Tenth annual Grand River Watershed-wide Wastewater Optimization Program workshop held in November

On November 24, 2021, the Grand River Conservation Authority hosted its 10^th annual workshop for wastewater professionals throughout the Grand River watershed. Held virtually once again this year, the Grand River Watershed-wide Wastewater Optimization Program (WWOP) workshop is an opportunity for municipal wastewater professionals to share best practices in wastewater treatment. There were 36 participants representing municipal staff and contract operators from the cities of Brantford and Guelph, the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Oxford, the Region of Waterloo, and the townships of Centre Wellington and Southgate. Water inspectors from the local district offices of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks were also in attendance. The agenda included an overview of the WWOP activities throughout the watershed over the past year, as well as technical presentations.

The workshop also provides the opportunity to recognize the work of municipal wastewater operators. The purpose of the recognition program is to give kudos to municipal wastewater treatment plants that participate actively in the WWOP, voluntarily report their performance data to the GRCA, apply optimization concepts and achieve the voluntary targets for phosphorus and ammonia. There are three recognition categories, which are based on a point system.

The following municipal wastewater treatment plants were recognized at the workshop for their performance in 2020:

Bronze

• Galt (Cambridge), Kitchener, New Hamburg, Paris, Wellesley

Silver

• Ayr, Caledonia, Cayuga, Conestogo, Dunnville, Plattsville, Preston (Cambridge), St. Jacobs, Waterloo

Gold

• Brantford

The goal of the WWOP is to improve river health by reducing the discharge of phosphorus and ammonia, which are two water quality parameters of greatest concern in the Grand River watershed. This is achieved by establishing voluntary targets for these parameters that go beyond compliance and then working collaboratively with municipal owners and operators to provide tools and training to achieve those targets. The focus of the program is to promote collaboration and operational excellence by sharing best practices. The program’s approach is data-driven, i.e.: making good decisions, based on good data, which applies both to the day-to-day operation of the wastewater treatment plants, as well as long-term capital planning for these municipal facilities.

Water quality in the Grand River results from a complex interaction of factors. Geology and climate are fundamental and set a baseline for the quality of the water. Human activities can also change the hydrology and impact water quality. To learn more about the history of the watershed and water quality conditions in the Grand River watershed, please visit https://youtu.be/6RNQS7phguw.

The WWOP provides one opportunity for coordination and collaboration amongst municipal partners to improve river health and water quality throughout the watershed. More information about the Grand River Watershed-wide Wastewater Optimization Program is available on the GRCA’s website.

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Media contacts:

Cam Linwood, GRCA Supervisor, Strategic Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca