Trial project lauded in the fight against pollution

A city project to reduce water pollution in Winnipeg has been deemed successful despite challenges in integrating it into an older sewage treatment plant. The project involves strategically placing ferric chloride to cut phosphorous, a nutrient that fuels algae growth. From June 2024 to September 2025, the chemical increased removal of phosphorous from 61% to 74% in 2024 and 67% in 2025.

Michelle Paetkau, a senior planning engineer, noted the improvement helps Lake Winnipeg. The city uses only a fraction of the chemical recommended by consultants but still sees success in reducing phosphorous. Alexis Kanu, executive director of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, says the success lays the path for meeting provincial pollution targets at the North End plant.

The city is currently adding ferric chloride at two locations, using 10% and 45% of the recommended amounts. To meet the provincial target consistently, the city needs to switch to full recommended amounts once new biosolids facilities are completed. The trial program cost $19 million and has been deemed worth it by Coun. Brian Mayes.