On September 16, 2025, Urban Water TMU hosted the PFAS Management in Canada Workshop, bringing together government representatives, municipal operators, researchers, consultants, technology providers, non-profits, and academics to address the pressing challenges posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Canadian water systems and biosolids. The workshop combined keynote presentations, panels, and interactive roundtable discussions to explore governance frameworks, emerging treatment technologies, and strategies for mitigating PFAS risks while preserving the agricultural value of biosolids.

As a partner for the event, the Ontario Water Consortium contributed by consulting on event design and logistics, leveraging its sector network to attract sponsors and registrations. Its involvement helped foster cross-sector dialogue and strengthen networks, while highlighting TMU’s role as a hub for water innovation and applied research.

Governance and Regulatory Perspectives

The workshop opened with perspectives from Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), highlighting federal and provincial approaches to PFAS management. Presenters reviewed the Government of Canada’s regulatory trajectory, including restrictions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Health Canada’s objectives for drinking water quality, and the evolving approach to class-wide regulation of PFAS chemicals. Provincial examples, such as Québec’s integrated Fertilizer and Residual Material Code, illustrated regional strategies for testing, monitoring, and restricting PFAS in biosolids applied to land.

International perspectives provided additional context. Stockholm University presented strategies from the European Union on PFAS governance from prevention to destruction, while AECOM shared forward-looking approaches from the United States. These sessions emphasized the need for coordinated, science-based policies and regulatory agility to address the rapid development of new PFAS chemistries.

Non-Regulatory Approaches and Innovation

Several sessions explored approaches beyond regulation. TMU highlighted non-regulatory strategies such as public awareness campaigns, voluntary industry actions, eco-labeling programs, public-private partnerships, and targeted investment in research and technology. These methods can accelerate PFAS management while encouraging innovation, especially in cases where monitoring and enforcement are challenging.

Technical Insights: Monitoring and Treatment

Technical research presentations from the University of Waterloo and Western University focused on PFAS monitoring and treatment. A multi-institutional project in Southern Ontario is analyzing over 1,500 samples across 12 water and wastewater treatment plants, targeting 42 PFAS compounds in drinking water, wastewater, and environmental sources. Researchers are developing advanced analytical methods, artificial intelligence-driven predictive models, and novel treatment technologies, including pyrolysis and vacuum ultraviolet methods, to remove PFAS from water and biosolids.

Pilot-scale studies at Western University demonstrated significant reductions in PFAS concentrations in biosolids using pyrolysis and thermal oxidation. Innovations such as biochar production and fluorine capture with mineral additives were highlighted as promising pathways for converting PFAS-laden biosolids into value-added products while destroying harmful compounds. These developments are essential for municipalities, which serve as a last line of defense in PFAS management.

Municipal Perspectives

The workshop emphasized the roles and challenges of municipalities, with insights provided by the Ontario Biosolids Council. Municipal operators highlighted the importance of reliable monitoring, upstream source control, and interim regulations that preserve the beneficial reuse of biosolids. Participants discussed practical guidance on sampling protocols, risk communication, and collaboration with regulators and industry. Municipal representatives noted that landfilling or incineration alone is not a sustainable solution due to cost, capacity, and the risk of transferring PFAS to other environmental media.

Roundtable Discussions and Recommendations

Interactive roundtable sessions engaged participants in transdisciplinary discussions. Three key themes emerged:

  • Limiting PFAS Creation and Circulation – Participants suggested tighter upstream controls on PFAS-containing products, enhanced public awareness, and voluntary industry reductions.
  • Keeping Pace with PFAS Development – Stakeholders emphasized adaptive regulatory approaches, incentives outside of regulation, and collaborative research partnerships to anticipate new PFAS chemistries.
  • Addressing PFAS in the Environment – Recommendations focused on cost-effective removal strategies at wastewater treatment plants, integration of emerging treatment technologies, and maintaining nutrient recovery for agriculture.

These recommendations were summarized for government decision-makers and may also guide provincial authorities, industry, and other stakeholders.

Moving Forward

By convening a diverse group of stakeholders, the PFAS Management in Canada Workshop advanced understanding, promoted evidence-based solutions, and strengthened collaboration across sectors. The discussions underscored the need for integrated approaches that combine regulatory action, voluntary initiatives, and technological innovation. As Canada continues to manage PFAS risks in water systems and biosolids, these insights and recommendations provide a roadmap for decision-makers seeking sustainable, cost-effective, and scientifically grounded strategies.