#WorldWaterDay research profile: Stephanie Pegler investigating wildfire impacts on water

In celebration of World Water Day, we interviewed Young Professionals in the Network to find out more about their research and impact.

Stephanie Pegler, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo.

What are you currently researching? 
I study the long-term effects wildfire has on freshwater lakes using sediment cores to reconstruct how the lake responded to wildfire pollutants. We are interested in knowing if these wildfire pollutants affect lake water quality and if they can contribute to the formation of toxic algal blooms.    

Why is your research important to water security or safety in Canada? 
Most of Canadians rely on clean water delivered from forested watershed for their drinking water. These forested watersheds are under critical threat from being burned in a wildfire, which can pollute the drinking water. When wildfires burn forests, potentially toxic and carcinogenic contaminants are washed into the rivers and lakes and can compromise our drinking water. I am looking at how these contaminants affect the water systems so we can be better prepared to develop long-term mitigation efforts.   

What is your favourite thing about water? 
Water is the source of life and clean water means health.  

For more information about Stephanie's research, contact her at ​spegler@uwaterloo.ca