Water Institute, University of Waterloo

05/21/2026

Advances in water research, driven by our experts.

See what Water Institute researchers have been working on: https://uwaterloo.ca/water-institute/member-publications

05/20/2026

Missed the AEESP Distinguished Lecture with David Sedlak?

The recording of “Using Nature-Based Treatment to Solve Some of the World’s Water Crises” is now available.

Discover how nature-based treatment systems and constructed wetlands could help address some of the world’s greatest water challenges through more sustainable, resilient and cost-effective solutions.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/yk1bqfjnIYU?si=SSZz5-HpsqGl8oNP

05/14/2026

Water Institute researcher Dr. Nandita Basu delivered a distinguished public lecture at the University of Victoria, sharing how the SOLUTIONSCAPES framework helps connect water, food, energy and climate solutions in more integrated and resilient ways.

Her research highlights the importance of coordinated, landscape-scale approaches that support both communities and ecosystems.

Learn more about her award and research 🔗

Dr. Nandita Basu highlights integrated pathways to water, food, and energy sustainability in distinguished Lecture at University of Victoria

05/13/2026

A new water-based formulation using nanotechnology could help reduce agricultural contamination by minimizing splash and runoff into soil and waterways.

The innovation helps pesticide droplets stick to plant leaves, even in wind and rain, improving effectiveness while reducing waste and environmental harm. By replacing chemical solvents with a water-based approach, it offers a more sustainable solution for agriculture and freshwater protection.

https://uwaterloo.ca/water-institute/news/water-based-innovation-minimizes-splash-and-runoff

Water-based innovation minimizes splash and runoff in agricultural spraying

05/12/2026

New research, real impact. 🌍
See how Water Institute researchers are advancing water knowledge:
https://uwaterloo.ca/water-institute/member-publications

05/04/2026

Do you need a hydrologic model or historical hydrologic variables for your Ontario watershed? Curious about provincial-scale HydrologicModelling or how process-based streamflow models compare to deep learning techniques? Join the CWRA for their new webinar on the new Ontario Hydrologic Modelling System (OHMS), featuring speakers Water Institute member Dr. Bryan Tolson and Dr. Hongren Shen!

This presentation will highlight the OHMS performance testing results, including temporal and spatial validation testing, and the Ontario Hydrologic Atlas (OHA). It will also discuss the OHMS website where users can:
1) access, map and interrogate detailed OHMS model results via RavenView and
2) download calibrated OHMS model instances anywhere in the province.

🗓 May 15th, 2026 at 12 pm ET

🔗 Register ar bit.ly/3OZoIDf

05/01/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome David Sedlak from the University of California, Berkeley to campus today.

Join us at 2:00pm in Federation Hall for the only Canadian stop of the 2025–26 AEESP Distinguished Lecture.

In Using Nature-Based Treatment to Solve Some of the World’s Water Crises, Sedlak will explore how approaches like constructed wetlands can reduce costs, support ecosystem health and reshape how we treat water.

With the timing between terms, it’s a great opportunity to step out, connect and be inspired by ideas shaping the future of water.

Colleagues and students from neighbouring universities are welcome.

🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/e4NH5amc

04/29/2026

Collaborative Water Program students are developing integrated solutions to Canada’s pressing water challenges.

As part of WATER 601, interdisciplinary teams presented their final projects to a panel of experts from the University of Waterloo and the Canada Water Agency. Their work reflects the complexity of real-world water issues, requiring consideration of ecological, social and economic trade-offs while delivering practical, policy-relevant recommendations.

With students from all six faculties, the program demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary training in preparing future water leaders to connect knowledge across sectors and inform decision-making.

Read more: https://uwaterloo.ca/water-institute/news/collaborative-water-program-students-present-integrated

Collaborative Water Program students present integrated solutions to Canada’s pressing water challenges

04/28/2026

What happens when a region reaches its water limits? In The Current with Matt Galloway, Water Institute member Dr. David Rudolph discusses how water capacity issues in Waterloo are becoming a warning bell for communities across Canada.

As growth pressures increase, understanding the limits of our water systems is critical. Rudolph highlights the need to rethink how development and water management work together, pointing to solutions such as controlled pumping and managed aquifer recharge to help build long-term resilience.

The conversation underscores a broader challenge facing many regions: how to support growth while protecting the freshwater systems we depend on.

🎧 Listen to the full interview:

04/27/2026

The Microplastics Fingerprinting Impact Report is now available, highlighting new advances in how we detect, track and understand microplastics across watersheds.

The report showcases progress in machine learning for spectral analysis, open-access spectral libraries, novel microwave sensing approaches and magnetic nanoparticle technologies for capture and degradation.

Together, these tools are helping turn complex environmental signals into actionable insights for freshwater protection.

Read the report: https://uwaterloo.ca/microplastics-fingerprinting-research-impact/