Municipal Wastewater

Municipal wastewater is one of the most significant sources of pollution and the largest source, by volume, of effluent discharged to Canadian water.
Effluents from municipal wastewater treatment facilities are a complex mixture of human waste, suspended solids, debris and a variety of chemicals derived from residential, commercial and industrial sources.

Some municipalities on the Ottawa River have no facilities for wastewater treatment. During wet weather, wastewater treatment systems may release untreated wastewater or poorly treated wastewater. Sludges generated at municipal wastewater treatment plants may be applied to lands.

If you spot raw sewage in the river, please immediately call the Pollution Hotline 1-888-9KEEPER.
For more detailed information about the municipal wastewater treatment facilities in the Ottawa River Watershed, read Ottawa Riverkeeper’s 2006 River Report.