SDG 6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Key Stats
Progress on SDG6: volume of cubic meters of water used in the University of Alberta's North Campus from 2020 - 2025.
Source: Energy + Climate Action
2025 research impact
- № relevant publications: 279
- № citations: 1,616
sample Courses
- ENV E 421 - Municipal Systems
- ENV E 440 - Facility Design
- EXERM 4291 - Applied Hydrogeology in Alberta
- CIV E 321 - Principles of Environmental Modeling and Risk
- CIV E 331 - Applied Hydraulics
- CIV E 431 - Water Resources Engineering
Videos
Institutional Stewardship Initiatives
City of Edmonton Drainage Services Bylaw
The University of Alberta Utilities Group operates (North Campus) or manages (remaining campuses) the storm and sanitary system for the university; wastewater is then sent for treatment at local municipal facilities. Wastewater treatment is subject to Bylaw 18093 (drainage bylaw). Water quality standards and guidelines ensure the protection of ecosystems, wildlife and human health and welfare.
Water Extraction
The University of Alberta complies with the Alberta Water Act. The Act supports and promotes the conservation and management of water through the use and allocation of water in Alberta. It requires the establishment of a water management framework and sets out requirements for the preparation of water management plans.
The University of Alberta gets its water from the North Saskatchewan River, which is the sole water source for the city of Edmonton. Water is extracted and treated by EPCOR's E.L. Smith and Rossdale Water Treatment Plants, filtered, and then sent to the university. EPCOR has implemented several sustainable practices and technologies for both water intake and wastewater treatment. These include protecting the broader river watershed, specialized fish-safe intakes, and wastewater treatment that reclaims energy and recycles water.
As Edmonton's sole source of water supply, the North Saskatchewan River is fundamental to our sustainability. Water supply has become an increasingly urgent challenge throughout the world due to drought, pollution and ever-increasing levels of human consumption.
See more SDG 6 institutional stewardship initiatives
Research Institutes, Centres & Projects
Advanced Water Research Lab
The Advanced Water Research Lab (AWRL) is developing high-performance membrane materials, processes and characterization methods of water recycling and reuse, particularly in the in situ oil sands extraction industry. The research programs in AWRL contribute to the science of polymer and nanocomposite materials in various applications, including desalination and wastewater treatment, energy and pharmaceutical.
Water & Resource Recovery Lab
A project based out of the University of Alberta, the Water & Resource Recovery Lab provides information, resources, public engagement and policy implementation roadmaps for water reuse and resource recovery systems. The project focuses on wastewater reuse, stormwater use and rainwater use. University of Alberta researcher Nicholas Ashbolt informed the recent creation of a set of Public Health Guidelines for Water Reuse and Stormwater Use released by Alberta Health Services to guide water reuse projects in Alberta.
See more SDG 6 research institutes, centres and projects