms were still present along the southern shores of Lake Erie.

Researchers are using bacteria that eat food scraps to create a new kind of fully biodegradable plastic that reduces waste and could be less expensive to manufacture than current plastics are.