Wastewater risks at OOWA conference

Robert Haller, Executive Director of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), addressed attendees at the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) Conference, shedding light on the significant impacts of so-called flushable products on wastewater infrastructure.

Haller emphasized that many products marketed as flushable do not break down as expected, posing a serious risk to both rural and urban wastewater systems. These materials contribute to blockages, increased maintenance costs, and potential system failures.

Conference attendees—including wastewater engineers, system designers, installers, equipment manufacturers, and regulators—shared their own experiences of onsite wastewater system failures caused by non-dispersible products. These firsthand accounts reinforced the urgency of better consumer awareness and improved product standards.

The discussion underscored the importance of ongoing advocacy and regulatory measures to prevent damage to critical wastewater infrastructure.

For more information on the OOWA Conference and its initiatives, visit OOWA’s website.