Our Wastewater System

Residential and commercial buildings in Dawson City are serviced by a network of sanitary sewer services constructed in 1978. Many upgrades have taken place over the years and further upgrades are planned for 2020.

The sanitary sewer system consists of service connections, lateral connections and sewer mains. Lateral connections branch off the sewer main and run along residential side streets while service connections connect laterals to individual properties. 

There is approximately 11 km of buried gravity main, 3.6 km of buried force main, 700 building services, and 5 lift stations.

During winter and spring months, water is bled through the system to prevent freezing. Within the City area, waste is collected in three drainage basins and flows either via gravity drainage or through a force main to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

The WWTP, which was placed into operation in August of 2012, consists of a high rate aerobic process, applying “deep shaft” VERTREAT process technology, coupled with a flotation clarifier, cloth filter system, and UV disinfection. Following the treatment process, wastewater normally discharges to the Yukon River opposite Church Street, which is downstream of the water supply wells. The WWTP is owned and operated by the Government of Yukon.