Research Summary
Many Canadian households—especially those in rural and Indigenous communities—rely on decentralized water treatment systems, or septic systems, which treat water onsite without municipal infrastructure. But these small-scale systems often face performance and safety challenges. Dr. Dominique Claveau-Mallet, Canada Research Chair in Decentralized and Small-Scale Water Treatment, is working to improve decentralized water and wastewater treatment through better design, operation and environmental integration.
She and her research team are addressing three key areas: how septic systems affect phosphorus levels in nearby lakes; how viruses travel from septic systems to drinking water wells; and how waste from water softeners affects biological processes in septic tanks. By combining field experiments, lab analysis and environmental modelling, they are identifying new design standards and risk mitigation strategies. The goal is to enhance the safety, sustainability and effectiveness of decentralized water treatment—ultimately reducing health and environmental risks.