Western Canada Water: News Blog Page

Award highlights outstanding research contributions to the water community

(DENVER, CO) - The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has announced Steve E. Hrudey as the recipient of the 2012 A.P. Black Award.

Hrudey is Professor Emeritus in Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. A leader in research, teaching and public policy, he has forged a diverse, interdisciplinary career in the environmental health sciences and risk management.

Hrudey will receive his award at AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE12) in Dallas, Texas on June 11, during the Opening General Session. He will also be the keynote speaker during the Opening of the Professional Program later that afternoon.

In addition to Hrudey's presentation, ACE12 will also offer unique events focused on sections, diversity issues, young professionals, students, public officials, operators, and international attendees as the world's water community gathers to explore the future of safe water, gain insight into cutting-edge research and best practices, and experience the latest products and services available today.

To register, visit http://www.awwa.org/ACE12  . Individuals interested in learning more can also follow ACE12 on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Link: http://www.winklertimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3507054

Monday, March 19th was a busy day in Manitoba. Two newly upgraded water treatment facilities in Winkler and St. Eustache held their grand openings. Various members of government, industry professionals, and the general public were invited to see the upgrades and participate in the ceremonies. Check out the links below for the full stories... Congratulations to the staff in Winkler and St. Eustache for all of their hard work leading up to this day. 

http://www.winklertimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3507054

http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3507252

Link: http://www.awwa.org/ACE12/

Registration is now open for this year’s AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE12), where attendees will choose from more than 100 sessions presented by 400 water professionals, exchange ideas with their peers at eight workshops, and hear from seven keynote speakers, including NFL hall of famer Emmitt Smith.

The conference is slated for June 10-14 at the Dallas Convention Center.

Other keynoters include Brian Fagan, author of “Elixir: Humans and the History of Water;” Richard B. Holmes, deputy general manager of engineering/operations for the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Las Vegas Valley Water District; and J. Kevin Ward, general manager of the Trinity River Authority. The yet-to-be-announced 2012 A.P. Black Research Awardee will also speak.

Conference sessions will offer knowledge across 18 distinct tracks, including Distribution & Plant Operations, Executive, Reuse and International concentrations. Special events include a variety of networking events; receptions for international members, young professionals and students; operator contests; and the Best of the Best Taste Test.

More than 500 exhibiting companies and organizations, spanning all aspects of the water industry, will show their wares in the exhibition hall. This year, specially-selected companies will present in the New Product Technology Showcase, an exclusive area in the hall featuring new and emerging technologies to help address the water challenges your organization faces. Also, the ACE Café is back by popular demand, so hall-goers can relax and enjoy a hot meal without ever leaving the show floor.

A wide variety of registration packages is available, ranging from Full Conference + President’s Reception to economical Operator’s Day and Student registrations. Super Saver Registration ends March 16, and discount rates are available through April 12. Registrations purchased on or after April 13 will be at on-site rates.

Water professionals who wish to attend ACE12 but face tightened travel budgets (or none at all) are encouraged to check out the “ACE12 Justification Toolkit” available at www.awwa.org/ace12. The kit includes information tailored to help present your case for travel, including a benefits and expenses worksheet and sample request letter.

Entries are also being accepted for the ACE12 Video Contest, where would-be attendees can explain “Why I want to attend ACE12” in a two-minute video and post it to AWWA’s Facebook fan page. One winner will receive a full-conference registration.

Gold sponsors of ACE12 include Neptune Technology Group and Badger Meter. Bronze sponsors include AECOM and CH2MHILL. Complete information on ACE12, including registration, attendee and exhibitor info is available at www.awwa.org/ace12.  

See you in Dallas!

Link: http://www.change.org/petitions/help-demonstrate-there-is-a-strong-market-for-westjet-to-fly-in-and-out-of-brandon/share/from_email?email_id=LNJXQGJCCYJTBNJVEVOF&share_action=share

Link: http://www.ijc.org/loslr/en/index.php

The International Joint Commission (IJC) today released information about a new approach to manage water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River system. Details of the approach are available at www.ijc.org/loslr.

Building on 50 years of experience, a five-year binational study and extensive public comment, the IJC is developing a new approach with the assistance of a Working Group of representatives from the governments of Canada, the United States, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the State of New York.

The flow of water from Lake Ontario down the St. Lawrence River is regulated by the Moses-Saunders Dam in accordance with the IJC's 1956 order of approval. The current regulation plan moderates extreme high and low water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. However, it is based on conditions of the last century, does not take the environment into account, and has no process for adapting to future challenges such as bigger storms and more severe droughts.

While continuing to moderate extreme high and low water levels, the new approach would allow for more natural water levels and flow patterns and is expected to produce significant environmental improvements. An Adaptive Management strategy would improve the capability to adapt to future changes, including socio-economic changes and significant changes in climate throughout the system