The G360 Institute at the University of Guelph has received a new $10 million grant targeted at better protecting groundwater supplies across the world. Edward (Ted) Morwick, a long-time University of Guelph benefactor, has made a large contribution to support substantial advancements and improvements in infrastructure, innovation, research, and training.
Around 2.5 billion people worldwide rely primarily on groundwater for their fundamental requirements, while groundwater irrigation also provides 40% of global agriculture. Groundwater shortages are being caused by population increase, climate change, and pollution. Groundwater will become progressively more important for human well-being as the population grows.
The G360 Institute researches the interaction of groundwater and surface water using unique field methodologies, with an emphasis on fractured bedrock systems to maintain safe and long-term supply. Through field-based research, the institute brings together more than 20 partnering institutions from five continents to advance knowledge, professional practise, and policy in groundwater resource stewardship.
The institute will be renamed the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute in honour of Morwick's significant contribution.