Alberta Innovates — Water Innovation Program

The Water Innovation Program offers critical funding to support projects aimed at ensuring safe drinking water, maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, and securing reliable water supplies for a robust and sustainable economy. It focuses on fostering innovation and technological development to address Alberta's water challenges, supporting a wide range of eligible applicants committed to advancing water technology.

The Water Innovation Program is a strategic initiative designed to address the increasingly complex challenges associated with water management in Alberta. The province, while rich in water resources, faces growing demand due to population growth and the multifaceted impacts of climate change. This program recognizes that water is not only a vital element for life and economic activities but also a key component requiring protection and innovative management to ensure its availability for current and future generations.

At the core of the program are its well-defined themes that guide funding support to areas with the potential for significant environmental and economic impact. These include managing future water supplies and watersheds, ensuring the health of aquatic ecosystems, advancing water conservation and productivity, and protecting water quality. Projects funded under this program are expected to develop and implement innovative technologies or strategies that enhance Alberta's water security, support its ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The theme of future water supply and watershed management highlights the importance of a comprehensive understanding of Alberta’s hydrological systems. Most Albertans depend on surface water from major rivers originating in the Rocky Mountains. Thus, studies and projects focusing on these systems' sustainability are critical, as is the inclusion of groundwater considerations. Funded projects under this theme strive to provide holistic strategies and tools to effectively manage water resources amidst uncertainties such as climate variability.

Similarly, the health of aquatic ecosystems is emphasized as a vital factor for Albertans' quality of life and ecological services. With anticipated pressures from urban and industrial expansion, alongside climate fluctuations, the program encourages developing methods and technologies to preserve ecosystem integrity. Projects might explore reclamation techniques, biodiversity preservation, or the development of predictive models to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.

Water conservation, efficiency, and productivity are crucial, given the constraints on sustainably extracting water from Alberta's natural water systems. The program promotes innovations that optimize water usage across various sectors, introducing tools to enhance decision-making regarding water resource management. This could include technology for more efficient agriculture, industrial processes, or urban planning to ensure economic activities do not compromise essential environmental flows.

Protecting water quality is another fundamental aspect, particularly as emerging contaminants pose threats to both surface and groundwater. The program prioritizes understanding and mitigating the impacts of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and agricultural runoff. Efforts may also focus on improved water treatment processes to meet the needs of rural and Indigenous communities, which are often disproportionately affected by water quality issues.

Eligible applicants for this program come from diverse backgrounds, including technology developers, academic researchers, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations, among others. While applicants do not need to be based in Alberta, they must clearly demonstrate their project's value proposition for the province and alignment with the program's themes. The continuous intake format allows for ongoing application submissions, enabling timely support for emerging water innovation projects.

In summary, the Water Innovation Program facilitates the development and application of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to address the complex water challenges facing Alberta. By supporting projects that innovate in water use, quality, and ecosystem health, it aims to secure Alberta's water future, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. This program not only safeguards vital natural resources but also positions Alberta as a leader in water innovation, contributing significantly to the water sector's clean technology advancements.