In this episode, Alison Penner from Reimagine Agriculture joins Els and dives into the hidden water crisis in our food system. With agriculture consuming 70% of global freshwater, Alison explores practical strategies like precision irrigation and reducing factory farming to cut water use.

Discover how policy changes and consumer awareness can transform our approach to water in agriculture. Learn about successful international efforts to reduce food waste and how these can be applied to save water and resources in Canada. Alison shares insights on empowering local farms and shifting subsidies to promote sustainable practices.

Join us for actionable insights and be part of the change. For more on water sustainability, check out Water Talks on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you find your podcasts.

Most cities have yet to realize that swimmable water is the ultimate key to healthier lakes, stronger communities, and a thriving environment. Dive into this eye-opening episode where Mark Mattson, environmental lawyer and founder of Swim Drink Fish Canada, reveals how swimmable waters are transforming city landscapes and health policies across North America.

You’ll discover how early experiences on Lake Ontario shaped Mark’s lifelong mission for cleaner waters and why swimming is more than just recreation—it's an essential rallying cry for water protection. We break down the critical role of citizen-led monitoring, the power of real-time data, and how community science is revolutionizing water safety and accountability. Mark shares stories empowering ordinary people to lead the charge for change.

We explore the startling persistence of sewage overflows and pollution, and how legal action, combined with community engagement, has already driven billions into restoration projects. Plus, learn why protecting water ecosystems requires much more than regulations—it's about building meaningful relationships with Indigenous nations, fostering cross-border cooperation, and understanding our water’s cultural and spiritual significance. From the Great Lakes to city streets, Mark underscores how water is deeply interconnected with our economy, health, and future resilience.

Mark also has a podcast on Soundcloud which you can find here.

Join us for another Water Talks episode, the first one of 2026! Host Els Vanbeckevoort is joined by Dr. Steven N Liss, Toronto Metropolitan University's Vice President, Head of Research and Innovation and Professor of Chemistry and Biology.

In this episode, we explore the future of water management with a focus on sustainable systems. Dr. Liss shares insights into innovative disinfection strategies and the role of data-driven approaches in enhancing water quality and reducing environmental impact. We also discuss the importance of digital twins in designing smarter water systems and how distributed systems can improve resilience in agriculture and small communities.

Perfect for anyone interested in advancing water safety and sustainability, this episode provides valuable knowledge for policymakers, engineers, and water industry professionals. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about SanEcoTec and their pioneering Water Health Index, a tool that empowers communities to achieve optimal water quality and safety. Discover how these innovations are leading the way in sustainable water solutions.