Clean Water and Sanitation

Clean water and sanitation graphic

Lakehead University engages in research and projects focused on water quality, conservation and equitable access to clean water resources. By studying local and global water systems, Lakehead University contributes to innovative solutions for water-related challenges.

This societal impact focuses on the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Water Consumption

6.2.1 Water consumption tracking
Does your university measure the total volume of water used in the university that is taken from mains supply, desalinated, or extracted from rivers, lakes, or aquifers?
 
Raw water is sourced from Lake Superior at the Thunder Bay campus and from Lake Couchiching and groundwater supply wells at the Orillia campus.  The water is treated to meet Ontario drinking water regulations and is transported through municipal water supply systems.
 
Lakehead University tracks the total volume of water used through water meter readings and billings.

Water Usage and Care

6.3.1 Wastewater treatment
Does your university as a body have a process in place to treat waste water?
 
Lakehead’s approach to water treatment protects local and regional ecosystems by adhering to water disposal standards identified by the Ministry of Environment, the City of Thunder Bay and Orillia water standards.
 
Lakehead University’s wastewater is treated by municipal wastewater treatment plants in the City of Thunder Bay and the City of Orillia.  The university strictly adheres to municipal sewage and stormwater discharge by-laws along with the water disposal standards identified by the Ministry of Environment.  This ensures that no discharge poses a health or safety hazard, is hazardous to any person, animal, property or the environment, or contains substances that may obstruct or damage sewage infrastructure.  Our commitment extends to implementing policies and programs to minimize stormwater runoff and water pollution while valuing water as a resource rather than a waste product. 
6.3.2 Preventing water system pollution
Does your university as a body have processes to prevent polluted water entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents at the university?
 
Lakehead University adheres to established processes, regulations and oversight agencies aimed at preventing polluted water from entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents.  These measures are designed to safeguard the quality of the water resources. 
The university’s water pollution prevention framework comprises of several crucial components:
  1. Hazardous Waste Disposal Standard:  Lakehead University’s procedures for the disposal of hazardous waste to safeguard staff, students, the general public, property and the environment.
  2. Spill Reporting and Response:  The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Ontario Regulation 675/98 require immediate reporting of spills, including hazardous materials, to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Spills Action Centre. This allows for a rapid response to mitigate and clean up pollution incidents.
  3. Emergency Response Plans:  Lakehead University maintains comprehensive emergency response plans, enabling a rapid and effective response to accidental spills or incidents.
  4. Environmental Assessment:  Proposed developments and activities that may affect water quality are subject to environmental assessment processes to assess potential impacts and mitigation measures.
Both provincial and federal legislation govern water quantity and quality, encompassing various aspects of water protection including environmental compliance, spills management, source water protection, safe municipal water drinking systems, conservation efforts, guidelines for land use developments, wetland habitat preservation, transportation of hazardous materials, joint commissions for Canada-US border waters, marine pollution prevention, and public awareness and education initiatives. 
 
These measures collectively work to prevent polluted water from entering water systems and to respond promptly to pollution incidents to minimize environmental and public health risks. 
 
6.3.3 Free drinking water provided
Does your university as a body provide free drinking water for students, staff and/or visitors, e.g. drinking water fountains)?
 
Water fountains and refill stations at Lakehead University are located throughout the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses which are free to use by students, staff and visitors.  Water refill stations are highlighted on the Sustainability Campus Map.
 
In 2019, the Lakehead University Orillia campus introduced the Bottled Water Policy which prohibits the purchase, sale and distribution of single-use bottled water on the Lakehead Orillia campus.  Lakehead University recognizes that access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic human right and this initiative supports enhanced free public access to drinking water while reducing waste associated with single-use plastic bottles.  
6.3.4 Water-conscious building standards
Does your university as a body apply building standards to minimise water use? (relevant standards to be indicated)

Lakehead’s Sustainable Building Policy articulates our dedication to building standards which encompass sustainable site planning, energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor environmental quality and water preservation.  Per the Policy, Lakehead University prioritizes sustainable building practices to minimize water use in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating system. 

Our efforts include building retrofits and innovative initiatives such as low-flow plumbing systems, conservation and restoration of local natural ecosystems, utilization of biowales on the Orillia campus, planting native species, and incorporating adaptive and drought-tolerant plants to reduce the need for supplemental watering.  Lakehead University has also incorporated green roofs, bioretention areas for stormwater management, rain gardens, and outdoor classrooms that feature diverse native plants and ecosystems. 

These measures collectively reflect our commitment to minimizing water usage and fostering sustainable building practices that minimize water use on our campuses. 

 
6.3.5 Water-conscious planting
Does your university as a body plant landscapes to minimise water usage? (e.g. use drought-tolerant plants)
 
Lakehead University’s dedication to minimizing water usage and conserving water resources is evident throughout the campus landscape.  This is achieved by incorporating a combination of drought-tolerant and native plant species. This approach aligns with Lakehead’s broader commitment to sustainable building practices in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating system and Lakehead’s Sustainable Building Policy.
 
The LEED platinum campus in Orillia showcases many drought-tolerant and native plants in the landscaping, a water conservation feature that reduces the need for supplemental watering.  
 
Lakehead actively manages precipitation on campus through the implementation of rain gardens and outdoor classroom spaces.  These gardens absorb rainwater and snowmelt from downspouts and hard surfaces, effectively filtering pollutants through the soil and redirecting water away from storm drains that would otherwise discharge into nearby streams. Notably, the Braun Building Rain Garden serves as a compelling stormwater management demonstration and engagement site. It significantly reduces urban stormwater runoff and is a prominent feature during sustainability tours in the community, aimed at educating the public on the benefits and installation of rain gardens.
 
More recently, Lakehead University’s Office of Sustainability, in partnership with EcoSuperior Environmental Programs, conducted a Depave Paradise project on the Thunder Bay campus in the summer of 2019 to create the M'wade Gaazhi Namaadibinaanowin Outdoor Classroom.  The project removed 100 m² of deteriorating grey infrastructure on campus land and replaced it with native plants. Doing so increased the infiltration rate of the courtyard, recharged our groundwater supply, helped protect Lake Superior's water quality, helped cool our campus, and provided habitat for pollinators and insects. This space was transformed into an outdoor classroom with four demonstration gardens for use by undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as community events. 

Water Reuse

6.4.1 Water reuse policy

Does your university as a body have a policy to maximise water reuse across the university?

Lakehead University’s Sustainable Building Policy provides guidelines to maximize water use through dedicated resource conservation and sustainability practices.  This policy underscores the importance of safeguarding, preserving and enhancing our regional environmental resources through efficient water use and conservation during building construction, renovation and operations.
 
Lakehead University’s Sustainability Plan recognizes that water is a non-renewable resource that needs to be conserved and not treated as a waste product.  As part of this plan, the institution is actively integrating green infrastructure solutions to advance our water conservation efforts.  This includes low-impact development practices to minimize water consumption, implementing effective stormwater management and improving the overall quality of discharged water.  
 
Lakehead University continues to explore opportunities for water reuse and conversation to reduce our water footprint with updates provided by the Office of Sustainability. 
6.4.2 Water reuse measurement

Does your university as a body measure the reuse of water across the university?

Lakehead University maintains a comprehensive water tracking system spanning over 15 years of data collection. This data collection along with successful water reduction and retrofit projects has enabled the university to achieve a significant reduction in its water consumption by approximately threefold.
 
During the period from 2005 to 2007, the average annual water use at Lakehead University stood at 462,585 m3.  Through a major upgrade to water reusing tanks in the  Aquatic Toxicology Research Centre and building retrofits to support low-flow plumbing the average water use dropped to 191,870 m3.  
 
Lakehead University also leverages natural landscaping features to maximize water reuse and reduce supplemental watering through: native plants that are adaptive and drought-tolerant, a green roof to control stormwater, a bioretention area and stormwater management landscaping to capture urban stormwater runoff. 
 
Lakehead University’s Sustainability Plan recognizes that water is a non-renewable resource that needs to be conserved and not treated as a waste product, Lakehead continues to explore opportunities for increased water reuse in its operations.

Water in the Community

6.5.1 Water management educational opportunities
Does your university as a body provide educational opportunities for local communities to learn about good water management?

Lakehead University is committed to empowering local communities with knowledge and expertise in the field of water management. Through innovative programs, engaging workshops and collaborative initiatives the university strives to raise awareness and understanding of responsible water stewardship.

Lakehead University offers an Honours Bachelor of Science in Water Resource Science with Specialization in Applied Environmental Water Management program which focuses on water resource management, water conservation, water quality analysis and sustainable water practices. This is a paid, 4-year program with successful graduates eligible to obtain certification as a Water and Wastewater Operator in Training (OIT) and Entry Level Drinking Water Operator (Ontario Provincial Certification). 

As part of Lakehead University’s 2022 Research and Innovation Week, Dr. Kelsey Leonard, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Waters, Climate and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo presented “Indigenous Water Justice for Planetary Wellbeing”.  This event explored Indigenous water justice issues in the context of anthropogenic climate change and discussed how Indigenous laws of respecting the rights and responsibilities of water empowers planetary wellbeing. This event was free to the public and presented through a webinar to a national and international audience.  

Lakehead University also hosted a World Water Day “Protecting our Waters” an in-person and webinar event which featured Indigenous speakers and scholars addressing sustainable management of freshwater resources.  This event is free, and open to all.

The Lake Superior Living Labs Network’s (LSLLN) Climate Action Field School uses a hybrid model of virtual and in-person learning, to engage participants in an experiential training program that includes virtual workshops, community site visits, and interactive events in coastal communities across the Lake Superior Watershed. This helps the participants build an understanding of the impact of human decisions on clean water and sanitation across the Lake Superior Watershed.

 

6.5.2 Off-campus water conservation support

Does your university as a body support practical water conservation off campus?

Lakehead University actively supports water conservation efforts in the wider community through various initiatives and partnerships.  By collaborating with local organizations, participating in community events and promoting water-saving practices, we contribute to a more water-conscious and environmentally responsible society.  Examples of current partnerships and initiatives on water conservations off campus include:

  • The Freshwater Coastal Management Research Group at Lakehead University is an interdisciplinary group examining issues pertinent to freshwater coastal regions including source water in Northern Ontario and coastal communities along the shore of Lake Superior.

  • Lakehead University has a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area (IISD ELA) to foster collaboration and support for understanding impacts on freshwater systems. This includes Dr. Michael Rennie's Community Ecology and Energetics (CEE) Lab works with the IISD's ELA to conduct research with the aim of restoring the ecology of lakes negatively impacted by industry. The CEE Lab also researches the impacts of microplastics on our local watershed. This research supports the conservation of water quality in the region.

  • Lakehead University is a key partner in the Lake Superior Living Labs Network (LSLLN), a collaborative platform that facilitates partnerships between academic institutions, government and community groups. This network is dedicated to safeguarding the Lake Superior watershed, covering aspects related to water, land, food, climate, and energy. Throughout the year, the LSLLN hosts various events centred around the conservation and sustainable utilisation of water resources. These events include activities for World Water Day and initiatives that explore Indigenous connections to the Lake Superior watershed.

 

 

6.5.3 Sustainable water extraction on campus

Does your university as a body, where water is extracted (for example from aquifers, lakes or rivers), utilise sustainable water extraction technologies on associated university grounds on and off campus?

Raw water is sourced from Lake Superior at the Thunder Bay campus and from Lake Couchiching and groundwater supply wells at the Orillia campus.  The water is treated to meet Ontario drinking water regulations and is transported through municipal water supply systems.

Water extracted from Lake Superior is treated by membrane ultrafiltration technology which removes impurities and ensures the delivery of clean and safe water to our campus and surrounding community.  Wastewater generated on campus travels to the municipal water treatment plant and receives primary and secondary treatment to remove pollutants and contaminants, followed by a disinfection process.  The treated wastewater is returned to Lake Superior completing a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact. 

Lakehead University is compliant with municipal sewage and stormwater discharge by-laws and does not discharge any matter that is hazardous to any person, animal, property or environment; or substances that may obstruct flow or cause damage to the sewage infrastructure. 

Lakehead also actively manages precipitation on campus through the implementation of rain gardens and outdoor classroom spaces.  These gardens absorb rainwater and snowmelt from downspouts and hard surfaces, effectively filtering pollutants through the soil and redirecting water away from storm drains that would otherwise discharge into nearby streams. Notably, the  Braun Building Rain Garden serves as a compelling stormwater management demonstration and engagement site. It significantly reduces urban stormwater runoff and is a prominent feature during sustainability tours in the community, aimed at educating the public on the benefits and installation of rain gardens and watershed management.

Lakehead is committed to implementing policies and programs to reduce stormwater runoff and water pollution and to treat water as a resource rather than as a waste product.

 

6.5.4 Cooperation on water security
Does your university as a body cooperate with local, national, global governments on water security?
 
LOCAL
 
Thunder Bay Remedial Action Plan (RAP):
Dr. Robert Stewart, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography coordinates Remedial Actions Plans (RAPs) along the north shore of Lake Superior through the InfoSuperior Research and Information Network.  These initiatives focus on addressing water quality issues of Lake Superior in partnership with local, national and international governments as well as students, academics, industry and public citizens.  More information can be found here. 
 
REGIONAL
 
Lake Superior Living Labs Network (LSLLN):
Dr. Charles Levkoe, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences, and Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems is the network lead of the Lake Superior Living Labs Network.    The network connects academic, community groups, Indigenous partners and government across the Lake Superior watershed in developing collaborative initiatives that intersect water, food, land, climate, energy and individual and community well-being. More information can be found here.
 
NATIONAL
 
Green Processes Research Centre:
Dr. Pedram Fatehi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Green Chemicals and Processes is the director of the Green Processes and Research Centre, a hub for local, national and international researchers working on green technologies to transform chemical industries and protect the environment including industrial wastewater treatment.  More information can be found here.
 
GLOBAL
 
Global research to improve wastewater membrane efficiency:
Dr. Baoqiang Liao, Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering was part of an international research team on nanofiltration membrane technology to develop more efficient wastewater treatment techniques that can alleviate water scarcity while also recovering energy and valuable resources.  More information on his research projects can be found here. 
6.5.5 Promoting conscious water usage on campus

Does your university as a body actively promote conscious water usage on campus?

In recent years, Lakehead has undertaken many initiatives to reduce water use on campus enabled by community partnerships. Some of these projects have been highly visible, however, many operational initiatives have not been widely reported.  Below are some of the water-saving projects Lakehead University has completed in recent years:

An outdoor classroom that replaces a previously paved surface and incorporates various native plants and ecosystems on our Thunder Bay campus.  

6.5.6 Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community

Does your university as a body actively promote conscious water usage in the wider community?

Lakehead University actively promotes conscious water usage within the wider community through a variety of initiatives.  With our Thunder Bay campus located on Lake Superior and our Orillia campus situated on Lake Simcoe, we are uniquely positioned to actively contribute to the protection and well-being of these important aquatic ecosystems.

  1. InfoSuperior Research and Information Network: Lakehead University is home to the InfoSuperior Research and Information Network and the Remedial Action Plan program.  This network serves as a platform to connect citizens, students, academics, industry and government agencies around Lake Superior. Through community engagement, it identifies and addresses environmental concerns along the north shore of Lakehead Superior. 
  2. Water Resource Science Program: Lakehead University offers a 4-year comprehensive Water Resource Science degree program which focuses on water resource management, water conservation, water quality analysis and sustainable aquatic stewardship practices.   This program is training the next generation of water management and stewardship professionals contributing to the sustainability and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
  3. Lakehead University Environmental Laboratory (LUEL): The LUEL provides essential chemical analysis services for soils, foliage, water and wastewater.  Through teaching and research, LUEL has developed partnerships to conduct land-field investigations related to water quality, wetlands and environmental monitoring.
  4. Rain Garden Demonstration: This Lakehead University stormwater management demonstration and engagement site is used to reduce urban stormwater runoff, project Lake Superior water quality.  Members of the public are invited to explore the rain garden site to learn more about installing a rain garden in their own yards as well was other stormwater management practices.