City resumes UV-light waste water treatment at North End plant

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This article was published 18/03/2026 (196 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Winnipeg has resumed treating waste water with ultraviolet light at the North End sewage plant.

The process, which neutralizes bacteria and viruses, was temporarily turned off in October, while upgrades were carried out at the facility at 2230 Main St.

It meant treated waste water released into the Red River had more bacteria and viruses than normal. The city had said higher levels of bacteria and viruses can be harmful to people and pets, but not to fish.

People who live near or use the river for recreation can return to regular water activities, now that UV light is being used again, the city said Wednesday.

People should continue to wash their hands with soap if they come into contact with river water. Those who eat fish from the Red should follow safe food-handling practices, the city said.

The upgrades mean the UV treatment system now uses about 75 per cent less energy. Additional work is expected to wrap up this fall.