Although Canada is home to nearly 10% of the world's renewable fresh water, Canadians are not immune to water issues. Health problems related to water pollution cost $300 million per year. The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association estimates that replacing aging water infrastructure will cost $88.4 billion by 2012. Canadians pump enough raw sewage into waterways every year to fill over 40,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Urban runoff discharges more than a million tonnes of pollutants into the Great Lakes. Water-main breaks cost over $1 billion per year. There are hundreds of "boil water advisories" on First Nation reserves every year, and Canadians have experienced contaminated water crisis in Walkerton, Ontario, and North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Together with its researchers, partners and students, the Canadian Water Network (CWN) is addressing current and emerging water issues and transforming research into economic and social benefits for the nation.

The CWN is working to reduce people's exposure to dangerous waterborne organisms, cut the cost and improve the efficiency of water and wastewater treatment technology, lessen the damage of agricultural runoff from high-intensity farms and waste water from new developments and subdivisions, and determine if pharmaceuticals entering waterways have negative effects on the environment.

Arsenic, found naturally in the earth's crust, has been responsible for many environmental poisonings throughout history. Exposure to high levels of arsenic from drinking water is directly associated with skin, bladder and lung cancers. However, the adverse health effects from lower levels of arsenic are debatable. Almost all Canadians are exposed to arsenic in drinking water, most at very low levels.

Researchers from the CWN are working with provincial health and environment departments, Alberta Health and Wellness, Health Canada, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. National Cancer Institute to study the different types of arsenic and health effects associated with the low levels Canadians are exposed to. Dr. Chris Le, a CWN researcher, has worked with Health Canada to lower recommended maximum arsenic levels from 0.025mg/L to 0.01 mg/L.

Researchers are also designing an arsenic map of Canada to identify "hot spots" where arsenic levels exceed federal guidelines. This invaluable tool helps the provinces to identify problem areas. It can also help them identify the populations at risk, advise communities on risk management or find an alternative supply.

Researchers are also designing treatment systems to remove arsenic. The research is not only applicable in Canada, but countries such as Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Mongolia, Argentina and Chile, where arsenic is a serious health threat.

Every spring, the Network hosts a week-long workshop during which 30 graduate students travel the entire length of a major Canadian watershed. This year, students focussed on integrated water-resource management in the South Saskatchewan River Basin. Participants leaned first-hand about the various industrial, municipal and agricultural demands on water quality and quantity. The workshop provided excellent networking opportunities for students and young professionals studying water issues in disciplines ranging from engineering to social sciences. Students taking part in this workshop will be the scientists, engineers and decision makers responsible for protecting the natural environment and providing clean drinking water to Canadians in the future.

Much of Canada's water infrastructure is approaching the end of its functional life. CWN researchers are working with nearly 20 communities in Ontario to reduce the cost of repair and replacement of underground water infrastructure. Using GPS-enabled robots to pinpoint areas needing urgent repair, municipalities are able to prioritize repairs so that tax dollars are spent wisely.

Canadian Water Network - CWN (2001-2012)
Focus:	To establish and nurture partnerships and communities of practice that bring together multidisciplinary research excellence and water managers providing innovation and highly qualified people to address water resource management.
Funding:	$46 million for entire funding period
Strength:	36 researchers and 180 Highly Qualified Personnel
Partnership Power:	163 industry, public service and academic partners
Scientific Director:	Dr. Mark Servos
Web site:	www.cwn-rce.ca