Making the Invisible Visible – Translating Groundwater Science and Engineering to Ensure Canada’s Water Security

One third of Canadians drink groundwater, yet the threats to groundwater remain ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for most Canadians and decision makers. Small, rural communities and First Nations disproportionately rely on groundwater as a drinking water resources but often lack the resources to advocate for effective policy that ensures groundwater security. Although groundwater is Canada’s largest freshwater resource, it is significantly underrepresented in national policy and management frameworks.

The MITACS intern will work between Dalhousie University and the International Association of Hydrogeologists – Canadian National Chapter (IAH-CNC) to conduct applied research on effective means of translating relevant groundwater science into educational and policy material. Key knowledge translation and science mobilization priority initiatives of the IAH-CNC will be advanced through the associated policy and management products produced. The intern will work closely with senior hydrogeology consultants, government professionals, and academics within IAH-CNC membership to develop and refine groundwater management or policy recommendations, conduct stakeholder meetings, develop groundwater communications material, prepare an opinion editorial or review paper, and attend/lead key water-related conferences events to strength networks.

Faculty Supervisor:

Barret Kurylyk

Student:

Partner:

International Association of Hydrogeologists – Canadian Chapter – B.C. Section

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: