Understanding water security through research, policy, infrastructure and community action
Clean, reliable water is often taken for granted in Canada—but growing pressures from climate change, population growth, aging infrastructure and governance challenges are reshaping that reality.
Research Talks: Water Crisis in Waterloo Region brings together researchers, practitioners and community leaders to examine how we balance growth, governance and sustainability in shaping our water future.
The panel begins with Indigenous perspectives on water, grounding the conversation in long-standing relationships of stewardship and responsibility. From there, speakers explore local groundwater reliance, the role of community engagement and the complexities of water governance across jurisdictions. Infrastructure experts will explain why water systems take decades to plan and billions of dollars to build, and why delayed investment creates lasting consequences.
Research perspectives are woven throughout, highlighting how science informs water treatment, ecosystem protection and long-term resilience. Global case studies—from Texas and Australia to Europe—demonstrate that water challenges are shared worldwide and that proven solutions exist when communities act early and collaboratively.
Designed for community audiences, this free event emphasizes accessibility, practical understanding and pathways for engagement—empowering participants to better understand water systems and their role in protecting them.
“Research Talks” is a signature event hosted by the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International at the University of Waterloo. The event includes a combination of presentations by Waterloo researchers and external speakers who share insights about their work. Each presentation is followed by a panel discussion and a Q&A session with the audience, focusing on relevant topics and challenges.
