Key insights Understanding, predicting, and mitigating nitrous oxide emissions is crucial as utilities across Canada strive to reduce their carbon footprint. Monitoring and measuring of nitrous oxide at the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant will inform actions that support safe, cost-effective services that have low emissions. Effective aeration controls are important to support the [...]
Key insights Community-driven innovation: The Capital Regional District’s (CRD) biosolids strategy was shaped by strong public engagement and the board’s responsiveness to environmental concerns. Its shift from traditional disposal methods toward advanced thermal treatment reflects how municipalities are increasingly expected to align infrastructure decisions with evolving community values, such as environmental sustainability and public health [...]
Key insights The greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory tool developed by the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) and Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) enables municipalities to assess GHG emissions from their water treatment facilities and support informed decision-making. The tool accounts for both direct and indirect emissions from drinking water treatment plants, which offers a [...]
Key insights Annual rate increases above the rate of inflation are sometimes necessary to help municipalities close gaps in asset management funding and manage debt. It is also important to understand local affordability limits and consider how rate increases may impact residents with low income. External stakeholder engagement with local cities, towns and users is [...]
Key insights Tommy Thompson Park was formed after the abandonment of the initial plan to create Confined Disposal Facilities (CDFs), giving way for the naturalization of the site to create an ‘accidental wilderness.’ Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) was tasked with restoring the site, which was created by natural succession to remove the contaminated [...]
Key insights Today’s customers want to know more about their water. This includes a greater understanding of water rates, stormwater management, water quality, flooding and other issues. Integrating customers’ voice into areas such as performance measures, service expectations and service delivery can help identify how utility services either meet, exceed or fall below expectations. Understanding [...]
Key insights Utility modelling and planning for long-term financial sustainability is an iterative, collaborative process that requires continual reviews and improvements. The capital investment planning (CIP) process and multi-criteria prioritization tool, as well as Master Plans, have helped the City of Regina to improve its approach to assessing needs and projecting costs. This allows the [...]
Key Insights EPCOR is actively working towards net-zero operations in response to increasing public and regulatory pressure to address climate change while promoting sustainability. Water utilities are facing the challenge of balancing emissions reductions with maintaining high-quality, affordable services in rapidly growing communities. EPCOR has significantly invested in renewable energy projects with solar and wind [...]
