Diana Paredes is an Environmental Applied Science and Management MASc student at Toronto Metropolitan University. After completing her bachelor’s and master’s in environmental science in Ecuador, Paredes worked for the country’s Ministry of Environment, focusing on the analysis of environmental impacts, policies and regulations of the mining and oil industries. Upon relocating to Canada, she actively engaged in volunteer initiatives at the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and completed a certificate in Environmental Management at the University of Toronto. There, she also worked as a research assistant, conducting research on watershed policies related to non-point source water pollution where she developed a keen interest in water policy at all levels of government. From this work, she co-authored two papers on models, policies and guidelines for best management practices related to addressing chronic water pollution in Lake Erie.
Paredes’ passion lies in the fusion of scientific knowledge and socio-economic aspects of water governance to inform robust regulatory frameworks for safeguarding water resources for all life forms. Her master’s research focuses on groundwater policies and private wells, an important policy gap and critical source of freshwater that has been neglected by policy makers. Groundwater is a drinking-water source for nine million Canadians and 1.5 million Ontarians. Her research focuses on analyzing groundwater policies for private wells in Ontario and examining and comparing policy and regulatory frameworks governing groundwater in Canada and the U.S. to identify similarities, disparities, strengths, weaknesses and policy insights. Paredes aims to provide policy recommendations to address these gaps, including a focus on the need for more frequent groundwater water quality testing and monitoring related to the presence of contaminants not commonly assessed. She aspires to effect positive change by advocating for enhanced groundwater policies and contribute knowledge and policy recommendations to protect this invaluable and often invisible water source. Her research is also timely given the establishment of the Canada Water Agency and the modernization of the Canada Water Act, both of which must prioritize groundwater.
Paredes is also a member of the Urban Water Student Leadership Committee at TMU and has worked with Swim Drink Fish Canada, a charitable organization that fosters public engagement and advocacy related to water policy in Canada. Her ultimate goal is to draw attention to the critical significance of groundwater policy, not just within academic circles but also among the wider public and policymakers. The Bruce Fellowship will allow Paredes to work towards attaining this goal and making an important research and policy contribution to groundwater policy in Canada.