City of Peterborough - High Water Flow Levels Lead to Partial Bypass

Please be advised that, due to the recent extreme wet conditions, the Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently experiencing a partial bypass, with partially treated effluent being discharged into the Otonabee River after going through primary treatment and disinfection.

Residents downstream of the City of Peterborough who draw water from the Otonabee River are advised to take necessary precautions.

Homes and businesses connected to municipal water from the Township of Cavan Monaghan drinking water system are not affected and their water continues to be safe to drink.

All discharge is receiving at least primary treatment, which includes screening and primary settling, and UV treatment before being discharged. The Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant is putting as much volume as possible through the full treatment process, including a secondary treatment stage, but a portion of the current flow is bypassing secondary treatment.

The Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant is receiving much higher-than-normal water flows due to the extreme wet weather and the amount of wastewater entering the sewer system has exceeded capacity.

For more information please contact the City of Peterborough at: P: 705-742-7777