Niagara Region recognizes World Toilet Day

November 19, 2025

Niagara Region is joining communities around the world in recognizing World Toilet Day on November 19, a United Nations–designated observance that raises awareness of the global sanitation crisis and the importance of safe, sustainable wastewater management.

Globally, more than 2.4 billion people live without access to basic sanitation facilities, such as toilets or latrines. Access to safe and reliable sanitation has far-reaching benefits by improving health outcomes, protecting the environment and enhancing quality of life.

In Niagara, residents benefit from a well-managed wastewater system that supports public health and environmental protection. Niagara Region operates 11 wastewater treatment facilities and plants that collectively process approximately 197 million litres of wastewater every day – helping to protect the Great Lakes from pollution and demonstrating Niagara’s ongoing commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

"As we mark World Toilet Day, it’s a crucial opportunity to recognize that effective wastewater treatment is an essential service for protecting public health and the environment," said Phill Lambert, Niagara Region's Director of Water-Wastewater Services. "Niagara Region’s wastewater operators and maintenance staff work around the clock to ensure our treatment processes and systems function safely and effectively to protect our communities and waterways we all share."

Residents are encouraged to support this initiative locally by protecting Niagara Region’s wastewater infrastructure. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Items such as “flushable” wipes, fats, oils, chemicals and other materials can damage the system, harm the environment and lead to costly repairs.

By using our wastewater systems responsibly, Niagara residents can help maintain critical infrastructure and contribute to the global effort toward achieving safe sanitation for all.

To learn more about how Niagara Region treats wastewater, a virtual tour of the Baker Road (Grimsby) Wastewater Treatment Plant is available online.

Media contact

Jason Misner
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region
905-980-6000 ext. 3250
jason.misner@niagararegion.ca