Watermark reaches the qualified decision-makers in this multi-billion dollar industry throughout British Columbia and the Yukon five times per year

Thriving Together Through Turbulent Waters

Geopolitical unrest, uneasy financial markets, cybersecurity threats, worldwide procurement challenges, a global pandemic, atmospheric flooding events, and periods of drought — there is a lot to be concerned about! If it feels like you and your team are constantly ‘swimming upstream’ dealing with a series of problems, you’re not alone. The good news is that despite all the challenges our water community and professionals have persevered, adapting to and mitigating such effects on our communities and projects.

We are seeking articles, company profiles, and advertisements for the spring issue of Watermark that highlight projects that have successfully completed despite the challenges, as well as the strategies, techniques, tools, products, and services that have helped our communities and water professionals overcome and thrive during this time of threats and upheaval.

Key topics:

• The impact of a changing climate on water resources
• Environmental protection and resource conservation
• Reducing emissions from wastewater treatment plants
• Protecting water sources from the effects of climate change
• Solutions in sustainability; new technologies
• Green infrastructure
• Current progress on adapting to climate change effects

Climate change is an observable reality in the water sector. As we move through more volatile environmental changes in BC and the Yukon, from enduring droughts to widespread flooding, there is a critical need to engage with and implement sustainable solutions and infrastructure that reduce impact and contribute to overall systemic change. While there is no quick fix to our climate change woes, this issue seeks to update the water sector on what progress is being made and inspire an unrelenting optimism for sustainable, equitable water systems.

We are seeking articles, company profiles, and advertisements for the summer issue of Watermark that speak to the concerns of climate change facing the water sector and what solutions and innovations are delivering action and mitigating effects, such as achieving net-zero emissions, safeguarding water sources and resource conservation. We encourage articles that explore potential opportunities for innovative solutions and continue the global conversation about what needs to happen to protect ourselves and future generations.

Key topics:

• Watershed management
• Issues of source protection, water contamination and potential solutions
• The issue of plastics and chemical contaminants in our water systems
• Using appropriate infrastructure to form reliable barriers to contaminants
• Use of UV disinfection
• Backflow issues; backflow testing
• Assessing water quality; testing procedures

Accessing clean, potable water by turning a tap is a triumph of humanity. But we know that much more happens behind the scenes. Every day, governments, organizations, communities, and water professionals work to ensure that water sources and systems are properly safeguarded, operated, maintained, and managed and that clean, safe drinking water is available and provided to the public.

For the fall issue of Watermark, we are seeking articles, company profiles, and advertisements that address the key issues and conversations around water resources, asset management, water treatment and distribution, and water potability. This can include articles on public health, contamination risks such as plastics, PFAS, and chemical contaminants, water quality issues, and the treatment and filtration processes paving the way. What issues or advancements are top of mind when ensuring clean drinking water? What tools, techniques, products, or services are changing your approach?

We encourage submissions that touch on cross-connection control, backflow testing and small water systems.

Key topics:

• Asset management; environmental reports; appraisals; community consultations
• Emergency preparedness and disaster response
• Customer communication and ensuring potable water during an emergency
• Ensuring water safety; water testing; education programs
• Ongoing improvements and updates to systems

Planning and preparedness are key to ensuring that our water systems function properly and continue to protect public health and the environment. Whether preparing for an emergency or disaster or planning for a future upgrade or facility improvement, the groundwork starts with effective planning, preparation and collaboration.

We are seeking articles, company profiles, and advertisements for the winter issue of Watermark that focus on the practice of preparing and planning for water and wastewater infrastructure projects and services. What experiences, perspectives, tools, technologies, partnerships, and best practices would inform fellow water professionals? What makes a successful education or training program? What were the outcomes and learnings? How did you and your team navigate obstacles and sudden changes? We encourage submissions that touch on recent events, professional experiences, recently completed programs or projects, research, and case studies.