Across Canada and globally, municipalities are facing mounting pressure to manage biosolids and other bioresources to protect public health and meet evolving regulations. Issues like PFAS contamination, misinformation, and regulatory uncertainty aren’t just technical challenges — they influence public trust, operational costs, and the ability to deliver essential services. As resource recovery becomes increasingly important in municipal planning, bioresource management is emerging as a critical component of the circular economy.

In October 2025, Canadian Water Network (CWN) launched a new Strategic Sharing Group focused on biosolids management. This initiative creates a space for municipal leaders to navigate complex questions together, share practical solutions, and anticipate future trends. Why is this important? Because decisions made today will shape how communities handle biosolids for decades — impacting environmental outcomes, infrastructure investments, and public confidence.

More specifically, the Strategic Sharing Group aims to:

• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning: Municipal professionals can exchange experiences, lessons learned, and practical approaches to bioresource management challenges.
• Introduce new ideas and thought leadership: Through guest speakers and curated discussions, participants gain exposure to emerging technologies and forward-thinking approaches.
• Build relationships and a supportive network: Collaboration doesn’t end at the meeting; it fosters ongoing dialogue and informal support.
• Identify innovative strategies for bioresource management: Exploring alternatives to traditional land application, such as thermal treatment, helps municipalities stay ahead of regulatory and sustainability demands.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends and issues: Early awareness of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), regulatory shifts, and technological advancements positions municipalities to act proactively.

What we learned in the first meeting

During the first meeting in October, participants highlighted key challenges that include:

• Cost pressures and market limitations for beneficial biosolids use.
• Regulatory uncertainty, especially around PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
• Public misinformation, which complicates decision-making and underscores the need for science-based strategies.

These conversations confirm that municipalities need diversified, evidence-driven approaches to biosolids management. Future meetings will dive deeper into technological solutions, regulatory navigation, and strategy development.