Investing in the Future: Upgrading Canada’s Wastewater Infrastructure

H2OPINION
wastewater deployments that save energy in certain provinces. Many of the funding mechanisms are tied to Greenhouse
Gas (GHG) emission reductions, which poses a problem. For
instance, in Ontario the energy supply is very low on carbon
emissions so a 20 percent energy savings at a wastewater plant
doesn’t save as much in GHG reduction as in other places. That
makes it difficult to win at home early.
companies cannot afford to deploy new solutions for free. Again,
ensure that there are four utilities that will pay for this if successful.
3. CONSULTING ENGINEERING FIRMS TO USE NEW TECHNOLOGY
AND PUBLISH. Engineering firms are the end game for all
technology companies. If you can create standard tools for
engineers to use, it makes their lives easier and will bring better
results to clients. If an engineering firm can use a new tool
integrated into a project, they can
learn. I would put conditions that this
knowledge is shared through abstracts
Canada faces unique challenges in managing wastewater efficiently
submitted to Canadian or Provincial
and sustainably despite having a seemingly endless supply of
conferences so that knowledge is
disseminated.
freshwater. The environmental, health, and economic costs of
4. UPGRADE ASSESSMENT. For any
inaction are too high not to act now.
monitoring or optimization assessment,
many solutions exist to allow us to do
more with less. I would have a funding
mechanism that provides a higher per cent of funding so more
A Canadian model for the future
can be saved on the capital side through operational performance
We pride ourselves in Canada for strength in our human
improvements.
diversity. The diversity of Canadian water problems presents an
I keep going back to four utilities because many regulations for
interesting set of challenges. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option,
technology involve three sites for three years, so this gives any new
but an approach that picks from the best could be amazing. I’d
almost liken my personal ideal scenario to CanExport’s programs technology a better chance of broader use if it provides value.
that fit a variety of needs and scenarios.
Canada can draw from these international examples to address Embracing technologies and better ways to do things
its funding gap. Implementing P3s as in Japan, or employing a
Investment in wastewater infrastructure is not just about replacblend of funding sources like Germany, could provide innovative ing old pipes but about embracing technology and innovation.
solutions. Alternatively, initiating targeted investment programs
Advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane bioreactors
similar to Australia, or considering revolving funds for sustainand smart water systems, can enhance the efficiency and sustainable financing akin to the United States, would offer diversified
ability of wastewater treatment, positioning Canada as a leader in
approaches to upgrading wastewater infrastructure.
wastewater management.
What if we had a program that had different funding streams
The lessons from Spain, Germany, Japan, Australia, and the
that focused on bringing the right observers and right groups
United States provide a roadmap for innovation and investment
to the table? Comprehensive funding that is both success-based
in Canada’s wastewater infrastructure. Unfortunately, we couldn’t
but flexible for a Canadian context. I would have four funding
get into the full details of each, but we can have this conversation
streams that could be deployed in a number of contexts specifias a sector and a country. By exploring and adapting these intercally for implementing water solutions and upgrades:
national funding models, Canada can unlock the potential for
1. PILOTING A NEW TECHNOLOGY. Ensure that there is a host utility
efficient, sustainable, and resilient water management. Investing
that will buy if it the deployment meets certain criteria and that
in wastewater infrastructure is investing in the country’s environthere are three others that agree to do the same. There has to be
mental sustainability, public health, and economic growth.
a clear need for a technology and four utilities with one host site
The urgency of upgrading Canada’s wastewater infrastruccommitting to purchase upon success will help win at home for
ture is clear. Drawing inspiration from international examples,
new Canadian technology.
Canada has the opportunity to lead by example in sustainable
2. PARTNERING WITH ANOTHER TECHNOLOGY FIRM. Define a problem
water management. This requires a concerted effort from all
that is best solved with two types of technology. I’ll use the exlevels of government, industry, and the community to prioritize,
ample of a sensor and an AI or controls company. The combined
fund, and implement the necessary upgrades. Let’s embrace the
technologies could support incremental benefits to using one or
opportunity to invest in a sustainable future for Canada’s water
the other. However, utilities are not willing to pay for this and
resources, ensuring clean water for generations to come.
38
WATER C AN ADA • M ARCH/APRIL 2024
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T

Paperturn flipbook