Canadian Water and Wastewater Association eBulletin

CWWA News

Have Your Say on Canada’s Infrastructure Plan!

The Government of Canada is investing $120 billion over the next 10 years to build strong, inclusive and sustainable communities and they want to hear from you. Phase 1 is already underway, and now the Government of Canada is inviting you to share your views on Phase 2 of Canada’s infrastructure plan.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=390227&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Water Haller: What’s going on with infrastructure funding?

I’ll be sharing a fuller report to you within the next month on what role the CWWA has been playing on the infrastructure front. The budget was announced months ago, perhaps without a clear process in place, but things have been moving along well.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=390890&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Comments on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada 2016 - 2019

The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), as the national voice for the municipal water and wastewater sector, has reviewed the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Through its National Committee on Climate Change, the CWWA provided comments on Goal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change, and Goal 2: Clean Technology Jobs and Innovation.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389526&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

The Two Amigos

Forget the US and Mexican Presidents. Ottawa also hosted a meeting of the CWWA Exec. Director and the BC Recreational Facilities Association Exec. Director. That's Dwayne Kalynchuk of Victoria...our former BC Board member and long-serving Secretary-Treasurer, in town for FCM Green Municipal Fund work (as a project adjudicator) and a chance to chat about flushable wipes efforts. Dwayne represents CWWA and APWA/CPWA on the Technical Committee developing new industry guidelines (or at least trying to).

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389699&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

National Water and Wastewater Conference - Program now available onlne

We are excited to announce that the preliminary program for the Conference is online. We have fantastic sessions on wastewater management, drinking water issues, water research, climate change, utility security and energy and water efficiency.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389912&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

CWWA Window on Ottawa - Post Conference Event

CWWA’s Window On Ottawa was back...and better than ever! Shifted from its regular Fall time slot to June 8th & 9th, CWWA’s signature event returned with an outstanding agenda of topics and speakers.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389937&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Member News

The Alberta Lead in Drinking Water Demonstration Project

Article by Dr Colin Hayes, a Director at YOULEARNWATER LTD, July 2016

The demonstration project evaluated a range of sampling methods and supporting techniques for tackling lead in drinking water in Alberta Province. It concluded that a risk assessment/management approach would be better suited to tackling the lead in drinking water problem than the sampling protocols currently recommended by Health Canada. This article is a preview of the paper to be published next month in the Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology – AQUA.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389508&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Could the next "Flint, Michigan" disaster be in your city?

Article by Dr Colin Hayes, a Director at YOULEARNWATER LTD, July 2016

Much has been written about the lead in drinking water "disaster" in Flint, Michigan. To save money, the municipality switched their water supply source to a local river and omitted to dose the corrosion inhibitor that had been added to the previous supply from Detroit, resulting in elevated lead at the tap. This article concludes that water safety planning, allied to appropriate sampling and investigative techniques will go a long way to averting a similar "disaster" in Canada.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389705&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

New Low Carbon Partnership

We are pleased to announce that four of Canada’s most accomplished sustainable business and community networks have partnered in an effort to help the Government of Canada reach its Paris Agreement climate goals and accelerate the nation’s shift to a low-carbon economy.

The founding members of The Low Carbon Partnership are Climate Smart, Sustainability CoLab, The Natural Step, and QUEST - established organizations with deep roots in communities and local economies across the country. Collectively, the partners reach more than 1,200 businesses generating $100 billion in revenue. They’re also in direct contact with 200 communities.

Visit www.lowcarbonpartnership.ca to view the full article online.

WaterSense has saved Trillions of Gallons of Water in 10 Years

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program just celebrated its 10 year anniversary! WaterSense labelled products, which are independently certified to use at least 20 per cent less water and perform as well or better than standard models, have been on the market since 2007 when toilets first earned the label. Since then, the number of labelled models has grown to more than 16,000, including products found in residential and commercial bathrooms, commercial kitchens, and for outdoor irrigation.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389902&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Federal Initiatives

Government Launches Wide-Ranging Review of EA Process

The Government of Canada took a first step, June 20, 2016, to deliver on its commitment to review and restore confidence in Canada’s environmental assessment process. The review will focus on

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389531&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Discussion Paper Identifies Topics for CEPA Review Update

On May 16, 2016, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change provided the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development with a discussion paper outlining topics to be addressed as part of the upcoming comprehensive review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389628&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Government Outlines List Of Substances Falling Under the Next Phase of the Chemicals Management Plan 2016-2020

The government recently announced a List of Substances in the next phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) and Two-year Rolling Risk Assessment Publication Plan. The new plans incorporate current approaches to identifying chemicals and polymers as risk assessment priorities by tracking a larger number of information sources to identify emerging issues and prioritize substances requiring further investigation.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389695&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Provincial News

Quebec to streamline Environmental Approvals Regime

Quebec’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, Mr. David Heurtel, recently a bill aimed at modernizing the environmental approvals process established under section 22 of Quebec’s Environment Quality Act (EQA).

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389860&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Canada and US designate first set of chemicals of mutual concern for Great Lakes

Canada and the United States recently identified eight substances as chemicals of mutual concern under the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389870&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Building Capacity for Watershed Governance in BC: New research from POLIS Project on Ecological Governance

POLIS Project recently released a new report Illumination: Insights and Perspectives for Building Effective Watershed Governance in B.C. is a forward looking and in-depth analysis of perspectives, emerging trends and opportunities associated with watershed governance and water sustainability in British Columbia. It specifically highlights capacity needs and practical tools required to implement watershed governance across B.C. but also shows a model for the legal and institutional evolution of water, watersheds and governance across Canada—and indeed globally.

First Nations across the province demonstrate leadership around watershed governance, and recent Supreme Court decisions affirm First Nations’ critical role in resource decision-making. The future evolution of watershed governance is clear and it will centrally involve co-governance between the Province and First Nations in a specifically local context. Numerous regional collaborative watershed initiatives are starting down this path by leading planning, monitoring, and stewardship projects that are changing the ways society interacts with and stewards fresh water.

This research confirms that although a genuine window of opportunity exists to kick-start a world-class watershed governance regime in British Columbia, considerable knowledge and capacity gaps still exist for fully turning the concept into practice. Through an extensive investigation involving interviews, surveys, and a First Nations Roundtable, the Illumination study provides critical insights into the question: "What is needed NOW to make watershed governance work in British Columbia?"

Key findings and insights offered in the report include:

The current system is not working. Substantial appetite exists for a concerted move towards watershed governance—85% of e-survey respondents agreed that local watershed entities are needed to ensure B.C.’s new Water Sustainability Act is implemented to its fullest potential.
Collaborative watershed governance is the future. Collaborative approaches are seen as critical for better decision-making.
Watershed governance happens one step at a time. Multiple stages to collaborative watershed governance exist.
Numerous capacity gaps revealed. Communities are seeking help and support to implement collaborative watershed governance.
A catalyst is needed to spark action. A potential role has emerged for a province-wide capacity builder.

"Decision-makers, communities, rights holders, licensor holders, and stakeholders cannot operate in silos," says Natasha Overduin, Watershed Governance Project Manager and Research Associate with the POLIS Water Sustainability Project. "Rather, they must develop a collective, shared vision for their local watersheds and how to better manage resources for the benefit of users, local economies and nature to achieve long-term watershed health."

Ontario: Climate Change Action Plan

Ontario recently released the province’s Climate Change Action Plan, which will provide people and businesses with tools and incentives to accelerate the use of clean technology that exists today. Through this plan, the province will continue to reduce greenhouse gas pollution to fight climate change.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/cww-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=389909&issueID=47523 to view the full article online.

Snippings and Clippings

10 Years of WaterSense Saved More than a Trillion Gallons of Water & Billions on Utility Bills

EPA
Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the WaterSense program 10 years ago, Americans have saved $32.6 billion in water and energy bills and 1.5 trillion gallons of water, which is more than the amount of water needed to supply all of the homes in California for a year.

Visit https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/10-years-watersense-saved-more-trillion-gallons-water-billions-utility-bills to view the full article online.

One Dead After Faulty Water Pipe Complicates Fire Rescue

Water Online
Firefighters in a Colorado town faced a water infrastructure challenge during a kitchen fire this month that had fatal consequences. The firefighters from Aurora, CO, were "forced to pump water from fire trucks when a malfunctioning water pipe failed to provide what they needed," The Denver Post reported.

Visit http://www.wateronline.com/doc/one-dead-after-faulty-water-pipe-complicates-fire-rescue-0001?vm_tId=1935301&user=8716093d-9883-4414-9585-e4e29dddad77&utm_source=et_10759433&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WOL_06-29-2016-Best-Of-June&utm_term=8716093d-9883-4 to view the full article online.

Donald Trump Quiet On Water Issues With Mexican Border Plan

Water Online
Donald Trump has had a lot to say about the Mexican border, but he has yet to speak at length on what is arguably one of the trickiest and most important border issues: water. As the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Trump has proposed to build a wall along a large part of the U.S.-Mexico border. He says he will compel Mexico to pay for it.

Visit http://www.wateronline.com/doc/donald-trump-quiet-on-water-issues-with-mexican-border-plan-0001?vm_tId=1935300&user=8716093d-9883-4414-9585-e4e29dddad77&utm_source=et_10759433&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WOL_06-29-2016-Best-Of-June&utm_term=8716093d-988 to view the full article online.

Apple Enters The Wastewater Business

Water Online
The company confirmed "that it has agreed to pay for a treatment facility to re-use water for evaporative cooling in its Prineville, OR, data centers. By recycling water for Apple instead of taking it straight from the tap, the city says its new facility will save nearly 5 million gallons a year," The Oregonian reported this month.

Visit http://www.wateronline.com/doc/apple-enters-the-wastewater-business-0001?vm_tId=1936657&user=8716093d-9883-4414-9585-e4e29dddad77&utm_source=et_10759433&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WOL_07-07-2016&utm_term=8716093d-9883-4414-9585-e4e29dddad77&utm_content to view the full article online.

DC Water Develops Its Own Future With Open Innovation

Water Online
Water and wastewater municipalities are on a constant search for new tools. At the mercy of developers, they hope that the latest, most efficient, most cutting-edge technologies and methods will arrive to help them improve practices and cut down on costs.

Visit http://www.wateronline.com/doc/dc-water-develops-its-own-future-with-open-innovation-0001?vm_tId=1936679&user=8716093d-9883-4414-9585-e4e29dddad77&utm_source=et_10759433&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WOL_07-07-2016&utm_term=8716093d-9883-4414-9585-e4e29dd to view the full article online.

Oil spill in North Sask. River affecting water supply of 69,000 people

CTV News
The water supply of about 69,000 people has been affected by an oil spill in the North Saskatchewan River, the province’s Water Security Agency says.

Visit http://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/oil-spill-in-north-sask-river-affecting-water-supply-of-69-000-people-1.3002015 to view the full article online.

Mock emergency session hypothesizes Muskoka water plants attacked by terrorists

Muskoka Region
An emergency response simulation has shown that Muskoka’s water systems can recover from a targeted attack.

Visit http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/6775127-mock-emergency-session-hypothesizes-muskoka-water-plants-attacked-by-terrorists/ to view the full article online.

New blue-green algae policies in place at water treatment plant

Sarnia Observer
Staff at the water treatment plant serving Sarnia and five other communities will keep an eye out this summer for blue-green algal blooms in Lake Huron, over its intake pipe.

Visit http://www.theobserver.ca/2016/07/20/new-blue-green-algae-policies-in-place-at-water-treatment-plant to view the full article online.

Vancouver's Ostara aims to harvest from municipal waste rather than mining phosphorus

Vancouver Sun
The Vancouver-headquartered company that has already carved a niche out of harvesting phosphorus from the sewage treatment process to make fertilizer is betting it’s on the path to bigger business with its latest installation.

Visit http://vancouversun.com/business/local-business/vancouvers-ostara-aims-to-harvest-from-municipal-waste-rather-than-mining-phosphorous to view the full article online.