WC141 MarApr 2025 - Magazine - Page 8
FIRST DROPS
A Lifelong Connection
Inspired by the Red Sea, shaped by Canadian
lakes, and driven by a passion for clean water.
SAAD ULHAQ’S FASCINATION with water began in his childhood
“Gone were the familiar warm waters of the Red
backyard—the Red Sea. Growing up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the
ocean was his playground. He’d spend hours exploring the vibrant
Sea, replaced by the vast, cold lakes of Ontario.”
coral reefs, marveling at the diverse
marine life, and pondering the mysteries of the deep. The Red Sea wasn’t just
a source of wonder; it was also a lifeline.
Saad lived near a desalination plant and
learned from his father how the salty sea
was transformed into the life-sustaining
resource that flowed from his tap.
This early exposure to water’s
multifaceted nature sparked a curiosity
that would shape his life. He repeatedly
watched David Attenborough’s “Life
on Earth,” captivated by the intricate
underwater ecosystems and the
interconnectedness of life. While his
parents weren’t directly involved in the
water industry, their support for his
burgeoning interest fueled his passion.
Moving to Canada at 16 was a shock
to the system. Gone were the familiar
warm waters of the Red Sea, replaced by
the vast, cold lakes of Ontario. Yet, this
change only deepened his fascination.
He learned about lake turnover, the
Saad Ulhaq sits on a cantilevered platform while cottaging in Perth, Ont. in 2017.
seasonal cycles that influenced water
temperature, and the unique challenges
and opportunities that came with managing freshwater resources.
for six months, analyzing data and contributing his scientific
Saad’s academic journey wasn’t a straight line. He pursued
expertise, he was hired!
molecular biology, drawn to the intricacies of life at a microscopic
Today, in addition to other responsibilities, Saad also manages
level. However, the economic downturn of 2007 made finding
innovation driven research projects at EM Fluids, playing a key
work in his field challenging. Undeterred, he volunteered his time
role in developing and implementing solutions that address
at Health Canada, honing his skills and expanding his knowledge.
root causes of water challenges. His journey has taken him from
A chance encounter with a professor he had met years earlier led
the shores of the Red Sea to a global stage, where he’s working
him to a master’s program focused on environmental toxicology.
to improve water quality and protect environmental health in
His research project, investigating heavy metal contamination in
communities around the world.
a First Nations community, reconnected him with his passion for
Recently, that journey came full circle. Saad found himself
water in a meaningful way. The study revealed the link between
back in Jeddah, investigating the potential for projects with EM
water quality and public health, highlighting the far-reaching
Fluids to improve the city’s water infrastructure. Standing before
impacts of environmental issues.
the now-decommissioned desalination plant that first sparked
Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, Saad sought
his curiosity as a child, he felt a profound sense of connection.
out companies working on innovative water solutions. He
He had returned to his roots, not just as a visitor, but as an
discovered EM Fluids Inc., a company specializing in sustainable
expert working to make a tangible difference in the place where
water and wastewater remediation technologies. After volunteering
his passion for water first bloomed.
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WATER C AN ADA • M ARCH/APRIL 2025
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Saad Ulhaq
BY CORINNE LYNDS
