The new tornado alley

The climate is changing around Saskatchewan, and as a result, tornado warnings were unusually frequent in the summer of 2012 with more recorded touchdowns than any year on record. Canada Research Chair and GIWS member John Pomeroy comments on the change in On Campus News.

GIWS welcomes Jeffrey McDonnell, hydrology specialist

On July 1, 2012, the Global Institute for Water Security welcomed world-renowned hydrologist, Jeffrey McDonnell to the U of S. Jeff joins the university as professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability.

Water table is full

GIWS member Cherie Westbrook discusses the water table in Saskatchewan and its storage capacity after seasons of heavy rainfall.

Farm science

U of S scientists and GIWS members awarded $3.4 million to help farmers reduce agricultural greenhouse gases.

Snow whisperers

U of S water researchers are studying how sound waves travel through snow to produce snow property profiles.

U of S scientist Jim Hendry works with mining industry to protect water supplies

When industry needs to manage toxins in mine tailings, keep potash brine and livestock waste out of groundwater, or plan long-term storage of nuclear waste, they seek out the knowledge and advice of University of Saskatchewan geoscientist Jim Hendry.

Water institute truly global

GIWS marked its first anniversary on International Water Day, March 22, and is proving, as the name implies, its research scope is far reaching—from as close to home as the South Saskatchewan River Basin, to as far away as Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.

The trickle down effect

John Pomeroy, Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change discusses the loss of a precious Western Canadian water resource that's under threat - Snow.

Beating the heat - GIWS/SENS team wins Invitational Drought Tournament

On March 2, a multidisciplinary team of students and post-doctoral fellows from GIWS and SENS beat out teams from universities across the prairies to take home top prize at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Invitational Drought Tournament held in Saskatoon.

GIWS research provides hope in times of uncertainty

If this season's mild winter and lack of snowfall make anything certain, it is only how uncertain the future is. GIWS researchers are looking for ways to help farmers and communities across the prairies plan for the future in the face of climate change. It is a challenging task, but one with potential solutions.

Report by U of S Centre for Hydrology suggest new operating plan for Gardiner Dam

John Pomeroy and Kevin Shook, GIWS members from the U of S Centre for Hydrology, presented their special review of the 2010-11 operations of Gardiner Dam to the SWA last month. The report found the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority did a good job considering the year's unusual conditions, but improvements to the system are needed.

Hold the salt: coastal drinking water more vulnerable to water use than climate change

Human activity is likely a greater threat to coastal groundwater used for drinking water supplies than rising sea levels from climate change, according to a study conducted by geoscientists from the University of Saskatchewan and McGill University in Montreal.

GIWS Executive member Lee Barbour receives research chair to help reclaim oil sands land

U of S geoscientist Lee Barbour has been awarded a $2.6-million industrial research chair backed by the federal Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Syncrude to provide critical insights into the performance of reclaimed mining areas.

U of S NSERC Chair works with mining industry to protect water supplies

For nearly two decades, U of S geoscientist and GIWS research group member Jim Hendry has worked to define the leading edge of environmental science, helping companies operate while protecting vital water supplies.

National Water Research Institute scientist recognized with top research paper award

Environment Canada research scientist Philip Marsh was honoured by the American Geophysical Union as author of one of the top 5 papers in Water Resources Research.

Centre for Hydrology PhD student awarded AGU Horton research grant

PhD student Nicholas Kinar is one of two recipients of the prestigious American Geophysical Union Horton Research Grant 2011.

U of S survey targets water quality in rural Saskatchewan

For people who live in Saskatoon or Regina, getting a glass of water is as convenient as turning on the nearest tap. But safe, drinkable water isn’t nearly as accessible for many people living in rural Saskatchewan.

Global Institute for Water Security members mourn death of Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz

It is with sadness that the Global Institute for Water Security acknowledges the death of Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz al Saud, champion for global water security research and innovation.

Toxicology Centre student unlocks secrets of mercury

More than one billion people around the world depend upon fish for protein in their diet. But the threat of mercury poisoning, especially in children, has raised concerns about the safety of eating fish.

New Canada Research Chair in Predictive Aquatic Ecotoxicohydrology

Markus Hecker receives funding through the Canada Research Chair program to develop tools and models to predict how fish species native to Canadian watersheds respond to contaminants in their environment.

National Forum for Leadership on Water makes stop in Saskatoon.

On October 7, 2011, the Global Institute for Water Security hosted Bob Sandford and a panel of U of S water experts to discuss regional water policy issues.

Algae and Lake Diefenbaker

Global Institute for Water Security research at Lake Diefenbaker highlighted in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.

Water supply predictions uncertain: Pomeroy

Rapid Changes in snow and ice in mountainous and northern environments are making the water supply predictions uncertain, experts say.

Water security in a changing world

Howard Wheater discusses current global water issues in a keynote address at the World Statistics Congress of the International Statistical Institute

Canada West Foundation report

The Wave of the Future: Water Policy in Western Canada report discusses water policy issues, challenges and priorities for Western Canada.

Alberta Environment Monitoring Panel report released

Howard Wheater lent his expertise and knowledge of sustainable water management to the 12-member panel making recommendations for a world class environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting system for the Alberta oil sands.

Planning Ahead Vital

Professor John Pomeroy, head of the Centre for Hydrology, calls for more study into the effects of climate change on Canadian hydrology.

Howard Wheater joins Premiers' Water Partner Advisory Committee

Canada's Premiers are taking steps towards protecting water resources through the Water Stewardship Council and Partner Advisory Committee.

U of S Professor and Water Researcher Awarded AAG Presidential Achievement Award

Patricia Gober, professor in the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and water policy researcher is the first female recipient of the AAG Presidential Achievement Award.

Howard Wheater to serve as chair of Council of Canadian Academies expert panel

Director of Global Institute for Water Security to chair expert panel on water and agriculture.

Global Institute for Water Security Launched

On World Water Day, March 22, 2011, the University of Saskatchewan officially launched the Global Institute for Water Security.

Water a concern for everyone: expert

Howard Wheater, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Water Security, was featured in the Regina Leader-Post on February 5, 2011.

“Water Music” - CERC Howard Wheater featured in Green & White

Howard Wheater, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Water Security, was featured in the latest issue of the Green & White

U of S researchers awarded $2 million to develop cleaner oilsands technology

Oilsands companies may soon get greener, thanks to a federal and provincial investment of more than $2 million announced today for a promising new technology being developed by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan Toxicology Centre.

U of S Biologist Part of International Team That Finds Carbon Emissions Threaten Fish Populations

The world’s oceans are becoming more acidic due to CO2 emissions from human activity and this will have far-reaching consequences for the sustainability of fish populations, according to groundbreaking new research carried out in Australia’s coral reefs. Read more...

Better water science needed

Given Saskatchewan's wet spring, it may seem like odd timing to be raising alarm bells about the potential for long-term water scarcity on the Prairies due to climate change. Read more...

$30-M Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security Awarded to U of S

The U of S has been awarded a prestigious $30 million Canada Excellence Research Chair focused on creating a global water security institute. Led by renowned water expert Howard Wheater, the team will concentrate on solving critical challenges for domestic and global water security.

Chemical linked to Decline of Endangered Fish

John Giesy, U of S Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology, working with research colleagues from Peking University in Beijing, has found a link between the chemical triphenyltin (TPT) and deformities in Chinese sturgeon.

U of S Researcher Serves on National Panel on Groundwater Issues

John Pomeroy, Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change at the U of S, was part of a 15-member expert panel requested by Natural Resources Canada.

Federal Government Announces Major Investment in U of S Water Research

U of S researchers receive federal funding to develop software that will help energy developers make environmentally responsible decisions on power plant locations by determining the impact on water quantity and quality.

U of S Has Its Own Einstein

John Giesy, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology, has been named an Einstein Professor by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), a distinction reserved for potential winners of Nobel and other major science awards.

U of S Researcher Leads National Watershed Cumulative Effects Assessment Program

Monique Dube, Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Ecosystem Health Diagnosis at the U of S, leads a National Watershed Cumulative Effects Assessment Program through the Canadian Water Network.

U of S CRC Leads International Water Research Initiative

John Pomeroy, Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change, has been named incoming chair of the 4th Annual Biennium of the international Decade for Prediction in Ungauged Basins (PUB).