2024 was a rather monumental year for the CWWA. First and foremost, we hosted a tremendous World Water Congress in Toronto, welcoming water leaders from around the world. We followed that up with another strong National Conference in Winnipeg in November. Meanwhile our committees were on top of all things water at the federal level providing submissions on the Drinking Water Guidelines, PFAS, biosolids, energy, cybersecurity, climate change, flushability, the budget and more.

Looking for information on CWWA and member events? Check out our updated event listings for 2025.

We had a fantastic conference in Winnipeg, and are now looking forward to hosting the NWWC 2025 in Victoria British Columbia. Make sure you save time and budget to join us November 2-5 2025 for THE national conference on water and wastewater!

On December 3, 2024, the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities announced the launch of the Canadian Infrastructure Council, the expert advisory body that will be delivering Canada’s first National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA).  

The NIA will support Canada’s infrastructure planners and decision-makers by compiling data, evidence, and analysis to support better investment decisions. It will equip all levels of government, industry and communities with the information and solutions needed to make investments that will serve Canadians well into the future.        

Longtime CWWA colleague and professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, Dr. Steve Hrudey is one of the most respected voices in Canadian water.

You can listen to a podcast interview with Steve here:
https://youtu.be/CTvZc0xAlFs?si=1h7Dz2pnxBIQtqtB

The next IWA Water Efficiency Conference is set for Melbourne, Australia, September 16-18, 2025. 

Call For Papers closes February 14.

That’s Valentine’s Day , so if you LOVE water efficiency, submit a paper!!

Global News (video)

Flushable wipes are clogging Metro Vancouver sewer pipes. The problem has gotten so bad Metro Vancouver is asking the federal government to define what should, and shouldn't, be flushed down a toilet. Metro Vancouver Manager of Liquid Waste Source Control, Dana Zheng, discusses the problem with Global News Morning.

CWWA was a founding member of Operators Without Borders (OWB) and this great organization continues to be our charity of choice.

"Giving Tuesday" was on December 3rd, but it is never too late to support their efforts.

Led by ICLEI Canada and FCM, the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program has offered tools and resources to help more than 550 municipalities meet their emissions reduction goals over the past 30 years. The peer-support community fostered by the program is full of trailblazers that reinforce members’ commitment to climate change and strengthen faith in our collective ability to realize Canada’s net-zero target.  

PCP’s annual insights report highlights key areas where the program’s impact has been strongest and continues to drive its innovative spirit.  

Are you a young water professional ready to shape the future of sustainable water solutions? Join us in Edmonton, Alberta, from June 18–20, 2025.

This conference will bring together diverse communities and sectors to explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and foster collaboration to address today’s critical water challenges. Together, we will pave the way for a sustainable future in water resources and innovation.

Water Canada

Alberta’s government has now begun a province-wide study looking at more than 100 locations across the province. This study will be used to help the government plan long-term ways to maximize Alberta’s water supply, reduce the risk of future droughts and floods, and support thriving communities.

Radio Prague International

Scientists from Mendel University in Brno have cultivated highly efficient algae capable of removing residues of fertilizers and pharmaceuticals—including paracetamol and antibiotics—from water. These algae are grown in specialised bioreactors, and laboratory experiments are yielding promising results.

Stormwater Report

From the rise of artificial intelligence for flood detection to the rise of strategic beaver deployment, from reimagined golf courses in Houston to living shorelines along the Florida coast, and from centralizing green infrastructure guidance to expanding the Saffir-Simpson scale, 2024 has been a banner year for the stormwater sector.

With 2025 just around the corner, take a fresh look at Stormwater Report’s five most popular articles from this year.

ES&E Magazine

Montreal has voted to stop fluoridating water at two water treatment plants that serve six demerged West Island communities, citing reasons such as the looming upgrades planned for the Pointe-Claire Drinking Water Treatment Plant. 

ES&E Magazine

Now that Canada has finalized its objective value threshold for 25 types of PFAS in municipal drinking water, what’s next?

But what even is an objective value? Questions are swirling.

The Guardian

Donald Trump’s allies have fired the opening salvoes of his coming administration’s attack on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the federal agency that enforces and regulates laws on air, soil, and water quality among other crucial environmental and health issues.

Associated Press

For about 50 years, adding cavity-preventing fluoride to drinking water was a popular public health measure in Yorktown, a leafy town north of New York City.

But in September, the town’s supervisor used his emergency powers to stop the practice.

ASCE

Famed actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Audrey Hepburn once said, “Water is life, and clean water means health.” But having access to water infrastructure provides much more than improved public health.

Public investments in clean, sanitized water (as well as adequate sewage systems) also provide communities with foundations for future economic prosperity. But there are questions: Just how much? And what variables affect how such prosperity comes to pass?

Bloomberg Law

A utility group’s lawsuit against the Biden administration’s new lead water pipe removal regulation raises legitimate questions about funding, an analyst said Wednesday as environmentalists criticize the challenge as a public health threat.