Water is a foundational element of the Canadian identity and its provision is critical for a healthy and prosperous nation. The Canadian Water Network (CWN) plays a vital role in ensuring that Canada benefits from its investments in research to manage our water resources more effectively and becomes a world leader in water management.

Established in 2001 and headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, CWN was created by the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program to connect Canadian and international water researchers with decision-makers engaged in priority water management issues.

We are the national conduit that brings together researchers, engineers and their students, along with practitioners and implementers, pooling their resources and uniting expertise to respond to water challenges and ensure a prosperous and healthy future for generations of Canadians.

Water — A Global Responsibility and a National Economic Advantage

With its vast supplies of water, not only does Canada have a global stewardship role in protecting its water resources, but also a strong economic rationale for its best management. Every industry in Canada relies on a clean, safe and sustainable supply of water. Accordingly, best management of our water resources is critical to maintaining public and environmental health as well as Canada’s global competitive advantage.

Essential Role of Partnerships and National Scope

CWN catalyzes and supports partnerships among the water research community, water managers and government regulators necessary for robust water research and delivery of tangible health, social and economic benefits. Development of our research programs begins by articulating the needs of end-users, so our research is relevant and outcomes are implemented.

This results in not only better application and adoption of knowledge, but strengthened relationships with our partners and their decision-making communities to expand involvement and further investment.

The essence of CWN is captured in our tagline — bringing water research to life.

We combine scientific excellence with communications, student training and network-building activities within three complementary themes of research —

• Protecting watersheds and ecosystems
• Protecting public health
• Ensuring sustainable water infrastructure

The outcomes for Canada from CWN research activities include —

• Reduced waterborne illnesses and the cost of public health protection by improving decision-makers’ ability to identify and minimize risks in communities across Canada
• Integrated management of Canada’s watersheds, to balance competing demands while protecting human health and the environment
• Advancing technology, management and governance for water treatment, distribution, protection and use of water resources

An Influential Role

CWN influences the national debate on water. Our network’s expertise is increasingly sought to inform water policy as well as improve water management and stewardship across municipal and provincial boundaries.

CWN initiatives currently engage more than 100 researchers and 200 students across 37 Canadian universities and connect them with more than 100 partners from industry, government and non-governmental organizations.