Global Institute for Water Security
banner
water.usask.ca
Global Institute for Water Security
@water.usask.ca
The Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) is a world-leading research institute based at the University of Saskatchewan, focused on addressing global #water challenges through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and collaboration.

water.usask.ca
Visiting PhD student, @samlucy.bsky.social, is studying the spread and impact of the invasive spiny water flea in Canada’s freshwater lakes.

Her work helps identify vulnerable ecosystems and informs strategies to protect biodiversity and water quality.

Read more: water.usask.ca/news-items/2...
Visiting Student Explores the Impact of the Spiny Water Flea in Canada - Global Institute for Water Security
Sam Lucy Behle is uncovering how a tiny invader, the spiny water flea, is reshaping Canada’s lakes
water.usask.ca
October 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Jeff McDonnell from @usask.ca for being awarded the @agu.org 2025 Robert E. Horton Medal for his important contributions to hydrology and water security!

Read more: water.usask.ca/news-items/2...
USask Hydrologist Honoured with Prestigious AGU Medal - Global Institute for Water Security
Dr. Jeffrey J. McDonnell of the University of Saskatchewan has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Robert E. Horton Medal by the American Geophysical Union for his groundbreaking contributions to hydrol...
water.usask.ca
September 26, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Join us for Water-Industry Connections on Oct 20 at USask (1:30–4:15 PM, Convocation Hall).

The event will include Industry and research perspectives, followed by networking and posters.

Register (free) and submit your poster here - space is limited: water.usask.ca/events/2025/...
September 23, 2025 at 10:17 PM
A new study by GIWS alum Magali Nehemy shows that in the dry season, Amazon trees recycle recent rainfall from shallow soils by rapidly transpiring it back into the atmosphere. This sustains the forest and contributes to “flying rivers” that help maintain rainfall across South America.
New study shows how Amazon trees use recent rainfall in the dry season and support the production of their own rain
Researchers explain how trees in the rainforest efficiently recycle water through rain to keep themselves hydrated in the dry season.
theconversation.com
September 9, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Reposted by Global Institute for Water Security
Next week is Postdoc Appreciation Week! Join CGPS from Sept. 15-19, to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of postdoctoral scholars at #USask. Register for Postdoc Appreciation events: buff.ly/o0KzPHK
September 9, 2025 at 4:54 PM
GIWS was delighted to host alum Julian Klause along with 19 geography students from the University of Bonn! Their visit included tours of our water and drone labs, a walk along the river, and a field trip to the iconic St. Denis National Wildlife Area.
September 5, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Yesterday was #WorldLakeDay!

Since 2014, researchers have monitored Buffalo Pound Lake to track bloom dynamics and deliver live data that helps provide clean drinking water to 25% of Saskatchewan.

Learn more research-groups.usask.ca/baulch/buffa...

@usask.ca @gwfobservatories.bsky.social
August 28, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The infamous Principles of Hydrology course is open for registration!

This intensive course is available for audit or credit and covers various hydrological principles in a Canadian context.

For more information, visit research-groups.usask.ca/hydrology/tr...

#Hydrology #Water #HydrologyCourse
August 19, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Environmental Micro- and Nanoplastic Identification & Characterisation Workshop
2–6 Feb 2026
@unibirmingham.bsky.social

Practical skills in microplastic sampling, processing, and analysis across aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Register now 👉 shop.bham.ac.uk/conferences-...
August 14, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Despite low flows in the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon’s water system is ready and resilient—thanks to strong planning, science-informed decisions, and ongoing monitoring.

@cityofsaskatoon.bsky.social

water.usask.ca/news-items/2...
Even in a Dry Year, Saskatoon's Drinking Water Is Reliable - Global Institute for Water Security
Saskatoon's water remains safe and reliable, even with low river levels, thanks to careful planning and ongoing monitoring.
water.usask.ca
July 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A new Water Health NSERC CREATE program will launch this fall!

This research & training program will examine the impact of physical, biological, chemical, & climatic stressors on water & human health

Read the new article in CWRA's Water News cwra.org/resources/wa...

water.usask.ca/waterhealth-...
July 28, 2025 at 7:37 PM
#PhDOpportunity: N₂O Emissions in Irrigated Cropping Systems

Start: Fall 2025/Winter 2026
📍@ulethbridge.ca, with coursework at @usask.ca

Position is a part of CanN20Net and FWNET NSERC Create programs

water.usask.ca/documents/jo...
July 25, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Reposted by Global Institute for Water Security
#USask researcher Dr. Markus Brinkmann is raising awareness about the environmental and health concerns that persist after flood waters recede.

“If you get a flood wave rushing through, you get deposition of harmful chemicals.”

#USaskResearch
news.usask.ca/articles/res...
Raising awareness of the unseen environmental impacts of floods - News
Floods are becoming increasingly common and intensifying across the globe.
news.usask.ca
July 25, 2025 at 4:41 PM
#PostDoc Opportunity: Remote Sensing of Carbon Dynamics in Beaver-Engineered Peatlands

Join @usask.ca to study how beavers shape montane peatlands and impact carbon stocks. Candidates must have expertise in #RemoteSensing

Application reviews start August 15th. usask.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
July 16, 2025 at 9:18 PM
The UN Environment Programme has released its Frontiers 2025 report, spotlighting emerging environmental issues with urgent global implications.

Markus Brinkmann, Director of @toxcentre.bsky.social and GIWS member, co-authoured the chapter with support of many!

water.usask.ca/news-items/2...
The Weight of Time - Frontiers 2025 Report - Global Institute for Water Security
The Frontiers Report spotlights emerging environmental issues before they escalate into global or regional crises. While these issues may currently appear localised or small-scale, early intervention is critical to prevent them from becoming widespread challenges.
water.usask.ca
July 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Lots of rain expected in the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River basin.

For those who are local - stay safe and informed!
Environment Canada is forecasting significant rainfall across the #Banff, #Canmore, and #Kananaskis regions this weekend, with 50–100 mm expected by Sunday, and some localized areas potentially reaching 200 mm. Thunderstorms, hail, and localized flooding are possible.
Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis region bracing for heavy rain
General precipitation amounts will range between 50 to 100 mm by Sunday afternoon, however some areas, especially along the southern foothills could see between 100-200 mm.
www.rmoutlook.com
June 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Reposted by Global Institute for Water Security
At #ICGP2025, Prof John Pomeroy joined world leaders urging immediate action to protect glaciers—and the billions who depend on them.

The Dushanbe Glacier Declaration calls for climate action, enhanced glacier monitoring, strengthened collaboration and increased investment in adaptation strategies.
Global Action Urged to Preserve Glaciers - and Humanity - at High-Level Dushanbe Conference - Global Water Futures
Prof. John Pomeroy, University of Saskatchewan, participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation where scientific, financial, and world leaders issued the Dushanbe Gla...
gwf.usask.ca
June 5, 2025 at 6:14 PM
We’re excited to announce the appointment of Brooke Klassen as GIWS’s new Associate Director!

Brooke is an Associate Professor with the Edwards School of Business at @usask.bsky.social – she will support strategic growth and interdisciplinary leadership at GIWS.

water.usask.ca/news-items/2...
May 22, 2025 at 6:33 PM
The South Saskatchewan River water levels in Saskatoon are low - too low for Saskatoon's iconic Prairie Lily to be able to start its annual cruises so far this year.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Saskatoon riverboat Prairie Lily docked due to low water levels, sandbars | CBC News
The Prairie Lily river boat has run aground after over a decade of sailing the South Saskatchewan River. On Wednesday, owners of the Saskatoon riverboat said the water level is so low that they can’t ...
www.cbc.ca
May 13, 2025 at 10:13 PM
We asked Dr. John Pomeroy (PhD) five questions to reflect on being awarded the prestigious Dooge Medal, his career, and his thoughts on our water future.

Dr. Pomeroy is the 3rd GIWS faculty member to be awarded the Dooge Medal (J. McDonnell 2016, H. Wheater 2018)

water.usask.ca/news-items/2...
Frozen Frontiers and Global Impact: Five Questions with Dr. John Pomeroy - Global Institute for Water Security
In this special feature, we ask Dr. Pomeroy five questions to reflect on what being awarded the prestigious Dooge Medal means to him, the inspirations and impacts of his career, and the future challen...
water.usask.ca
April 29, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Reposted by Global Institute for Water Security
Congratulations to world renowned water expert Dr. John Pomeroy on receiving a major international water research prize.

The International Hydrology Prize – Dooge Medal is awarded by the International Association of Hydrological Sciences,
@unesco.org and @wmo-global.bsky.social.
April 24, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Reposted by Global Institute for Water Security
Merging art and science helps make climate change more relatable and emotionally impactful, turning complex data into compelling narratives that inspire awareness and action. #SciArt #ArtSci #Climate

Join us on April 10th for a conversation on the art-climate nexus! usask-ca.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
April 1, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Exciting news from GIWS!

Multiple GIWS members have led and contributed to "The Intersection of Global Health and Sustainable Development: An International Perspective" regarding the vital connections between water, health, and a sustainable future.

Learn more here: www.e-elgar.com/shop/usd/the...
The Intersection of Global Health and Sustainable Development
This perceptive book highlights the significance of the natural intersection between global health and sustainable development, presenting new ways to simultaneously advance progress in both fields. S...
www.e-elgar.com
March 26, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Kerry McPhedran spoke at #TedXUniversityofSaskatchewan about how to take the 'waste' out of wastewater!

With the reuse of wastewater and stormwater gaining traction worldwide, how can society overcome the stigma with the idea of 'toilet to tap'? Astronauts do it, why can't we?

youtu.be/kDU6QaxdzNo
Shifting the ‘waste’ out of wastewater | Kerry McPhedran | TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
youtu.be
March 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Global Institute for Water Security
Voices making waves: Corinne Schuster-Wallace

Dr. Corinne Schuster-Wallace is the Executive Director of the @usaskwater.bsky.social. She founded the Women Plus Water community, is a chairholder with Cansu Global SITE and @unesco.org Mountain Water Sustainability, as is recognized as a Water Shero.
March 13, 2025 at 4:07 PM