Real Time Control of Ottawa’s Wastewater Collection Systems: Added Value and Operational Benefits beyond Achieving CSO Control Objectives

The City of Ottawa implemented Real Time Control (RTC) to minimize overflows to the Ottawa River from its combined wastewater collection system to meet provincial regulatory guidelines by maximizing the system capture rate and making full use of available conveyance capacity of the existing network. The RTC system has led to an immediate and drastic reduction in the volume of CSOs discharged to the Ottawa River. It has allowed the City to effectively attain its control objectives at a much lower cost than traditional CSO control methods. In addition to CSO reduction, the RTC system has allowed for improved operational control, understanding and maintenance of the collection system. System Operators now have improved tools for operation in emergency scenarios and monitoring of the collection system. By consolidating oversight of the RTC and wastewater pumping station sites, the City has been able to allocate staffing resources more effectively.