Released on April 8, 2010
Dr. Stephanie Young's research team at the University of Regina (U of R) will install and pilot test greywater reclamation technology at the campus' Research & Innovation Centre to prepare it for the commercial marketplace thanks to a federal and provincial government investment announced today.
"Our Government is investing in innovative research which will help strengthen our economy and support made-in-Canada solutions to environmental challenges," said Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
"Saskatchewan institutions have been at the forefront in developing technologies that assist industry to preserve the environment while maximizing output," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "It is why we support the greywater reclamation project. We want to see more of our innovations go from the labs to market for everyday use."
Dr. Young's research team members will be pilot testing five plants that reclaim and reuse greywater for small applications. Substituting reclaimed water (greywater) for purposes that do not require high-quality drinking water, such as irrigation or toilet flushing, helps extend available fresh water supplies, and also substantially decreases the wastewater load into sewage collection systems. The reclamation plants are expected to be commercialized nationally and internationally where they will help conserve water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems. Six patents have already been submitted for assessment for the innovative technologies related to the greywater reclamation system that has been selected for the Award of Innovation 2010.
An investment of $202,400 is being provided under the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) for the testing, while the non-profit organization, Communities of Tomorrow, itself a recipient of WEPA funding, will provide $75,000.
"Communities of Tomorrow supports the development of technologies and innovative solutions for problems municipalities face every day," Communities of Tomorrow President John Lee said. "Solutions to infrastructure challenges, like this greywater reclamation technology led by Dr. Stephanie Young, can be developed, tested and prepared for the world market right here in Saskatchewan."
"This is the latest example of the U of R partnering with governments to develop practical solutions to issues facing our world," University of Regina Vice-President of Research Dr. David Gauthier. "We deeply appreciate the funding support provided by WD, our provincial government and Communities of Tomorrow through the years. Our long-standing relationships have proved beneficial not only for our researchers at the University of Regina, but also for the greater community that benefits from the applied solutions that result from research."
Communities of Tomorrow works with municipalities, industry and researchers to find innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges, as well as capitalize on the trillion-dollar global market for infrastructure.
Both Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca
Joanne Johnson
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7967
Email: joanne.johnson@enterprisesask.ca
Dale Johnson
University of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-585-5439
Email: dale.johnson@uregina.ca