Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment Plant Resilience in Canada

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment Plant Resilience in Canada

This project evaluates wetlands’ ability to manage partially treated wastewater during extreme storm events, using a once-in-100-year rainfall simulation in Vancouver.

It examines how climate change amplifies storm intensity and flood risks, often leading to wastewater overflows that contaminate nearby rivers and lakes.

By analyzing wetland resilience in the Pacific Northwest, the study aims to enhance future climate adaptation strategies, improving stormwater management and protecting vital ecosystems from climate-driven disruptions.

Loss from floods
$ 0 bn
Loss to the water and
wastewater sector from
disasters
$ 0 mn

Impact and Key Findings

1

Ammonia removal rates were analyzed to assess wetland efficiency in wastewater treatment during heavy storms. This evaluation provides valuable insights into their resilience under extreme weather conditions and fluctuating water levels, informing future climate-adaptive water management strategies.

2

Vertical flow wetlands proved highly effective in managing wastewater during floods, showcasing strong treatment performance and adaptability to storm intensity variations. Their resilience under extreme conditions highlights their potential as a reliable solution for flood-affected areas.

3

These wetlands improve municipal wastewater treatment resilience by adjusting to intense storms and fluctuating water levels. Their adaptability provides a sustainable solution, reducing pollution risks and strengthening environmental protection during extreme weather events.

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.