U of A, EPCOR partner to tackle global water challenges with $1.4M investment
Posted January 22, 2025 2:11 pm.
A new initiative at the University of Alberta (U of A) will leverage cutting-edge research to address global water challenges, with a $1.4 million contribution from EPCOR, marking the utility company as the founding member of the Water Research Centre (WRC).
The WRC, based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, aims to advance sustainable water practices and ensure the long-term reliability of water and wastewater systems.
The Centre will build on U of A’s existing expertise while collaborating with industry, government, and Indigenous partners to tackle critical issues related to water supply, treatment, reuse, and infrastructure.
“There is a long history of collaborations between the University of Alberta and EPCOR that have led to many successful stories around water and wastewater treatment, along with infrastructure and water quality protection,” says Mohamed Gamal El-Din, director of the Water Research Centre. “We are very enthusiastic to carry that work into the future.”
EPCOR’s investment will support research and initiatives both locally and across North America, focusing on water security and sustainability.
In addition to funding, EPCOR will provide in-kind support, including water and wastewater samples, infrastructure access, and hands-on training opportunities for students and researchers.
“The Water Research Centre will be a catalyst, bringing together experts from education, industry and government to address critical water-related problems and explore opportunities,” says John Elford, president and CEO of EPCOR. “Together, we can protect this essential resource and keep providing safe, reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services – today and for generations to come.”
While specific projects have not yet been announced, the WRC will build on ongoing water research at the U of A.
