Water Institute, University of Waterloo

09/03/2026

How can graduate students build the knowledge and experience to help shape a more sustainable water future?

Through the Collaborative Water Program, students explore interconnected water challenges through hands-on learning, field experiences and connections with water industry professionals.

Add a WATER designation to your graduate degree and expand your understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping our water future.

Enrolment is now open.
Learn more: https://uwaterloo.ca/collaborative-water-program/

08/31/2026

Research Talks: Water Crisis in Waterloo Region

How secure is our water future? Hear from our water researchers and community leaders as they explore the research, policy, infrastructure and community action shaping water security in Waterloo Region.

📅 Tuesday, September 22, 2026
📍 The Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON
🎟️ Free and open to all

🔗 Register: https://uwaterloo.ca/research/about-research/research-excellence/research-talks

08/20/2026

Congratulations to our friend and colleague Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate!

Professor Madani will play a prominent role at SIWI’s World Water Week, beginning Monday, August 24, bringing his expertise on water governance, evidence-based decision-making and global water security to discussions in Stockholm.

Don’t miss his address and sessions throughout the week, including the Opening, where he will help frame conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing the global water community.

Read more about Professor Madani’s contributions to SIWI’s World Water Week and find his full schedule:

Discover why 2026 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate Professor Kaveh Madani is a key voice at World Water Week and how his work has helped place water governance at the centre of the global water agenda.

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Water Institute Board member Professor Monica Emelko on receiving the Norman J. Howard Award from the Ontario Water Works Association.

The award recognizes Monica’s contributions to municipal water supply, research and the water profession. Her work on drinking water quality, treatment and the impacts of wildfires and other landscape disturbances is helping water providers better prepare for changing conditions and protect drinking water supplies.

We’re pleased to see Monica’s research and leadership recognized with this well-deserved award!

Read the full story:

Monica Emelko’s research and leadership recognized with Norman J. Howard Award

08/07/2026

In the Media: What if your home could float when a flood hits?

As climate-fuelled storms become more severe, could we learn to work with water rather than fight it?

Water Institute researcher Dr. Elizabeth English joins CBC’s What On Earth to explore how amphibious engineering is helping flood-prone communities stay afloat.

🎧 Listen here (9:50):

08/04/2026

Missed our latest WaterTalk?

The recording of Dr. Yanxin Wang's (China University of Geosciences) presentation is now available. Explore the hydrobiogeochemistry of groundwater systems and the health risks posed by naturally occurring geogenic contaminants.

🎥 Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/4ZOBkMBHCJs?si=XoUTTnJh70x6gvJ3

07/31/2026

In The Media: Summer brings more opportunities to enjoy the Great Lakes, but water safety remains essential.

Chris Houser, dean of the Faculty of Science, spoke with Craig Norris, host of CBC’s Morning Edition K-W, about research aimed at reducing drownings and rescues, and shared tips for staying safe in the water.

“The Great Lakes are little mini-oceans in terms of the size of the waves that can be generated. And once you get big waves, you get big currents.”

Houser’s research includes the Smart Beach pilot project, which uses sensors to better understand changing beach conditions, including waves and currents, to help improve safety for beach users.

Listen to the interview:

Chris Houser, dean of the faculty of science at the University of Waterloo, has years of experience studying Canada's coastlines, and hopes to reduce the number of drownings and rescues in the Great Lakes. He says the focus should be on water safety, no matter what kind of beach you're on.

07/28/2026

In The Media: Water Institute researcher Adam Yates spoke with CBC Radio’s Information Radio - MB about new research on rising phosphorus levels in Lake Winnipeg and what these changes mean for the health of this important freshwater ecosystem.

Listen: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-29-information-radio-mb/clip/16227626-a-study-looks-excessive-phosphorus-levels-lake-winnipeg

07/23/2026

🦠 A freshwater virus is challenging one of biology’s oldest assumptions.

New research from Water Institute members Dr. Jozef Nissimov, Dr. Kirsten Müller and PhD candidate Isaac Meza-Padilla, has uncovered a freshwater virus that is challenging one of biology’s most fundamental assumptions.

The jumbo cyanophage PhiMa05 carries the largest known set of ribosomal protein genes ever found in a virus, blurring the line between viruses and living cells. The discovery is reshaping our understanding of viral evolution and could provide new insights into harmful algal blooms that threaten freshwater ecosystems and drinking water supplies.

Read more: https://uwaterloo.ca/water-institute/news/freshwater-virus-challenges-biologys-rules

07/21/2026

Join us TODAY at 9am for a presented by Dr. Yanxin Wang (CUG). Hydrobiogeochemistry and health risks of geogenic contaminants in groundwater systems

**Updated time & location
📅 Tuesday, July 21
📍 Now Online
🕚 9-10 a.m.

Register to join us live or receive a link to the recording:

Hydrobiogeochemistry and health risks of geogenic contaminants in groundwater systems