Waste water System
The District of Squamish adopted the Sewer Master Plan in July 2018. The plan evaluated current system capacities and identifies required improvements to accommodate anticipated growth in Squamish until 2050. The plan also includes an inflow and infiltration (I&I) reduction and monitoring plan to reduce the amount of stormwater and groundwater entering the sewer system and subsequently requiring costly pumping and treatment. Finally, the plan evaluated the condition of sanitary sewer assets and prepared a capital plan to ensure the District is appropriately maintaining assets for sustainable service delivery.
For further details, please click here to read the plan:Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (and appendices)
The District of Squamish adopted a Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) in January 2016. The LWMP provides guidance to the District for the management of liquid waste and sanitary sewage issues over a 20 year horizon. The plan contains programs and recommendations pertaining to:
- Wastewater treatment plant upgrading plan to accommodate growth and maintain compliance with Provincial and Federal regulations,
- Enhanced program for biosolids removed at the wastewater treatment plant,
- Management plan for leachate exiting the District’s landfill,
- Preparation of several Integrated Stormwater Management Plans and environmental monitoring,
- Flow reduction program through reduced stormwater inflow and infiltration reduction and indoor water conservation), and
- Source control program to educate and enforce the discharge of appropriate substances to the sewer system.
For further details, please click here to read the plan.
Where does your waste water go... the Underground Story
More than 17,000 people in Squamish create waste water every day. From homes and businesses, waste water flows into sewer pipes that connect to large pipes under the street and then to the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP).
Flush Facts
- Waste water can take up to 6 hours to flow through the nine kilometres of pipe from Valleycliffe to the WWTP.
- There are more than 105 kilometres of sewer pipe in Squamish – that’s enough to go to Horseshoe Bay and back!
- Every year, 3.16 billion litres of liquid waste flow to the WWTP.
Waste Water Collection
How it all flows... and what should never enter the waste water system.
Waste Water Treatment
We take all complaints of odour seriously. If you think it smells, please report it.