There are about 180 public water treatment plants in Manitoba relying on surface water with high organic content as their source of supply. Organic carbon in the water reacts with chlorine during water disinfection. This reaction forms carcinogenic compounds w hich pose a health risk for people consuming the water. The Waterhen water treatment plant is an example of typical Manitoba treatment plant that is suffering from high organic carbon resulting in high concentrations of these carcinogenic byproducts.

Approximately one fifth of all silver produced in North America comes from recycled sources. A large percentage of this is recovered from medical x-rays. Essential Silver Incorporated (ESI) is a silver recycling business based in British Columbia. The company proposes to purchase and streamline a number of silver recycling businesses across North America using x-rays as their primary input. In order to do this, ESI must have a clear understanding of the quantity of x-ray material available and any fluctuations in supply that might occur.

The purpose of the research project is to develop options for the reduction of the carbon footprint at Hydro One Networks Inc. (HONI). The research will focus on helping HONI meet a reduction goal of half of current emission levels over the next decade. The company has taken preliminary steps to assess and plan for the reduction of the company’s carbon footprint, including the collection of preliminary data and the outlining of programs to reduce their impact on the environment.

The world is facing a global water crisis, but the developing world is not the only one with a lack of access to safe drinking water; it is also an issue in many communities across Canada – particularly on First Nations Reserves. It should be a priority for Canada to reach 100% access to clean drinking water.