WCW26

Granular media filters are at the heart of many water treatment plants and often the final barrier for particle removal. Although water treatment plants may vary in size and complexity, all granular media filters require backwash to recover the filter media after producing a batch of water. Filter Operators typically monitor and trend filter effluent quality and filter capacity. These two items are used by the Operator to determine if a filter is working well or not. To ensure efficient, sustained filter performance a third item should be added. The third item is monitoring and trending the backwash pressure. Unchecked, the backwash pressure across the filter can increase until the filter underdrain system becomes over-pressured and eventually fails. Even with a substantially plugged filter underdrain, the filter effluent quality and filter capacity may remain acceptable. Acceptable, until the filter underdrain fails! While a UFRV decrease or a filter effluent turbidity spike are readily noticeable, gradually increasing backwash pressure is silent.

Membrane failures in water and wastewater treatment systems often appear sudden, yet they typically result from progressive and detectable mechanisms. This presentation shares practical insights from conducting comprehensive membrane autopsies designed to uncover the root causes of performance decline. Using standardized procedures and analytical protocols, the work evaluates fouling layers, chemical deposits, structural damage, and operational histories to build a clear diagnostic profile for each membrane element. The results consistently reveal multi‑factor interactions—such as feedwater variability, pretreatment gaps, cleaning inefficiencies, and operational stress—that drive premature failure. By translating autopsy findings into actionable recommendations, utilities have achieved measurable improvements in flux recovery, cleaning effectiveness, and membrane lifespan. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how autopsy‑driven decision‑making strengthens asset management, reduces unplanned downtime, and supports more resilient treatment operations.

Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration (RO/NF) is widely recognized as one of the most effective processes for removing problematic water constituents from drinking water. However, the non-selective nature of RO/NF membranes also strips beneficial ions and CO₂ buffering capacity, resulting in permeate with low pH, and indices inferring relatively unstable water in the distribution system.
To produce stable finished water, RO/NF post-treatment stabilization/remineralization is beneficial. Common industry approaches include bypass streams, chemical dosing, and calcite/limestone contactors, each presenting distinct trade-offs in capital investment, operational complexity, maintenance requirements, and long-term consumable costs.
This presentation compares these stabilization strategies using real-world performance data from multiple full-scale RO/NF facilities. Key metrics evaluated include achievable index and pH targets, alkalinity and hardness remineralization, chemical and consumable costs, and operator involvement over years of operation.
Findings highlight which approaches deliver the best balance of water quality, reliability, and cost for different plant sizes and source-water conditions, providing actionable guidance for designers and operators seeking to optimize RO/NF post-treatment systems.

Many small and remote communities across Canada, including numerous First Nations, rely on legacy slow sand filtration systems that are structurally sound but strained by changing source water conditions, maintenance needs, and community growth. This presentation examines practical upgrade strategies that support the continued use of these facilities while improving system capacity, resilience, and operational efficiency.


Focusing on the intersection of established natural treatment processes and adaptable modern technologies, this session will highlight how enhancements such as pre-ozonation, roughing filtration, and surface-wash retrofits can improve biological performance, stabilize operations, and eliminate the need for sand replacement.


Case studies from MS Filter projects across Canada will feature observed performance outcomes, implications for long-term maintenance, and benefits for communities seeking to optimize existing infrastructure without the expense of full system replacement. Slow sand systems are sound, robust and sustainable. With customized upgrades, these systems will stand the test of time.

Dynamic Single-Stage Reverse Osmosis (DSSRO) technology offers a transformative approach to the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water treatment. PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals that present significant public health risks due to their resistance to conventional treatment methods and their tendency to accumulate in the environment. As regulatory standards for PFAS in drinking water become increasingly stringent, utilities require advanced, reliable, and sustainable solutions.
Traditional reverse osmosis (RO) systems, while effective at removing a broad spectrum of contaminants, are often constrained by membrane fouling, high energy consumption, and the generation of large volumes of concentrated waste streams. DSSRO addresses these limitations through an innovative single-stage, semi-batch membrane array and a unique two-pump configuration. This design enables high recovery rates, often exceeding 85%, while minimizing the volume of PFAS-laden concentrate. By maintaining high crossflow and regulating flux, DSSRO reduces fouling and scaling, which in turn decreases the frequency and intensity of chemical cleaning required. This not only lowers operational costs but also extends membrane life and reduces environmental impact.
Pilot studies at multiple drinking water facilities have demonstrated DSSRO’s technical feasibility and sustainability, consistently achieving permeate PFAS levels below detection limits. The system’s high recovery rates significantly reduce concentrate output and source water demands, making it particularly attractive for utilities operating under water scarcity or strict discharge regulations. By minimizing the volume of PFAS-laden concentrate that requires disposal, DSSRO helps utilities address one of the most challenging and costly aspects of PFAS treatment, safe and responsible concentrate management. DSSRO’s adaptability allows it to be integrated into existing treatment trains, complementing other processes such as enhanced coagulation, oxidation, and ultrafiltration.
Operational data from these pilots highlight the system’s robust performance under varying water qualities and operational conditions. Automated controls, real-time monitoring, and remote data logging further enhance reliability and facilitate rapid response to changing influent characteristics. These features support utilities in meeting evolving regulatory requirements and public health goals.
This presentation will explore the technical and operational advantages of DSSRO, share pilot results, and discuss practical considerations for implementation. By advancing the application of DSSRO technology, this work aims to inspire new standards for PFAS removal and support the delivery of safe, sustainable drinking water for communities.

This presentation explores best practices for maintaining Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in the water and wastewater sector. We will examine lifecycle considerations for PLCs, SCADA platforms, wireless communication options, and supporting components, providing practical recommendations for sustaining these critical assets. Key topics include strategies for backups, firmware management, system health checks, and determining appropriate spare hardware levels to ensure reliability. Emphasis will be placed on cybersecurity and how proactive maintenance strengthens facility security. To ground these concepts, we will review a real-world ICS maintenance plan for a the new Town of Esterhazy Regional Water Treatment Plant, highlighting architecture and upgrade planning. Modern trends such as remote access, cloud integration, and AI driven tools will also be discussed, equipping attendees with actionable insights to improve resilience and performance in their own operations.

Prince Albert’s Raw Water Pump House is situated on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River and draws river water through an existing open‑orifice intake structure to supply the City’s water treatment, storage, and distribution systems. Designed in 2019 and substantially completed in 2022, the facility required the design of multiple process systems beyond conventional raw water pumping to support reliable year‑round operation. 


Because the intake lacks end‑of‑pipe screening, multiple resident fish species are drawn into the facility. To comply with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans fish‑protection requirements, the design team evaluated and integrated systems capable of low‑shear handling, separation, and safe return of live fish to the river. These evaluations included assessment of hydraulic conveyance velocities, physical barriers, behavioral barriers, bypass routing, fish‑handling equipment, and operational controls to avoid impingement and entrainment hazards.


The River also transports significant quantities of organic debris (branches, leaves, vegetation) along with suspended solids including sand, silt, and fine sediments. The facility therefore required both primary sedimentation capacity and an automated solids‑handling process that minimized operator intervention while providing an environmentally compliant means of solids removal and disposal. 


A major seasonal risk factor is frazil ice formation. During early winter, supercooled flow conditions in the North Saskatchewan River leads to the generation of frazil ice crystals, which can accumulate within the intake pipeline and form bridging blockages that restrict or entirely obstruct raw water flow. The design incorporated a frazil‑ice mitigation and management system capable of maintaining hydraulic capacity during high‑risk periods.


In 2023, the Raw Water Pump House was recognized by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan for its innovative integration of fish‑protection systems and its robust design approach to managing frazil ice, high sediment loads, organic debris, and river flooding events.

Description:
 
This presentation compares ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis (UF/RO) and hollow fiber nanofiltration (HFN) systems through a detailed case study using real-world performance data. Key factors such as recovery, water stability, chemical use, footprint, and capital and O&M costs are evaluated against modeled projections. Results highlight each technology’s strengths and limitations in meeting Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines while identifying potential savings in energy, chemical demand, and overall system costs. Attendees will gain practical insights into technology selection, process optimization, and design considerations for future water treatment applications.


Abstract:


Membrane treatment systems play a critical role in ensuring reliable, high-quality drinking water for communities. Selecting the appropriate technology requires careful evaluation of system performance, capital and O&M costs, and operational considerations. With both ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis (UF/RO) and hollow fiber nanofiltration (HFN) technologies available, understanding how each performs under comparable conditions is essential to optimizing plant design and operational performance. 


A detailed case study is provided comparing a full-scale UF/RO system with a hollow fiber nanofiltration installation treating similar water sources. The comparison evaluates key parameters including recovery rates, treated water stability, chemical consumption, operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, capital costs, and system footprint. 
Real performance data is analyzed and compared to modeled projections to evaluate how theoretical expectations align with field results. Findings illustrate the strengths and limitations of each approach in achieving treated water that meets Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. The results demonstrate a potential of savings in energy and water efficiencies, chemical demand, plant footprint and capital and O&M costs between the two systems. 
This analysis provides operators and engineers with practical insights into technology selection, process optimization, and total cost-of-ownership considerations for future water treatment projects. Insights are provided through comparison of real-world applications of UF/RO and hollow fiber nanofiltration systems, identifying capital and operational considerations and applying field data and modeling to improve future systems design and technology selection. 

The historical water treatment plant (WTP) at the Town of Moosomin produced finished water that was generally in compliance with Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) parameters such as arsenic, iron, and manganese. However, the plant had no process to improve the aesthetics of the finished water which were elevated TDS and hardness. The existing graver style filters had also far exceeded their design life and required increasing operator attention to maintain compliant effluent qualities.
To achieve improvement to water aesthetics, KGS Group proposed the implementation of biological filtration followed by membrane filtration technology. The biological filtration system termed Mangazur offered by Veolia was piloted with very favorable results reducing manganese from 1.2 mg/L to less than 0.05 mg/L and filtration rates as high as 19.5 m/hr (8 gpm/ft²). Given the mature state of membrane technology, the membranes were not piloted.
Based on the success of the pilot, the decision was made to utilize Mangazur for full-scale implementation. Two 2.14 m diameter filter vessels were selected each with filtration areas of 3.57 m² for a total of 7.14 m². At a rate of 19.5 m/hr, the two filters could each produce treatment rates up to 70 m³/hr for a total pre-treatment rate of 140 m³/hr.
The membrane filtration system that followed the Mangazur consisted of two primary Reverse Osmosis (RO) skids that operated at 75% recovery and a third brine skid that treated the reject water from the two primary units operating at 50% recovery. The purpose of the brine skid was to increase overall recovery which was estimated at 88% for the complete membrane system. This 13% reduction in rejected wastewater took significant pressure off the existing sanitary infrastructure.
The primary skids were each sized to produce 39 m³/hr for a total of 78 m³/hr. The brine skid was sized to produce 13 m³/hr and the overall total membrane production was 90 m³/hr; total feed rate with both primary skids running was 103 m³/hr.
To produce a stable finished water, the design blended 25% of the Mangazur effluent with the membrane permeate. With both membrane skids running the blend rate was 22 m³/hr.
Although the raw water supply wells had been MPA tested confirming groundwater, the proximity to the lake presented the possibility that the supply wells could be declared GUDI in the future. Given this possibility additional measures were taken during the design to help accommodate a potential well designation change. This included the installation of UV disinfection and a cartridge filter rated for 3-log Crypto/Giardia on the blend line. Virus inactivation will still be provided through chlorination with CT provided by the treated water reservoir.
The historical WTP utilized chlorine gas for primary and secondary disinfection. Given the proposed treatment changes significantly reduce the total chlorine demand, the upgraded design moved to use sodium hypochlorite. The chlorine gas feed and associated equipment were abandoned.
The full scale WTP was commissioned in late 2025 and is currently producing high quality finished water for the community.

The Saskatoon Waterworks Program is a group of Saskatoon Water capital projects including several upgrades at the existing Avenue H Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the addition of a second Water Treatment Plant.  The challenge for the Waterworks Program is taking the conceptual level master planning work, existing capital plans, and the decision to build a second WTP, to develop an actionable 500 million dollar capital program that is expected to span over a decade. Starting in 2023 the team worked through their Program Definition phase; a more detailed set of plans to determine and document the program’s governance, scope, funding, sequencing, delivery model, and overall philosophy.    
One of the pillars of the Program was the use of decision science methods to make decisions in a systematic way.  Several different methods were used in order for the tool to fit the decision and not the other way around.  Decision Quality (DQ) is a framework which ties together not just decision tools but also an overall philosophy of what makes a good decision and how to integrate uncertainty and risk into making long term decisions.  DQ was developed out of Ron Howard’s research at Stanford University and has been the benchmark for making good decisions since the 1960s.   Companies such as Eli Lilly and Exxon Mobil have integrated DQ into their standard business practices.   Saskatoon Water has utilized DQ for several years including for the decision to build a second WTP.  Tools such as Choosing by Advantages, monetary equivalents, multi-criteria analysis, and decision tree analysis were used to examine project delivery methodology, process improvements, technology selection, site planning, and forecasting scenarios.  Each of these decisions were unique and required the correct tool for the situation.  
An important early component of the Program Definition phase was the identification of key decisions that needed to be made and the order in which they needed to be made.  After finalizing major decisions, the Program Definition Phase progressed to producing Design Intent Documents; a combination of design philosophy, conceptual level design, and project requirement documents for the future projects.  These documents gave a technical foundation for moving to the execution phase of the Program.  Collaborative delivery was identified as being important to Saskatoon Water to get the best project outcomes possible from the Waterworks Program.   Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) was chosen as the delivery model because it was found to fit best with the expectations of the City of Saskatoon.  The Program has progressed to the design phase for the first set of projects with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.
The presentation will explore the journey of the Waterworks Program from choosing a direction to creating a coherent vision of what the Program hopes to accomplish over a ten year period.  There will be a focus specifically on lessons learned related to applying decision science, governance items, and organizational change management as it relates to selecting and implementing a new project delivery framework.

Coagtech has been working with utilities in Western Canada to assess optimization of reservoir and pump station operation. For pressure zones where water is provided from a single pump station, optimization to meet system demands is relatively straightforward. However, for complex distribution networks where multiple pump stations provide water to a complex network with reservoirs, pressure reducing stations, and other pump stations the complexity increases significantly. Optimization of operation of these systems can reduce non-revenue water loss, reduce wear on pump station assets, reduce electricity usage, and improve reservoir cycling and water quality.


This presentation will discuss key considerations for optimizing reservoir and pump station operation in complex distribution networks and how machine learning is being used to support decision making at one utility. Specific challenges related to data analysis, hydraulic interactions of the distribution system, and overall system optimization will be shared. A hybrid machine learning methodology for modelling complex distribution systems will be discussed. Technology implementation approach to support operations in real time, challenges and benefits of technology adoption, and the central role of the operator will be highlighted.

The Stoney Nakoda Nations is undergoing population and development growth associated with expanded resort operations, increased staff-accommodation demand, and new residential areas. This growth has created additional loading on the existing water and wastewater treatment systems, necessitating upgrades to increase treatment capacity and improve system resilience. This abstract summarizes the engineering assessment, design approach, Indigenous partnership, and construction methods used to advance the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), with particular emphasis on cold-weather construction challenges, mitigation strategies, and adaptive planning required to meet revised design horizons under extreme winter conditions.
A detailed evaluation by MPE, a division of Englobe, confirmed that both facilities were operating at or near their original design capacities. This finding initiated a multidisciplinary upgrade program. Initial tender pricing exceeded the pre-tender estimate by approximately 70%; however, a structured value-engineering process, combined with design optimization and early contractor involvement by Everest Construction Ltd., enabled the project team to align scope and budget without reducing required performance criteria.
Construction commenced in late fall 2025 and was executed under challenging winter conditions that required specialized mitigation measures. Glycol heating lines and insulated tarps were installed and continuously maintained to thaw frozen ground and enable earthworks and concrete placement. Despite these controls, moisture intrusion beneath tarps and thaw systems occurred, resulting in excessive moisture content within fill materials and subsequent failure to meet compaction requirements in affected areas. Unsuitable material was therefore removed and replaced to achieve design specifications. Additional challenges included temporary delays caused by a thaw unit tripping offline and intermittent suspension of construction activities during periods of extreme weather. High wind events posed safety risks and resulted in a tree falling within the active construction zone, requiring immediate site control measures. Collectively, these conditions highlighted the importance of robust cold-weather construction planning, real-time field adaptability, and proactive risk management to maintain quality, safety, and project continuity. The project demonstrates how treatment-facility upgrades can be implemented under winter constraints while maintaining quality control and operational continuity.
Operational continuity was a key driver throughout design and construction, as both facilities were required to remain online during the majority of the upgrade works. Temporary bypass systems, phased commissioning, and enhanced monitoring were incorporated to minimize service disruptions and protect treated water and effluent quality during construction activities. These measures reduced risk to the community while allowing upgrades to be implemented efficiently.
Beyond its technical achievements, the project provides meaningful socioeconomic benefits to the Stoney Nakoda Nations. Construction activities prioritized employment of local Nation members and engagement of Indigenous businesses, contributing to skills development, economic participation, and community self-reliance. The upgraded infrastructure directly supports future residential and economic development while safeguarding public health and environmental stewardship in a challenging mountainous setting. Collectively, the project illustrates how value engineering, winter-condition construction, and Indigenous partnership can converge to deliver resilient and sustainable water infrastructure.
 

Everyone understands the importance of water and wastewater service master planning. Few understand the importance of undertaking a similar exercise for their SCADA system. After all, it’s just that black box in the corner, right? Why would you want to spend the time, effort and money putting together a master plan for something that costs so little? The answer to that question lies in the cost of failure, the risk to your business and the potential impacts to others including the public.
 
Your SCADA system is the single asset that provides you with the ability to remotely monitor and control all your water and wastewater assets. So why is the perceived value of SCADA systems so low? Why aren’t they given the attention that other assets are? Imagine if your SCADA system failed and it took a week to restore. Could you operate your facilities locally for that long? Would you be able to record regulatory data at the required frequency for that long? What would it cost? When you perform inventory and condition assessments of your assets, are the instruments, PLCs and network equipment overlooked? A SCADA master plan will not only shed light on the true value of your SCADA system, but begin to help plan for its continued improvement over time. 
 
Like anything else, SCADA master plans can come in all shapes and sizes. There is no pre-defined scope or scale for a SCADA master plan. It can be whatever you want it to be. Whatever fits the size and complexity of your organization. Or even whatever you have budget for right now. The key is not to treat your SCADA system with the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mentality. It’s worth more than that and should be treated with more attention and care.

Coagulation chemistry is a complex process impacted by several variables and is regarded as “the single most important factor affecting treatment plant performance” (AWWA M37, 2011). Changes in source water characteristics due to seasonality, runoff, and other conditions require appropriate adjustments to coagulant and polymer doses to maintain efficient treatment. Adjustment can be challenging, as the full impacts of coagulant dosing decisions are not seen for hours, and in some cases, days, and may be impacted by combinations of several parameters. Predictive models can help operational staff optimize coagulant and polymer dosing decisions during both rapidly changing and stable raw water conditions.


Coagtech has been working with several large drinking water treatment plants with varying source waters, coagulants, clarification technologies, and levels of instrumentation to assess and deploy machine learning for coagulation optimization. Assessments have been completed at water treatment plant serving a combined population of >4M people.


This presentation will provide an overview of coagulation, machine learning, and the key considerations for water treatment coagulation optimization. Specific challenges related to data gathering, data analysis, and modelling will be highlighted. Technology implementation approach, including the central role of the operator, and challenges and benefits of the technology adoption will be shared.

This paper will present the vision of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation in providing sustainable, high quality potable water, and the steps taken for the renewal of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant. Owners seeking cost certainty, schedule acceleration, and risk mitigation are looking at alternative delivery methods for critical infrastructure.  The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation explored various alternative delivery methods and found that for the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project, progressive design build was the method of choice in delivering their vision.  The Renewal Project was one of the first to utilize progressive design build in the water sector. The Corporation will share their experiences and lessons learned so that others water utilities may benefit should they elect to proceed with alternative delivery methods. 


The paper will walk through:


1. the various procurement models that were evaluated and the one that was selected (progressive design build), 
2. the complexity of brownfield construction within an active water treatment plant,
3. the collaborative approach during the engineering phase, and,
4. the challenges encountered by the Corporation during the construction phase.

Safe drinking water is essential for the protection of public health and disease prevention and therefore is necessary for the health and well-being of Saskatchewan’s citizens. Drinking water management in Saskatchewan is legislated under The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010, The Waterworks and Sewage Works Regulations, The Public Health Act, 1994 and The Health Hazard Regulations. Water Security Agency (WSA) in Saskatchewan has the legislative authority to regulate water and wastewater treatment systems and enforce standards with respect to drinking water and wastewater quality in the province. WSA regulates municipal waterworks, private waterworks with greater than 18 m³ per day design flow, water pipelines connected to municipal waterworks, and water pipelines with 15 or more service connections. In addition, water sampling requirements for limited-scope water pipelines, as defined in The Health Hazard Regulations, are regulated by WSA. Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) regulates non-municipal public water systems and private semi-public water systems. Private non-public water systems used for domestic purposes (e.g., private household systems) are not regulated. This paper outlines the regulatory framework, water management activities including developing drinking water quality standards, source water protection measures, treatment, public perception and trust, monitoring and compliance undertaken by the WSA to implement the Safe Drinking Water Strategy in the province

Delivering safe and reliable drinking water infrastructure to remote communities often requires innovative approaches that balance schedule, budget, technical complexity, and community priorities. In August 2025, Flowpoint Systems and Associated Engineering partnered with Sunchild First Nation in Alberta to deliver a fully integrated, turnkey modular water treatment system that was successfully commissioned in February 2026. This presentation, co-authored by Shane Beston (Sunchild First Nation), Hashanth Sasitharan (Associated Engineering, Calgary), and Jay Morrison (Flowpoint Systems), examines how a holistic team model between owner, consultant, and manufacturer enabled the successful execution of this fast-tracked project.
 
The session will explore the advantages and challenges of deploying a modular water treatment solution under an expedited timeline from multiple perspectives — including the owner’s experience navigating funding, risk allocation, governance, long-term operations, and community expectations. A key focus will be on the critical design considerations that enabled swift fabrication and installation, including strategic equipment selection, thoughtful site layout and area selection, and optimized equipment configuration tailored to modular construction constraints. The presentation will demonstrate how early alignment on these technical elements minimized rework, streamlined fabrication, and supported schedule certainty within a six-month delivery window.
 
In addition, the team will discuss the chosen contract structure and project delivery methodology, including why this approach was selected and how it supported collaboration, clarity of responsibility, and accelerated execution. The session will highlight how procurement strategy, clearly defined interfaces, and shared accountability between owner, consultant, and manufacturer contributed directly to project success.
 
The presentation will further address the broader benefits and limitations of modular systems, including reduced on-site construction requirements, improved quality control through off-site fabrication, footprint constraints, staging logistics, integration with existing infrastructure, lifecycle planning, and flexibility for future expansion.
 
By engaging the owner, consultant, and manufacturer from concept through commissioning, the team was able to streamline decision-making, align expectations, and resolve design-build interfaces quickly. The inclusion of the owner’s voice provides valuable insight into stakeholder engagement, operational readiness, and how early collaboration reduced project risk while strengthening long-term confidence in the system.
 
Attendees will gain practical lessons learned from all three perspectives, strategies for successful owner–consultant–manufacturer collaboration, and guidance on determining when modular construction and alternative delivery methods are the best fit for water treatment applications. This case study provides a replicable model for consulting engineers, manufacturers, and community leaders seeking innovative, efficient approaches to water system delivery across Western and Northern Canada.

Twenty-five years ago, the US National Research Council considered potable reuse a “solution of last resort.” Today, it is a mainstream water supply option in the western United States, and is increasingly being implemented in eastern States. In Canada, water reuse has been practiced since the 1970’s, first in the Okanagan Valley as a means of addressing nutrient loading; today, discussions regarding water reuse have re-emerged in response to modern water challenges. Alberta’s upcoming Water Amendment Act (Bill 7) and regional initiatives including the City of Calgary’s Water Scarcity Roadmap and Water Reuse Assessment signal a renewed national focus on potable reuse at home.  

Treatment technology selection is a careful balance of regulatory preference, source water quality, and public perception. The rapid implementation of reuse technologies in the United States has been enabled by extensive academic research, public engagement efforts, and demonstration facilities ranging from proof-of-concept trailers, to simple outdoor pilots, to “museum-quality” permanent installations.

Historically, potable reuse facilities relied on reverse osmosis- based advanced treatment (RBAT), which is a codified requirement in some US states (notably California). As potable reuse expands into new markets, however, carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT) has emerged as an equivalent treatment approach, with reduced cost and operational complexity. This shift has been the subject of extensive research through the Water Research Foundation, beginning with Project #1695 (Equivalency of Advanced Treatment Trains for Potable Reuse) published in 2016, followed by numerous studies exploring treatment performance, process innovations and optimization, monitoring, and validation. Early full-scale Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) projects, where reclaimed water is introduced into an environmental buffer (reservoir or groundwater) use CBAT, including a facility on the Upper Occoquan (VA), followed by Gwinnett County (GA), and now at Hampton Roads (VA). This enables communities to pursue potable reuse without the cost of RO membranes, or needing to dispose of RO concentrate.

Now, CBAT projects push utilities towards the last frontier: Direct Potable Reuse (DPR), where purified recycled water is introduced directly back into the drinking water supply without first passing through an environmental buffer. Starting in 2017 with the international award-winning pureALTA DPR demonstration project in Altamonte Springs, Florida, and followed thereafter by similar projects in Florida (One Water Polk), Utah (Pure SoJo), and Tennessee (multiple), CBAT is being established as a viable and cost-effective approach to DPR where desalination is not required.

This presentation will begin with an overview of potable reuse technologies and their implementation across Canada and the United States. It will then discuss our understanding of CBAT performance, starting with results from WRF 1695 and subsequent research, continuing to case studies from the CBAT DPR demonstration facilities listed above, and a sneak peek at the most recent XBAT testing data. Finally, the presentation will conclude with a brief overview of a customizable CBAT process model based on all of these data, allowing utilities to explore options for potable reuse, including what specific CBAT configurations may be best for them.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) in Saskatchewan has the legislative authority to regulate water and wastewater treatment systems and enforce standards with respect to drinking water and wastewater quality in the province. Recently, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water (CDW) published the drinking water quality objective of 30 ng/L for Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The WSA is part of the CDW will adopt the PFAS objective in the province. Before adoption of the objective, the WSA would like to conduct a scientific study that include determining the exposure levels of PFAS in Saskatchewan waters at selective water, wastewater treatment plants and receiving waters. The study will also aim to determine the treatment efficiency and assess other impacts, if any.  The science needed to assess the impacts of these compounds on the human health is still emerging.  The objective of the study is to determine the occurrence and concentrations of PFAS from selective water and wastewater treatment plants and downstream locations of wastewater treatment plants that discharge treated effluent into fish bearing waters in the province. The results will be useful in determining the exposure levels of PFAS in Saskatchewan waters and treatment efficiency that will help in adopting PFAS objective in the province. This paper includes the results of sampling/research studies that are conducted up to date to determine the exposure levels PFAS in water.  

In both Australia and Canada, access to potable water in many Indigenous communities is a challenge due to systemic issues; including a historic lack of investment, ageing infrastructure, and challenges associated with logistics in small remote communities. Equitable water access drives the need for water treatment plant (WTP) upgrades and their respective designs to holistically consider community needs. 
In Canada, a combination of systemic and historical challenges has led to the prevalence and persistence of boil water advisories. These advisories necessitate WTP upgrades and adequate staffing to provide a reliable supply. Though 151 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted since November 2015 on public systems, there are still 39 long-term drinking water advisories in effect in at least 37 First Nations public water systems across Canada under long-term drinking water advisories as of February 10, 2026.  
The Australian Government has also committed to support the delivery of water infrastructure, which includes the National Water Grid’s $150M commitment towards water security in First Nations communities. One of the goals includes 9b. Closing the Gap. This goal by aims to have all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households either: 1) receiving essential services that meet or exceed the relevant jurisdictional standards or, if near a town, 2) essential services to those households shall meet or surpass the standards generally applied within that town by 2031. 
The purpose of this presentation is to review two case studies and discuss parallels, challenges, and lessons learned for design considerations needed in WTPs in remote Indigenous communities. The two case studies are located in Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories, Canada and Bamaga, Northern Peninsula Area (Cape York), Queensland. Despite differences in climate and geography, both projects reveal parallels in project delivery and lessons learned that may support future drinking water equity for Indigenous communities globally.
While financial estimates and technical performance are usually prioritised in the optioneering process for selecting the best treatment processes for a source water, remote Indigenous communities face unique needs in the design and operation of potable water infrastructure beyond the traditional financial and technical inputs. This includes public perception, which requires building trust with local stakeholders, aligning staffing requirements with available skillsets, and managing complex construction costs and logistics. These considerations were critical to the implementation of both projects. The review and assessment included comparisons where applicable in the following focus areas: prediction of water demand, raw water quality, selection of water treatment processes, ease of delivery access, decision modelling principles, cost estimation factors, and construction considerations. This multi-faceted approach allowed for an exploration of both the conceptual and practical challenges involved in water treatment design for remote Indigenous communities in varying phases of delivery, from planning through construction and commissioning. 
This assessment revealed interesting parallels in challenges faced. Identifying shared obstacles in projects serving Indigenous communities can help uncover opportunities for improvement. By integrating these lessons learned into future designs, we can better understand barriers and further advancement for water equity access around the globe.
 

The Rossdale Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Edmonton, Alberta is a legacy facility originally constructed in 1947 and currently supplies approximately 35% of the city’s potable water demand. Faced with accelerated projected population growth and the need for reliable long-term supply, EPCOR required a strategy to increase firm net potable capacity from 300 to 375 ML/d, a 25% increase, without greenfield expansion. The plant’s location within the North Saskatchewan River valley, combined with legacy-designated structures and an operational facility serving over 400,000 people, presented significant constraints on the scope and execution of potential upgrades.
A comprehensive capacity assessment was completed through five sequential technical memoranda (TM1–TM5), each targeting a major process system: raw water intake and low-lift pumping (TM1), flocculation and clarification (TM2), filtration and UV disinfection (TM3), and reservoir conveyance and high-lift pumping (TM4). Hydraulic modelling confirmed that all four systems were capacity-constrained, with firm capacities ranging from 238 to 273 ML/d against a target gross demand of 416 ML/d (accounting for 10% in-plant process losses). Fifteen upgrade alternatives were developed spanning from targeted, internal structural modifications to full redundancy construction. TM5 integrated these findings through a structured multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework incorporating weighted criteria derived from stakeholder workshops. Five evaluation criteria were applied to quantitative risk adjustment, sensitivity analysis, and quadrant analysis, testing the robustness of rankings: operations and maintenance, constructability, capital cost, performance, and facilities siting.
The analysis demonstrated that targeted upgrades to existing infrastructure consistently outperformed high-cost green field replacement or process technology upgrades. The recommended program comprises four coordinated investments: replacement of low-lift pumps and twinning  influent piping to resolve the most critical bottleneck; expansion of tube settler coverage and effluent launders to increase clarification capacity; high-volume filter underdrain and media upgrades to increase filtration loading rates pending pilot confirmation; and replacement of a hydraulic restriction in the East Flume chamber to eliminate the reservoir conveyance bottleneck. The integrated strategy achieves the targeted  375 ML/d firm capacity at an estimated AACE Class 5 capital cost of $130.6M (2025 CAD). A phased implementation plan aligns capital expenditure with capacity trigger points through 2036, allowing investment to be deferred or accelerated in response to actual demand growth.
This presentation presents the decision framework, key technical findings, and lessons learned from each process assessment. The methodology offers a transferable approach for utilities across Western Canada facing similar challenges: how to extract meaningful capacity gains from aging treatment infrastructure through disciplined, risk-informed investment planning rather than defaulting to costly greenfield construction.