Big data, internet of things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are rapidly making their way into the water industry. A plethora of organizations in the water sector are pushing the envelope and taking us into the digital water future. Coupled with the right business models, these technologies are bringing new capabilities for managing water systems that will have an unprecedented impact in reducing costs, optimizing capital investments, and increasing revenue…

In January 2016, the City of Mississauga became the largest municipality in Canada to charge customers with a stormwater fee. This funding is earmarked for the municipal stormwater conveyance, quality, and flow control services, including the building of reserves for future infrastructure. This municipality is not the first one to have a stormwater fee. There are eight additional municipalities in Ontario that have established a stormwater rate: Aurora, Kitchener, London,…

When the human right to life-sustaining drinking water and healthy sanitation is violated, anyone can call their governments to account. Those whose rights were violated also have the option of filing a claim in court. At least four legal frameworks protect the human right to water and sanitation. This protection is expressly found in, or derived from, other rights articulated in international instruments such as the 1976 International Covenant on…