Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Research
WesternWater Centre
The WesternWater Centre (WWCTR) focuses on innovative solutions for managing and treating water supplies amid escalating global demands. This Engineering-based group, collaborating with industry partners and students, addresses challenges such as energy recovery, phosphorus and organics extraction, plastics removal, and industrial wastewater recycling, creating real-world solutions and reclaiming resources from waste.
Research for Subsurface Transport and Remediation
RESTORE (Research for Subsurface Transport and Remediation) conducts innovative research aimed at addressing the sustainable management of our water resources through the development of engineering technologies in addition to enhancing understanding of natural hydrogeologic systems. Key research areas include soil and groundwater contamination and remediation, surface-groundwater interactions, and green roof technology.
Teaching
Water Resource Management Courses
The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering offers a range of courses in drinking water treatment at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Key specialized courses include:
- Watershed Modelling
- Environmental Assessment Process for Water Resources
- Environmental Water Chemistry
- Modeling and Simulation of Wastewater Processes
- Water Quality and Treatment
- Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport
Master of Environment and Sustainability
As part of the Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) program, the Engineering Solutions course equips students with critical skills in wastewater treatment and water pollution control. Through practical exercises and case studies, students learn to apply advanced strategies for managing pollution and treating wastewater.
Outreach
WaterAid
WaterAid Western aims to fundraise and bring awareness to make clean drinking water, reliable toilets, and good hygiene accessible to everyone. Having previously won Student Chapter of the Year in Ontario, Western Water Chapter also gives students the opportunity to explore the water industry.
WaterAid club leaders Megan Somerville (left) and Elline Zhuge (right)
CEMS Students at Ivey Explore Clean Water Solutions
During a visit to Trojan Technologies, CEMS Masters in International Management exchange students at Ivey Business School explored how local innovations tackle global water issues. Part of their Global Leadership course, the visit showcased Trojan’s UV water treatment solutions and their worldwide applications, highlighting the significant role of local businesses in resolving global water safety challenges.
Enhancing Water Security Through Collaborative Efforts
Western University and the University of Guelph highlight the role of collaborative water sharing agreements in improving water quality for First Nations communities. The research focuses on the recent initiative connecting the Oneida Nation of the Thames with the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System, emphasizing the importance of strong communication and coordination for sustainable water security. This approach demonstrates a strategic pathway to resolve long-standing water advisories through enhanced cooperative efforts.
Water Purification Startup
Ivey student Shirley Zhong co-founded Xatoms, a water purification startup that recently won $500,000 at Startupfest 2024. The company, which uses quantum chemistry and AI to purify water, will compete in the Hult Prize Global Accelerator and Finals in London, U.K. Zhong, inspired by her role in the Western Hult Prize Competition, teamed up with two University of Toronto students to launch Xatoms. With support from Ivey’s faculty and resources, the team is now preparing to bring their innovative solution to global markets, starting with potential pilot projects in Kenya.
The co-founders of Xatoms, a water purification startup, (L to R) Diana Virgovicova, HBA student Shirley Zhong, and Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou at the Hult Prize Lisbon Summit
Operations
Refill. Rehydrate. Repeat.
Western University has stopped selling plastic bottled water, offering over 200 free water bottle filling stations instead. Plastic bottles are no longer available at university events, vending machines, or eateries. This policy aligns with the UN SDGs, promoting accessible drinking water and sustainability through reduced plastic consumption and enhanced energy efficiency.
Rain Infiltration Garden
The Rain Infiltration Garden is a low-impact development system located by the Physics and Astronomy Building. It is Western’s first naturalized rain garden, featuring low-maintenance native plants that help rainwater infiltrate into the ground, rather than flow as stormwater runoff, into the sewer system. The garden promotes biodiversity with native plants and enhances the pedestrian experience. Seating allows community members to enjoy the garden and wildlife.
London Wastewater Facility and Water Efficiency Upgrades
Western wastewater is treated at the Greenway Pollution Control Plant, the largest facility in London, handling over 60% of the city’s wastewater. This collaboration allows for full-scale testing and demonstration of new wastewater treatment technologies.
- Backflow Device Testing: 651 devices tested annually to protect drinking water.
- Greywater System: Reused 10 million liters of water since 2017 for various services, reducing municipal water usage.
