New study with Water Institute member Dr. Jozef Nissimov, is the first to show experimentally that viral infections can trigger significant toxin release from harmful algae.
After long winters, Canadians love their summers. For some, that means summer vacations by a lake, along a river or on a bay for some much-needed rest and relaxation. For some, it’s time to disconnect at the dock, while for others it’s a time to cruise the lake or enjoy the thrill of water-skiing, tubing and wake-boarding.
The Water Institute is proud to celebrate Bhaleka Persaud, who earned 3rd place in the 2025 WDS Data Stewardship Awards.
We are thrilled to share that Water Institute member Dr. Maria Strack has been recently named Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Wetland Climate Solutions. This prestigious Chair builds on her previous role as CRC in Ecosystems and Climate, expanding her focus to more directly support Canada’s climate goals through wetland conservation, restoration and sustainable use. Backed by $1.4 million in funding, this new Chair will drive forward research at the intersection of wetlands and climate action.
The world’s longest continuous water quality dataset has inspired an unexpected artistic creation — a new piece of music that tells the story of the River Thames through sound.
Roy Brouwer, Professor in the Department of Economics, University Research Chair in Water Resources Economics, and Executive Director of the Water Institute, has been appointed to the Science Advisory Board – Science Priority Committee of the International Joint Commission (IJC), a binational partnership between Canada and the United States managing shared waters.
On March 22, the Water Institute marked World Water Day—an annual event bringing together students, researchers, and community members to reflect on our relationship with water. This year’s event aligned with the United Nations’ 2025 theme, Glacier Preservation, and featured insightful talks from distinguished speakers, a showcase of emerging research, and a special recognition of alumni driving change in water management.
The Water Institute is pleased to announce that Rachael Messenger-Lehmann has been awarded the 2025 John Parish Memorial Graduate Scholarship. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding research in fluvial geomorphology—the study of rivers, their processes, and how they influence the landscape.
Understanding ice dynamics in the Yukon’s St. Elias Mountains to prepare for sea level rise and protect water resources
A study led by a University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Water Institute researcher has learned that climate change is causing an increase in algae blooms in the United Kingdom’s River Thames despite a four-decade-long decline in phosphorus loads. The study completed a detailed analysis of the river’s 150-year water quality record to examine these trends.