WASH Canada Trainee Mi Xuan (Joyce) Wong from Simon Fraser University presents on microbial source tracking at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia Ibagué-Espinal campus.
WASH Canada Trainee Cristian Garcia-Sanchez from Université Laval presents his PhD research on analyzing, characterizing and co-developing drinking water solutions with palafitic communities in Colombia.
WASH Field School participants enjoy a game of Tejo, Colombia’s loud and fun version of pétanque. In Tejo, players throw a metal disc at a target containing gunpowder.
Two WASH Field School participants pose in front of a cut of meat cooked over an open fire.
Day 18 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool featured more research presentations at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia! We discussed microbial source tracking, Cape Town's Day Zero, #DrinkingWater solutions for vulnerable populations in #Colombia, and more.
We ended the day with a game of Tejo!
23.05.2025 21:00 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
A photo grid of the presentations to UCC students. In each of the ten photos, a presenter stands in front of a television that displays a slide from their presentation.
An audience of students from UCC and the WASH Canada Field School listen to presentations while sitting in a lecture hall.
The #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool wouldn't be possible without Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia!
On Day 17, we showed our appreciation by presenting our research to UCC students, covering topics including #DrinkingWater pricing, #wastewater treatment in emergencies, & the #SpongeCity concept.
22.05.2025 15:05 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Professor Caetano Dorea provides a demonstration of low-cost microbial water testing methods using a $2 kit and a human body incubator for low-resource settings.
WASH Canada Field School participants conducted their own water quality tests using this low-cost kit.
The WASH Field School participants sit at a table to conduct water quality tests.
A view down the hallway of the Museo Panóptico de Ibagué. The walls of each arched doorway are painted a bright colour, in contrast to the white hallway. The former prison was built in 1891 with a panopticon design. Now a National Cultural Heritage Site, the Field School participants explored Tolima's historical, political, and cultural background across its 47 municipalities.
On Day 16 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we rolled up our sleeves for lab work at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. We conducted #WaterQuality tests using low-cost microbial methods—each kit costs only $2! Later, we visited the Museo Panóptico de Ibagué, a National Cultural Heritage Site.
21.05.2025 14:28 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
Outside at a water treatment plant. Multiple tanks holding water are visible.
Professor Caetano Dorea poses in front of a press filter at a treatment plant.
Water flows down a concrete channel with ledges.
Clay pots, jars, and decorations at La Chamba, a vibrant artisanal community where nearly 80% of residents are potters and craftspeople.
We visited 2 treatment plants on Day 15 of #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool! First, ACUAGYR showed how they supply safe #DrinkingWater from intake to distribution.
Later, we learned that the #wastewater entering the Ricaurte WWTP is of higher quality than the water flowing in the Bogotá River.
20.05.2025 19:16 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Four WASH Canada Field School members work on assignments and an upcoming presentation on laptops in their hotel room.
The ingredients used to make the Green Goddess salad, sourced from local markets in Colombia.
The Green Goddess salad made by WASH Field School members.
By Day 14 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, the salad craving was real! We grabbed produce from local markets, made Green Goddess salad in our hotel rooms, and worked on assignments.
Visiting the watersheds in #Colombia has deepened our appreciation for the land that grew our vegetables.
19.05.2025 15:48 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Colourful buildings on a street in Salento.
WASH Canada Field School members hike in the Cocora Valley. Very tall palm trees line the path up the mountain.
A photo taken from the base of a palm tree. The palm trees in the Cocora Valley are among the tallest in the world.
Water flows rapidly in the Quindío River.
On Day 13 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we explored colourful Salento before heading to Cocora Valley—home to some of the tallest palm trees in the world!
On our way back to Ibagué, we visited the Quindío River, a major drinking water source for the city of Armenia.
19.05.2025 00:12 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
A WASH Canada trainee looks at a water sample with a member of Ascala, a water association that has provided drinking water to the community of Calambeo since 1969. Ascala currently provides water to 1200 permanent residents and approximately 400 school students. Ascala was only recently recognized by the local government.
Part of the treatment process at the Calambeo community drinking water treatment system. The system treats water sourced from 11 streams using natural sedimentation, gravel filtration, granular activated carbon filtration, and disinfection.
Members of the WASH Canada Field School listen to Dr. Manuel Rodriguez in a room with white walls.
A large tank filled with water at the Calambeo community drinking water treatment system.
We visited the Calambeo community #DrinkingWaterTreatment system on Day 11 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool!
Since 1969, Ascala has provided drinking water without political affiliation. It now serves >1200 people using sedimentation, gravel and GAC filtration, and disinfection processes.
16.05.2025 14:36 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
"And we continue walking". A sign by Armando Armero states that the Centre for Conserving the Memory of the Armero Tragedy is becoming a reality. In front of the sign, there are remains of structures from the city of Armero.
A monument in Armero, Colombia. The monument is circular with white arching supports and a brick base. It commemorates the lives of over 23,000 people lost in the 1985 Armero tragedy.
A view of mountains on a cloudy day.
Members of the WASH Canada Field School pose on the side of a road. There are mountains and clouds in the background.
On Day 10 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited Armero, a city of >20,000 people that was tragically lost to a landslide in 1985.
This field school isn't just about #WASH - it's also about exploring local history, experiencing cultures, and seeing how people and environments adapt.
15.05.2025 15:35 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Fabian Garcia Sanchez, a former AQUA group member and current member of the PH2E lab at the University of Victoria, delivers a presentation on the journey of the AQUA lab.
Three WASH Canada trainees pose in front of a metal structure.
A panoramic shot of mountains in Ibagué. The mountains are covered in lush, green vegetation.
A small, rocky stream beside a mountain.
Day 9 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Dr. Ospina Zuñiga welcomed us to the AQUA lab, where they created a decentralized water treatment device in < 1 m² of space!
Later, we visited Mirador de Juntas & noticed localized pollution near the river.
14.05.2025 16:00 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
A view of mountains behind a highway on the road from Bogotá to Ibagué.
The sky is cloudy above green mountains on the trip from Bogotá to Ibagué.
A river flows in front of a mountain.
Two houses and green vegetation. The sky is bright blue overhead.
We set off on a breathtaking journey to Ibagué, Colombia's musical capital, for day 6 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool. The warmth was a refreshing change from Bogotá's cool mist!
We were reminded that for #WASH research, context—culture, climate, & community—is critical.
11.05.2025 16:58 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
A fruit stand at the market in Ibagué, Colombia.
Professors Manuel Rodriguez and Caetano Dorea teach a lesson on source water protection and water treatment. Dr. Dorea writes on a whiteboard.
WASH Canada trainees sit at tables while learning about source water protection and water treatment.
Members of the WASH Canada Field School pose for a group picture after a "friendly" game of soccer.
Day 7 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began with a sunny morning at the fruit market.
Later, we learned about the Cordillera mountain ranges in #Colombia & reflected on source water protection in a lesson by Drs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea.
Week 1 closed with soccer & a hike!
12.05.2025 17:01 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
On Day 8 of #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we hiked into #Colombia's Central Cordillera & saw how geography influences technical choices for water supplies. In Ibagué, pollution & distribution system losses affect drinking water. We planted Nacedero trees along streams to protect the source water.
13.05.2025 16:00 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
The exterior of the El Dorado drinking water treatment plant in Colombia.
Solar panels used to power drinking water treatment at the El Dorado plant.
A wooden sign at Natural Sumapaz National Park. Laguna Chisacá Los Tunjos is visible behind the sign.
A person holds a piece of a plant with Laguna Chisacá Los Tunjos in the background. Frailejones surround the reservoir.
On Day 5 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited the El Dorado #DrinkingWaterTreatment plant with Acueducto de Bogotá. The energy used for treatment processes is being upgraded to solar!
The trip took us to Sumapaz Páramo—a drinking water source with breathtaking views.
10.05.2025 14:30 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
WASH Canada trainees look at raised garden beds located in La Roca Ecobarrio, an eco-neighbourhood in San Cristóbal Sur.
A bird's-eye view of Bogotá from Monserrate. WASH Canada trainees took a funicular to the sanctuary on top of the mountain.
WASH Canada trainees sit in a circle listening to a speaker.
WASH Canada trainees get briefed on Bogotá's water sources by Ricardo from Acueducto de Bogotá.
On Day 4 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited La Roca Ecobarrio—an eco-neighbourhood with rainwater harvesting tanks, compost bins, and gardens.
Later, we rode up Monserrate and viewed Bogotá from above. We ended the day learning about the city's water sources with
Acueducto de Bogotá.
09.05.2025 15:37 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
A selfie showing graduate students on a wooden structure along the Bogotá River. Students are wearing bright orange life jackets with the company name "CAR" and the slogan "Vive el nuevo Río Bogotá".
An image of the Bogotá River reflecting clouds.
Chorro de Queveda, a fountain in the Candelaria neighbourhood of Bogotá.
Field school attendees pose for a picture at Bolívar Square.
Day 2 of #WASHFieldSchool started with a cruise on the Bogotá River led by the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca. Trainees learned about CAR's work to improve one of the world's most polluted rivers. Wastewater treatment at the El Salitre WWTP has had noticeable effects on water quality!
07.05.2025 17:38 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
A sign for an artificial wetland in the Aguaviva park. The sign describes, in Spanish, the importance of water and wetlands to ecological processes in the territory.
Two men lead a discussion while standing on a brick border around a water body in the Aguaviva park.
Plants growing in raised beds in Aguaviva. High-rise buildings are visible in the background.
Trainees stand in front of a large red structure in Aguaviva.
On Day 1 of the #WASHFieldSchool, we visited Aguaviva, Bogotá's carbon-neutral park.
This former asphalt plant was transformed into an iconic green space featuring over 8000 tons of reused demolition waste and interactive spaces that bring the water cycle to life.
06.05.2025 18:00 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
…and we’re off to Colombia for the 4th edition of the #WASHFieldSchool!
Our trainees will be travelling to link up with Profs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea over the next few weeks.
05.05.2025 16:02 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
We’re on Bluesky!
#WASHCanada is an NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program focused on Water and Sanitation for Low-resource Contexts.
Follow us to see how we collaborate on research for sustainable WASH services and equip trainees to tackle WASH challenges.
05.05.2025 14:40 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Some great news to finish off 2024!
I'm honoured to be selected for
@UVic.bksy.social Faculty of Eng. & Comp. Sci. Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching!
Thanks to the students that I have the privilege of interacting with and making this aspect of my job so rewarding.
20.12.2024 22:20 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Congrats Danyka! Awesome achievement!
(honoured that my first words on this platform are to celebrate you)
05.12.2024 18:19 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
EEHF is a yearly international research and learning event. We bring together WASH implementers, researchers, donors and policymakers together to discuss the latest research, evaluations and learning on humanitarian WASH programmes.
https://www.eehf.org/
Researching Water and Sanitation Solutions in Resource Constrained Environments. U of O Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Studies. Co-Chair of the CBSA.
Relaying microbiology news, articles and comments relevant to aspects on bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes / microorganisms. Microbes are 💪
💧Making Water Knowledge Common Knowledge💧
We're a Canadian charity and professional engineering consultancy dedicated to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Follow us on LinkedIn and Meta @CAWST and learn more about us at: cawst.org
A top-ranked university on Canada’s west coast. We're driven by our curiosity, engagement and innovative spirit to help solve the world's biggest problems.
📍 lək̓ʷəŋən Territory
Academic; health geographer; University Research Chair; Editor in Chief of Social Science and Medicine; Co-Editor in Chief, Wellbeing Space and Society, runner.
Assistant Professor, Environmental Engineer, UMass Amherst. Water Research and Applied Electrochemistry.
Sustainability, water, energy, ecology, biodiversity, business, planning, writing and photography, sometimes all at once!
Work stuff on LinkedIn, photography on Flickr.
Water resources engineer, language enthusiast, music lover based in Kansas City. Arizona State alumna.
English | español | català
Prof of Water Science and Health at Uni of Leeds. Geography - Hydrology - Malaria - Climate - Geomorphology. Dabble in icey stuff too. Oh and running... lots of running.
she/they
PhD candidate studying Water Resources Science at the University of Minnesota
Hydrological Scientist at Charles Darwin University, 🇦🇺. Researching groundwater & surface water. Working with ecologists & remote sensing folks. Also love home brewing 🍺, heavy metal 🤘 & recently, 3D printing. Opinions are my own.
Purdue Student in Soil Microbiology, Phage researcher, Honors College #phagesky
Currently a very confused forage morphology student #botany
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4132-6781
Software Developer at ATS Corporation | previously computational hydrology and research | she/her
👩🏻🔬 Environmental Microbiology
🌊 Water + aquatic pathogens
👩🏻🏫 Teaching at UGA Environmental Health
Opinions are my own
enviro microbiologist, marine scientist, ecology+public health, climate change, environmental health; views are my own
Senior Lecturer in Water Governance at Cranfield University
Human biologist | Associate professor @PennState Biobehavioral Health & Anthropology | Climate & health | If you like #water, you'll already like 62% of me | #UNC #UGA #CDCEIS Alum (he/him) https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=c89wo3AAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
