EDMONTON, ALBERTA, April 30, 2013 -- Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES) announced the selection of 18 research projects in support of safe, secure drinking water; healthy aquatic ecosystems; and reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy.
The projects selected for the Water Resource Sustainability Program will receive up to $1.5M each to a total investment of $10M in support of the Government of Alberta's "Water for Life" strategy.
"With a growing population and expanding economy, it is critical that Alberta has accurate, reliable and useful information and a suite of practical approaches for managing our water resources," said Eddy Isaacs, CEO of AI-EES. "These projects will provide the crucial information we need to support an actionable strategy for safe, secure and sustainable water for Albertans."
The 18 research projects range from understanding perceptions about water quality in rural Alberta to collaboration between local and international researchers who will work together to develop a monitoring scheme for arsenic in rural Alberta's well water to validating reclamation targets, design criteria and policy for sustainable wetland habitat.
Projects were considered based on the focus areas of:
- Water Security, Risk and Vulnerability
- Watershed Stewardship and Ecosystem Management
- Increased Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity of Surface Water and Ground Water Use.
Applicants for the program included researchers from academic institutions, non-profit research establishments, private industry, and provincial and federal research centres. Applicable research programs required a strong Alberta connection, with preference given to those projects led by an Albertan researcher.
ABOUT AI-EES
Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES) is the lead agency for energy and environmental research in Alberta. It is a catalyst to promote the development of innovative, integrated ways to convert Alberta's natural resources into market-ready, environmentally responsible energy and the sustainable management of Alberta's water resources. AI-EES brings together decision makers from government, industry and the resource community, as well as research and technology organizations, to develop solutions for the biggest challenges facing Alberta's energy and environment sectors.
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