Sherbrooke Technology Aims to Turn Wastewater into Drinking Water

SHERBROOKE, July 22, 2026 — A Sherbrooke-based company is testing a new wastewater recycling system designed to treat and reuse all water produced within a residential building, a technology its developers say could improve water security in communities facing water shortages around the world.

The pilot project, developed by Neptune8, has been installed in a 48-unit residential building in Sherbrooke. According to founder Jean-François Lamy, the system collects both greywater and blackwater before treating it to drinking water quality while removing contaminants such as PFAS, hormones and pesticides.

Sherbrooke was selected for the pilot after the building’s owners approached the company about a conventional wastewater reuse system. Lamy proposed using the project to demonstrate Neptune8’s newest technology, with the validation process expected to continue over the coming months.

The company says the system combines advanced sensors with artificial intelligence to continuously monitor water quality and detect potential issues before treated water is redistributed. While Quebec regulations currently limit recycled wastewater to non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, Lamy said the technology was designed to meet future drinking water standards in jurisdictions where direct potable reuse is permitted.

Neptune8 plans to expand the technology to communities experiencing water insecurity, including northern Canada and other regions where access to clean water remains a challenge. The company says future pilot projects will help demonstrate the system’s performance under a variety of environmental conditions.

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