Water & Wastewater Treatment

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Key challenges and innovative solutions

Wastewater treatment is at the heart of ensuring communities and industries have access to clean, safe water. As global demands grow and environmental pressures increase, the sector faces new and evolving challenges that

require both technical expertise and forward-thinking solutions.

Global challenges in wastewater treatment

At a time when access to safe water is taken for granted, many people still do not have this basic need fulfilled. Contamination, related to failing infrastructure and extreme weather events, is becoming more frequent. Finding alternative water resources to maintain safe clean drinking water is the only way forward. Our engineers have hands-on experience with all types of pre-treatment and membrane technologies, gained through involvement in desalination projects of all sizes, as well as biosolids management and treatment technologies.

Leveraging expertise to add value

Our ability to deliver projects successfully is enhanced by our use of 3D CAD, in facility design or refurbishment projects. Our 3D CAD can be integrated with Smart P&IDs and BIM to assist asset management construction sequencing, as well as asset maintenance further down the road.

Conventional and advanced water treatment technologies

We pride ourselves on being actively involved with new and emerging technologies, which allows us to select the most sustainable and cost-effective approach to meet our clients’ needs. Examples of our innovated methods include the removal of arsenic and uranium from drinking water, destruction of PFAS in water and wastewater, as well as using a biological process to remove high nitrates. In inland and coastal areas where conventional freshwater resources are unavailable, or in areas where water is in short supply, desalination of brackish water and seawater, grey water recycling and reclaimed wastewater are alternative water supply sources for clean, safe water.

Understanding technology and having the tools to recover valuable resources from wastewater, will empower the operators not only to protect environment, reduce environmental footprint but also make wastewater treatment more affordable and in some cases profitable

Lalith Liyanage, Ph.D P.Eng National Technical Director – Wastewater, WSP in Canada

Lalith Liyanage, Ph.D P.Eng National Technical Director – Wastewater, WSP in Canada

Browse featured projects

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch City wastewater model update and calibration

Christchurch City Council required an updated and re-calibrated hydraulic model of the Christchurch wastewater system after post-earthquake repairs.

British Columbia, Canada

Town of Ladysmith Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Municipal wastewater discharge was polluting Ladysmith Harbour, a sensitive receiving environment valuable to the local community, First Nations and the shellfish industry. The Town of Ladysmith required a treatment strategy that would satisfy environmental regulations and serve a growing population.

Qatar

Ras Laffan C IWPP

Water and power plants are crucial to serving the growing populations of the Middle East. WSP’s environmental and energy experts are leading the way in achieving regulatory compliance for this important sector.

Hong Kong

Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant

WSP is behind the first-of-its-kind facility in Hong Kong using reverse osmosis technology to provide the city with an alternative strategic water resource.

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

City of Cape Town desalination plant

WSP played a crucial role in the fast-tracked development of the City of Cape Town V&A desalination plant, feeding 2.0 megalitres of fresh water into the city’s network per day.

United States

Planning clean sustainable solutions for PFAS impacted drinking water

An $850 million settlement was reached in the first-ever Natural Resource Damage Claim for PFAS in the United States.

Durham - UK

Wolsingham Sewage Treatment Works Challenges the Status Quo

Learn how our innovative and sustainable approach to this project yielded never-before-seen results, created a buzz, and won awards.

Saint-Lazare, Quebec

Sainte-Angelique Water Treatment Plant

Upgrades at the Sainte-Angelique drinking water treatment plant in Saint-Lazare, Quebec, aimed to double water production capacity to 19 MLD without enlarging the plant building and staying within budget.

Stay connected and informed

Join our expert-led webinars and training programs. Explore insights on water sustainability, treatment systems, and emerging contaminants.

Watch our water webinars

Frequently asked questions

How does WSP tailor wastewater treatment services for different industries and facility types, and when should organizations engage WSP?

WSP tailors wastewater treatment solutions to the specific requirements of municipal, industrial, and private‑sector facilities by considering influent characteristics, regulatory requirements, operational constraints, and long‑term performance goals. Our experience spans sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverage, energy, and mission‑critical facilities, supported by our industrial water and wastewater management expertise

Organizations typically engage WSP when planning new or expanded facilities, upgrading treatment assets, addressing compliance or capacity challenges, or seeking efficiency and resilience improvements.

What is the typical process for working with WSP, and how does this add value beyond in-house capabilities?

WSP engagements typically begin with site assessments, data review, and performance analysis, followed by solution development and collaborative delivery. Beyond design and implementation, WSP places strong emphasis on knowledge transfer—supporting operators and owners through training, operational guidance, and change management.

This approach builds long-term value by strengthening internal capability alongside the delivery of practical, compliant treatment solutions, aligned with our water and wastewater treatment services.

How does WSP’s expertise benefit industrial and private-sector clients facing complex wastewater challenges?

WSP brings multidisciplinary expertise across process engineering, treatment technologies, digital solutions, and regulatory compliance. Our teams routinely support complex industrial effluent streams and high‑performance facilities, applying advanced treatment, automation, and reuse strategies informed by global project experience.

This integrated capability enables WSP to deliver robust, scalable solutions for industries with strict discharge requirements, operational risks, or sustainability targets.

How does WSP help industrial and private-sector clients improve operational efficiency and performance?

WSP works closely with clients to optimize wastewater treatment performance through detailed process assessments, digital monitoring, and targeted operational improvements. Drawing on experience from treatment optimization and asset performance program globally, we help reduce energy use, improve reliability, and enhance compliance and support pathways to Net Zero.

Why do leading industrial companies and project sponsors choose WSP as their wastewater treatment partner?

Clients choose WSP for our proven ability to deliver technically rigorous, practical solutions backed by global experience. Our teams combine deep sector knowledge with end‑to‑end delivery—from planning and permitting through to detailed design and operational support.

By partnering with WSP, clients gain access to integrated expertise aligned with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and long‑term asset performance.

How does WSP support utilities with asset management, financial planning, and long-term strategy?

WSP supports utility owners and operators with asset management, financial planning, and long‑term strategy development. Services include asset condition assessment, investment planning, and lifecycle optimisation, supported by our water asset management capabilities.Through performance forecasting, scenario analysis, and risk-informed planning, WSP helps utilities make informed decisions that support affordability, resilience, and reliable service over the long term.

Digital platforms

Our digital platforms perform a critical role in underpinning our advice and services. These world-leading tools allow us to collaborate across design teams, as well as with clients and the communities they serve; ultimately delivering stronger designs and advice.

Floodly

Using machine learning to predict river levels and flood risk.

WSP’s Floodly uses machine learning to predict river levels and flood risk. Its rapid predictions complement traditional hydraulic modelling, which can be slower, more costly and challenging to apply in complex urban catchments.

Learn more

Smart Drains

Sensor-based drains to mitigate flood risk and boost resilience.

Smart Drain fits ultrasonic sensors in high-flood-risk gullies, sending real-time silt and flow data to IoT dashboards and flagging blockages so crews can clear the right drains at the right time.