Why should wineries treat wastewater on-site?

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Why Should Wineries Treat Wastewater On-site?

Wineries generate high strength wastewater, including sanitary sewage, process water and greywater, that must be managed appropriately. While off-site disposal of wastewater has traditionally been viewed as a simple, affordable solution, it presents a number of cost, reputational, and operational risks to wineries. In addition, provincial regulations may not allow for off-site disposal with new or expanding winery operations.

By treating wastewater on-site, wineries can:

  • Reduce or eliminate wastewater surcharges for wineries that discharge to a municipal sewer or haul wastewater to municipal treatment plants.

  • Reduce potential interruptions to production, that are beyond a winery’s control, from not being able to store and dispose of wastewater off-site.

  • Avoid being forced by an out-of-compliance situation to install a system without having sufficient time to properly prepare for and plan the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.

  • Reduce excess loading on municipal treatment plants which leads to odours and other issues.

Will I be able to afford surcharges if they are applied to hauled wastewater (potentially $10,000-$50,000 per year)?

What will I do if I can’t get a permit to store and haul wastewater when I expand operations?

Do I know enough about my operations to plan for on-site wastewater treatment?

See what’s involved in treating wastewater on-site.