This fall, the Ontario Water Consortium (OWC) hosted its Innovation Showcase Fall 2026 Series, a three-part webinar program highlighting applied research, technology development, and collaboration across Ontario’s water sector. Attendees from academia, government, and industry explored membrane treatment for wastewater, innovative approaches to wastewater disinfection, and the use of artificial intelligence to support flood forecasting and watershed resilience.
The series opened with Fibracast, in collaboration with researchers from Western University and the University of Michigan, showcasing its FibrePlate Fusion membrane technology for membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment. Elnaz Halakoo (Director of Product and Process, Fibracast), Martha Dagnew (Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University), and Glen Daigger (Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan) discussed technology development and validation from pilot testing to full-scale application. Testing at OWC’s London Wastewater Testbed, supported the evaluation of membrane performance, while a full-scale installation at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in California demonstrated its application in practice. The session highlighted how collaboration between technology developers and researchers supports the evaluation and advancement of membrane treatment solutions.
The second session featured USP Technologies, where Ian Watson (Technology Development Manager) and Eunkyung Jang (Research Engineer) presented OaSys iCT and OaSys iCT Echo, technologies designed to improve wastewater disinfection through real-time measurements and process modelling. The presenters discussed the limitations of flow-paced chemical dosing and how monitoring disinfectant exposure can help operators adjust dosing to better meet treatment targets. Demonstrations at the North Toronto Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Regional Municipality of Peel’s Clarkson Wastewater Treatment Plant explored system performance and alternative disinfection chemistries. The session highlighted the potential for data-informed dosing strategies to support wastewater treatment operations and chemical management.
The series concluded with Aquanty’s presentation on AI-enabled flood forecasting and watershed resilience. Andre Erler (Senior Climate Scientist, Aquanty), Angela Coleman (Chief Adminstrative Officer, Conservation Ontario), Jeff Winzenried (Flood Forecasting Supervisor, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority), and Mohammad Reza Najafi (Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University) discussed the use of Aquanty’s HydroSphereAI platform in an ongoing pilot with Conservation Ontario across 10 Ontario watersheds. The platform generates daily river-flow forecasts using AI models, weather forecasts, and monitoring data. The session explored the opportunities for scaling forecasts across watersheds, alongside challenges related to weather uncertainty, rare extreme events, and changing climate conditions. The discussion emphasized the importance of combining AI-based forecasts with physical models and local expertise to support flood preparedness and decision-making.
Across all three sessions, a common theme emerged: Ontario’s water innovation ecosystem benefits from collaboration, real-world testing, and the integration of research and technology. From advancing membrane treatment and refining wastewater disinfection to strengthening flood forecasting, these initiatives demonstrate how partnerships can help evaluate emerging technologies and support their practical application.
Watch the Webinars
Recordings from the Winter Series are now available:
- Fibracast Membrane: Resilient MBR Treatment for Utilities—from Pilot to Full Scale
Presented by Elnaz Halakoo (Fibracast), Dr. Martha Dagnew (Western University), Dr. Glen Daigger (University of Michigan)
Watch the recording › - From Innovation to Implementation: OaSys iCT™ Technology and Demonstrations in Ontario
Presented by Ian Watson and Eunkyung Jang – USP Technologies
Watch the recording › - Forecasting a Changing Climate: AI, Flood Resilience and the Future of Ontario’s Watersheds
Presented by Andre Erler (Aquanty), Angela Coleman (Conservation Ontario), Jeff Winzenried (Maitland Valley Conservation Authority), Dr. Mohammad Reza Najafi (Western University)
Watch the recording ›
What’s Next
OWC will host its Winter 2027 Innovation Showcase in February, continuing to spotlight academic research, technological innovation, and partnerships driving water innovation across Ontario.
Subscribe to the OWC newsletter to stay informed about upcoming sessions and opportunities to connect with Ontario’s water innovation community.