The State of Municipal Wastewater Effluents in Canada

Municipal wastewater effluents include both sanitary sewage and stormwater, and are one of the largest sources of pollution by volume in Canadian waters. The first part of this report describes the characteristics of municipal wastewater effluents, their significance as a pollution source, and the factors influencing the effects of these effluents. Part two assesses the effects of municipal wastewater effluents on the environment (including nutrient enrichment, oxygen depletion, and direct toxicity), on human health, and on the economy. Part three reviews the management of municipal wastewaters in Canada, initiatives to improve wastewater management, and continuing & emerging problems such as ageing infrastructure and endocrine disruption.