Winnipeg could reach maximum sewer capacity sooner than expected

A new report at a city committee says Winnipeg could hit its maximum sewer capacity by 2029.

Winnipeg could be in a smelly situation if sewage capacity isn’t increased before the next decade.

The city is running out of capacity for its sewage system faster than previously thought. According to a new report, Winnipeg Public Service is expecting capacity could be reached by late 2029.

The report said the system can accommodate another 40,000 people.

The public service said capacity normally decreases by 10,000 people a year. But last year, it said there was capacity for another 60,000 people, meaning it moved at twice the average rate.

The city’s rate of population growth and whether upgrades at the city’s treatment plants will be ready on time will impact how soon capacity could be reached.