Biochar shows benefits as manure lagoon cover
Manure can be a useful fertilizer, returning valued nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil for plant growth. But manure has problems. Odour offensiveness,...
International Water Services Flushability Group launches new website
The International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) has launched their website, featuring updates on the collaborative international effort to develop and enforce standards for flushable...
Ottawa area craft brewery chooses MBBR for its wastewater treatment
The number of small craft breweries has greatly increased and so has the wastewater generated by brewers. The MBBR from Premier Tech Aqua was selected...
Aerobic granular sludge system cuts plant footprint and energy use substantially
The aerobic granular sludge system from Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. is a biological wastewater treatment technology that uses up to 50% less energy.
Standardization key to updating aging SCADA for water and wastewater utility
In 2016, Strathcona County, Alberta, decided to replace their aging SCADA software system that was no longer supported by the vendor.
Understanding the expanding universe of biogas utilization
It is estimated that Ontario alone could produce 752 Mm3/year of renewable natural gas (i.e., upgraded biogas) from anaerobic digestion.
Collaboration and ingenuity lead to industrial wastewater solution
The challenge with naphthenic acids in wastewater is that their compounds are simply too large for microorganisms responsible for biodegradation to digest.
Septic systems are a major source of emerging contaminants in drinking water
A new analysis shows that septic systems in the U.S. routinely discharge pharmaceuticals, consumer product chemicals, and other potentially hazardous chemicals into the environment.
The...
Funding announced for upgrades to solid waste management and water and wastewater systems in...
Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi, and Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services, Joe Savikataaq, announced over $230 million in joint...
Disperse Yellow 3 dye to be added to CEPA Schedule 1 List of Toxic...
The federal government has made a recommendation to add Disperse Yellow 3 – an azo disperse dye – to Schedule 1 (List of Toxic...
NFLD water operators honoured by Minister
Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, gave a statement to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly on April 3, 2017, honouring...
Water and wastewater infrastructure funding news
Provincial and federal funding was announced for a number of water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Canada.
British Columbia
Port Alberni, British Columbia – Additional funding...
Village of Westport fined for Ontario Water Resources Act violation
The Corporation of the Village of Westport pleaded guilty to one offence and was fined $10,000 for operating a sewage treatment plant without adhering...
Integrated process changes can prevent WWTP odour emissions
Activated sludge recycling and oxidized ammonium recycling strategies holds the potential to prevent odour emissions from wastewater treatment plants.
RFID technology helps optimize moving bed biofilters
Big data and RFID technologies represent a huge opportunity to improve biofilter equipment reliability and reduce maintenance and refurbishment costs.
Company fined for violating Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations
On February 9, 2017, Fibrek S.E.N.C. pleaded guilty to two charges, and it was fined $125,000 for violating the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations...
Seattle wastewater treatment plant working to resume operations following massive sewage spill
Crews are working to restore normal operations at King County's West Point wastewater treatment plant in Seattle, following an early morning equipment failure on...
Funding for new Saskatchewan wastewater treatment facility announced
The Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan announced funding for a new wastewater treatment facility in the Rural Municipality of Frenchman Butte...
GE Water and the University of Guelph collaborate on energy neutral wastewater treatment
GE’s Water & Process Technologies today announced it is collaborating with the University of Guelph on a wastewater research initiative to maximize renewable energy...
Monitoring chemical substances in Canadian municipal wastewater
Municipal wastewater is recognized as an important pathway for harmful chemical substances to enter the environment. Therefore, in 2009, the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) was expanded to include monitoring and surveying chemical substances in municipal wastewater treatment plants.
How to choose between grit washing or grit classification
Grit removal in wastewater treatment protects downstream mechanical equipment and the treatment processes. However, removed grit does require dewatering.
Pressure mounting to use unconventional industrial water sources
Diminishing and increasingly regulated high-quality fresh water sources has pushed the issue of industrial water recycling into the forefront.
New program intends to enhance regulation of Ontario’s engineers
On March 31, 2017, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) will launch a new program to gather information on the practices of each of its 80,000...
Several water and wastewater infrastructure projects announced
A flurry of funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Canada has been recently announced, along with updates on several projects reaching completion.
We've...
York Region profiles the people behind its water system
By Roy Huetl, Regional Municipality of York
The Regional Municipality of York in Ontario provides safe, clean, reliable, affordable and convenient drinking water and wastewater...
UBC wastewater research may help protect aquatic life
New wastewater system design guidelines developed at the University of British Columbia may help municipal governments better protect aquatic life and save millions of...
New Brunswick to ban fracking wastewater from municipal systems
The government of New Brunswick announced on November 14, 2016, that it will introduce legislative amendments to ban the disposal of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) wastewater...
New research aims to transform wastewater sludge into biocrude
Wastewater treatment plants may one day turn ordinary wastewater into biocrude oil, as a result of hydrothermal liquefaction technology from the U.S. Department of...
Washing clothes releases thousands of microplastic particles into environment, study shows
More than 700,000 microscopic fibres could be released into wastewater during each use of a domestic washing machine, with many likely to pass through...
Aerosolized germs in wastewater often become airborne
A new study shows using household wastewater to irrigate food crops isn't always the perfect solution. Viruses that have their origin in the human...
Anaerobic digester rehabilitation project wins inaugural Impact Award
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., Champion Coatings, and Wapasha Construction took top honors in the inaugural Sherwin-Williams Impact Award program for their rehabilitation of a...
Wastewater organizations seeking support in defining what is flushable
The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association and the Municipal Enforcement Sewer Use Group are seeking support in their efforts to define what is flushable.
MICRODYN-NADIR acquires specialty membrane company TriSep
MICRODYN-NADIR has announced the acquisition of specialty membrane company TriSep Corporation. Based in Goleta, California, TriSep has experience and expertise in the area of...
Wastewater converted to eco-friendly fertilizer
To eliminate struvite formation, the City of Saskatoon commissioned a nutrient recovery system to produce fertilizer from wastewater phosphorus.
Three-million dollar grant to turn urine into a food crop fertilizer
A new $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation aims to produce a safe fertilizer from recycled urine.
University of Michigan (U-M) engineering researchers lead...
Homebrewers competing to turn wastewater into beer
In July, the WateReuse Association, challenged Florida homebrewers to turn recycled wastewater into great tasting beer. More than 100 homebrewers from the Tampa area...
Melting ice sheet could expose frozen Cold War-era hazardous waste and sewage
Climate change is threatening to expose hazardous waste at an abandoned camp thought to be buried forever in the Greenland Ice Sheet, new research...
Water reuse essential for new multi-use development projects
By Irene Hassas
With population growth and urbanization, there is increased market pressure for the development of residential houses on private property and existing recreational...
Achieving energy neutral wastewater treatment with biological hydrolysis
Energy neutral wastewater treatment is one area where operators can address growing sustainability expectations, while not risking any economic viability.
$53.2 million in support announced for Manitoba wastewater treatment
On August 5, 2016, representatives from federal, provincial and municipal levels of government announced more than $53.2 million in combined funding for two new...
Researchers find antibiotic-resistant bacteria lingering after sewer spills
University of South Florida researchers investigating the aftermath of a sewer line break have found dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the untreated wastewater that gushed out at a rate of 950 to 1,890 litres per minute.
Scientists develop energy saving nanofilter for wastewater treatment
Scientists have invented a new type of nanofilter that could reduce the energy needed to treat wastewater by up to five times.
Despite clean up attempts, lakes still suffer from phosphorus pollution
Scientists warn that phosphorus pollution continues to be a major concern and unless recovery is sped up people will need to accept poor freshwater quality.
Alberta starts first round of water and wastewater investments
This round of more than $117 million in funding will improve water and wastewater infrastructure.
‘Big pipe’ infrastructure solutions may no longer be affordable for smaller towns and cities
Approximately 75% of a municipality’s capital asset inventory is water, wastewater and roads. Yet small and medium municipalities face increasing pressures.
Transforming water management with the Internet of Things
In an interview with Bloomberg news, Dave Henderson of XPV Water Partners discusses new technologies that are transforming water and wastewater management. Key among...
Treating craft brewery wastewater
Craft beers have exploded in popularity. However, it is common for the amount of craft brewery wastewater to be 5 to 10 times more than actual beer.
Extending the life of lagoons helps municipal budgets
The most common form of wastewater treatment in Manitoba are facultative lagoons. They are inexpensive and require little hands-on operation and maintenance.
Micro-tunnelling used for new Bolton trunk sewer
By Bob Chisholm, Neville Morrison and Tim Campbell
The Albion-Vaughan Sanitary Trunk Sewer is a 2.1 kilometre length of 900 mm diameter sewer, constructed through...
London’s fire and sewer departments join forces to protect the City’s sewers
London will be distributing biodegradable cups in a coordinated effort to reduce grease fires and buildup of fats, oils and grease in the city's sewers.
Public-private partnerships help fund municipal infrastructure projects
The water and infrastructure deficit is estimated to be in excess of $85 billion. Public-Private Partnerships are a useful municipal procurement model.
Vegetables irrigated with treated wastewater pass on drugs to consumers
A new study out of Israel shows that eating produce grown in soils irrigated with reclaimed wastewater exposes consumers to minute quantities of carbamazepine, an anti-epileptic drug commonly detected in wastewater effluents.
What does the Federal Budget mean for water and wastewater?
The 2016 Federal Budget includes $5 billion for water, wastewater and green infrastructure. Water and First Nations groups applauded this announcement.
Validation method brings performance gains to UV disinfection
Improved understanding of how different pathogens respond to UV light has resulted in a major shift in the necessary sizing of UV disinfection systems.
Evaluating advancements in motor control centres
Motor control centres are used to control the starting and stopping of different process equipment such as pumps, blowers and ventilation fans.
Toronto shakes up sewer discharge by-law
City Council voted to amend the Sewers By-law and the Water Supply By-law to address, in part, the discharge of pesticides, dental amalgams and wastewaters.
Challenges facing mechanical wastewater systems in the North
Mechanical wastewater systems are used where lagoon systems cannot be applied. However, they have experienced a variety of challenges.
Online calculator counts the cost of wastewater grit
The calculator draws on real-world data to predict the likely savings that can be gained by installing a high-performance grit removal system.
How building information modelling can help your next project
Building information modelling is often overlooked for water and wastewater treatment applications. However, the benefits are numerous.
Water and wastewater treatment challenges in Canada’s North
There are many unique challenges that both operators and scientists involved in water and wastewater treatment face in Canada’s North.
Biological nitrogen removal using fixed biofilm
Fixed biofilm processes are robust and compact, enabling nitrogen removal of both organic nitrogen compounds and ammonia nitrogen in biological wastewater.
Importance of the microscope in wastewater operations
Wastewater process control is becoming increasingly complex. The microscope can be used to diagnose problems with sludge quality in wastewater operations.
Update on the “Your Turn” fats, oils and grease removal program
The program uses biodegradable paper cups, printed with information about the negative effects fats, oils and grease have on sewer systems.
Drop sewer insert reduces odour and increases dissolved oxygen
A drop sewer insert allowed Newburgh, Indiana to eliminate odour complaints and increase dissolved oxygen without the need for chemical injection.
Polymer coatings can significantly improve water pump efficiency
Fluid handling equipment may suffer from multiple problems, including physical and mechanical damage, as well as general or localized erosion and corrosion. These problems...
Calgary installs new wastewater grit removal system
Adequate grit removal is particularly important to Calgary’s wastewater treatment, given the City’s location and topography. In the severe northern prairie winters, heavy ice...
New system eliminates odour from South Red Deer’s wastewater force main
South Red Deer recently constructed a two stage odour management facility to address high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide.
Thunder Bay Pulp Mill fined $250,000 for environmental violations
On several occasions between July 1 and December 30, 2013, the pulp mill's effluent did not meet the regulatory quality requirements.
New BOD determination for industrial wastewater plant
Photo-electrochemical COD analysis generates results in 15-minutes. This technology allowed an industrial wastewater processor to increase turn-over.
How the wastewater industry can take on flushable wipes
Manufacturers and wastewater professionals can equip themselves with the right tools to completely eliminate problems caused by flushable wipes.
Environment Canada reviewing Montreal’s raw sewage plan
A review by Environment Canada's is the latest development in the controversy surrounding Montreal's plan to dump sewage into the St. Lawrence River.
Research shows wastewater treatment plants may not spread antimicrobial resistance
Research suggests that contrary to what was previously believed, wastewater treatment plants do not pass on resistance genes to bacteria that are hazardous to people
Industrial wastewater quality monitoring in remote areas
Industrial wastewater quality monitoring is increasing in importance, due to enhanced legal requirements and the attempt to optimize industrial processes. For remote operations, field sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis of the samples is the method commonly used to obtain information on relevant water quality indicators.
Improving wastewater optimization through flow distribution
Facilities can achieve additional capacity, increased effluent quality and reductions in operating costs through wastewater optimization.
Understanding the health risks with reclaimed wastewater
There is increasing concern regarding the sustainability of public water supplies. Options for water reuse are available, including reclaimed wastewater for the irrigation
New odour control system allows yeast plant to re-open
The plant's wastewater treatment basin was the major odour source, releasing aerosolized sodium selenite, a robust and smelly inorganic compound.
Successful biological nutrient removal often requires a supplementary carbon source
Enhanced biological phosphorus removal provides an economic benefit through the reduction or elimination of chemical addition for phosphorus removal.
New vacuum priming systems cut energy and water use
Vacuum priming systems are necessary, as water impeller pumps, while great for moving high volumes of water, are unable to pump or move air.
London evaluates a novel approach to FOG source diversion
The City's "Your Turn" pilot program uses biodegradable cups to encourage proper disposal of residential fats, oils and grease and raise sewer awareness.
Chlorine gas is an old public health ally
There is considerable debate regarding the safety of chlorine gas. As a result, many operations feel pressure to change to alternative forms of disinfection.
New catalysts remove dangerous endocrine disruptor from wastewater
As pharmaceutical use has skyrocketed, the amount of endocrine disruptor drugs released into the water system has dramatically increased.
Water career trends and growth very promising
Careers in water quality are not just in high demand, they are also undergoing rapid changes.
Using integrated fixed film activated sludge for improved capacity and performance
Peterborough's WWTP's has seen a number of improvements in effluent quality and resiliency since adopting integrated fixed film activated sludge media.
New wastewater treatment plant will allow Town of Tottenham to expand
The new Tottenham WWTP is designed for an annual average flow capacity of 4,082 m3/day, providing capacity for growth in Tottenham to at least 2031.
Reusing existing infrastructure to create a wastewater pumping station for nine homes
In order to ensure continued reliable wastewater collection, the City undertook a maintenance program to flush the inverted siphons on a regular basis in order to clear out any blockages.
Lessons learned from successful applications of biological landfill leachate treatment
Landfill leachate treatment is a major engineering challenge due to the high and variable concentrations of dissolved solids, dissolved and colloidal organics, heavy metals and xenobiotic organics.
Gregoire sanitary sewer project helps sustain Fort McMurray’s growth
The Gregoire sanitary sewer was identified as a key priority to keep up with Northern Alberta's economic expansion.
An alternative to water-covered mine tailings areas
Evapotranspiration cover/engineered bioreactor systems, provides an economic alternative to water-covered tailings management areas.
Unraveling solutions to overwhelmed sewer systems
If people got a good sniff of a ragged wastewater pump and had to untangle a snarled mess of entwined fabric, pumping stations might get a break from the onslaught of “flushable” wipes and products clogging their systems.
Working and managing data in the cloud: The way ahead for water and wastewater...
Smart data management can improve overall water and wastewater quality, by ensuring data is as timely and accurate as possible.
Successful lagoon operation in northern communities
Lagoons are the most common type of sewage treatment in Canada, and are often the treatment process of choice for small and medium sized communities.
Wastewater treatment optimization with micronutrients
Biological wastewater treatment plants face the challenge of treating, separating and disposing of biosolids.
The importance of continued participation in associations and events
Traditionally, most water and wastewater associations have been blessed with an abundance of volunteers. Cheerfully, they helped select seminar and conference locations, develop technical...
Latest Articles
Utilities Kingston shows worker clearing grease, fat in sewer to raise...
A new awareness campaign from Utilities Kingston includes a YouTube video showing just how challenging it can be for workers to clear out hardened...
