Upgrades on the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWPCC) are entering a new phase. To allow crews to do the necessary work, we must temporarily shut off ultraviolet (UV) treatment for wastewater.
We are still treating wastewater, but starting on October 1, the UV treatment will be turned off. We expect to turn UV treatment back on in March 2026.
This step uses UV light to neutralize bacteria and viruses, like E.coli and fecal coliform, from treated wastewater. It’s the last step before we release treated wastewater into the Red River.
Shutting off UV treatment will cause a short-term increase to the existing virus and bacteria levels in the Red River. This can have adverse health effects on people and pets. Fish won’t be impacted.
We are notifying residents living within three kilometers downstream (north) of the NEWPCC discharge. They received information about the UV treatment shut off and how it will impact them.
People who use the river for recreation in that area can stay safe by following these steps:
- Avoid direct contact with river water, when possible
- Wash hands with soap after any direct contact with river water
- Use safe food handling practices when eating fish from the river
- Don’t let your pets come into contact with or drink river water
This work will not affect residents’ drinking water.
There are many upgrades happening at the Plant, also known as the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant or NEWPCC. In fact, the NEWPCC upgrade is one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America.
These upgrades will help us meet our licensing requirements. It will also reduce the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen entering our local waterways, including Lake Winnipeg.