Alberta looking at new methods to protect water supply
Posted March 25, 2024 4:48 pm.
Last Updated March 26, 2024 8:10 am.
As Alberta faces the worst drought conditions it has seen since 2001. The province is looking at ways to maximize water supply.
One water recycling project developed at the University of Alberta is being tested in Calgary.
The new technology allows wastewater treatment plants to remove toxin pollutants like ammonia from water. It’s cost-effective and allows the province to reduce and reuse water during a time of drought.
“You can actually process more water in a certain time frame so this means you can actually supply more demand for the use of the water, hopefully with this treatment followed by some other advanced treatment, then the water can be safely used for reuse,” said Mohamed Gamal El-Din, the director of the University of Alberta’s Water Research Centre.
It’s one of more than 150 research projects the province has invested more than $75 million into through its Water Innovation Program over the last nine years to maximize the province’s water supply.
“All of which are focused on cleaning our water, conserving our water, helping to return wastewater into a form that can actually be used in a safe way,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation.
“Technology is driving innovation in every industry. Each project supported through this funding will help us bring real-world solutions to real-world problems, that include a high-performing responsive waste management system for our province.”
Researchers say the trial in Calgary has made great progress, but the city is already planning outdoor water restrictions this spring to conserve water.
