Ajax Sewersheds (East & West)

Purpose / Scientific Focus

The Ajax Sewersheds consist of two small urban drainage catchments located within the Town of Ajax on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The East and West sewersheds drain highly urbanized areas directly toward Lake Ontario and provide an opportunity to study urban runoff, contaminant transport, and stormwater management in densely developed environments.

Urban Ecohydrology

The Ajax Sewersheds site is part of the Urban Ecohydrology Observatory, a network of instrumented urban research sites across the Waterloo Region and Greater Toronto Area that investigates how green infrastructure can improve water quality, reduce nutrient and microplastics pollution, and support climate mitigation. The observatory brings together researchers, local governments, industry, and community partners to develop sustainable, nature-based solutions for urban water management and flood resilience. Its research informs practices that protect source waters, restore urban ecosystems, and enhance the ecological and social benefits of green infrastructure.