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 full picture of the facility’s production.
• Using this tool, the Region of Waterloo identifies the Mannheim and Greenbrook facilities as the highest emitters. The primary contributors to these emissions are chemical production and transportation.
• The inventory results help the Region understand how factors such as raw water quality, treatment process optimization, and facility production rates influence GHG emissions for drinking water treatment.
• The tool is adaptable for both simple and complex systems, making it a valuable resource for any municipality or utility seeking to evaluate GHG emissions from existing infrastructure and take action towards a low-carbon future.

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