Winnipeg Restores UV Treatment at North End Wastewater Plant Following Upgrades

After a temporary shutdown for facility upgrades, the City of Winnipeg has reinstated ultraviolet (UV) treatment at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant. The treatment, which neutralizes viruses and bacteria in wastewater, was halted in October 2025 to allow for improvements to the plant’s infrastructure.

Temporary Shutdown and Safety Concerns

The City of Winnipeg temporarily shut off the UV treatment at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant on October 1, 2025, to facilitate essential upgrades [CityNews]. This temporary measure resulted in increased bacteria levels in the Red River, particularly within three kilometers downstream from the plant. Residents and pet owners in the affected area were advised to avoid contact with the river water and take precautions to prevent ingestion [CityNews].

UV Treatment Reinstated and Safety Recommendations Lifted

As of March 18, 2026, the City of Winnipeg has lifted the safety recommendations related to the temporary shutdown of the UV treatment [CBC News]. While the UV treatment is now operational, the city continues to advise individuals to wash their hands with soap after contact with Red River water and to practice safe food handling when consuming fish from the river [CBC News].

Plant Upgrades and Future Improvements

The upgrades to the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant are among the largest infrastructure investments in North America [City of Winnipeg]. The first phase of the $3.2-billion project, including improvements to the power supply and headworks facilities, is nearing completion [CBC News]. The upgraded UV treatment facility now uses 75% less energy [CBC News].

Construction began in 2021, and the city plans to move into the second phase – a biosolids upgrade – later in 2026 [City of Winnipeg]. A third phase, focused on nutrient removal, still requires $1 billion in additional funding [City of Winnipeg].

The North End Wastewater Treatment Plant processes approximately 70% of Winnipeg’s wastewater and all of the city’s solid waste [CBC News].