Managing Soaps and Detergents

Soaps, detergents and other cleaning products can’t always be removed when wastewater is treated and can end up in our environment. Thanks to our region’s soft water, you can use less soap and get things just as clea​n.

​What are surf​a​ctants?

Surfactants are the key chemical ingredient in soaps, laundry detergents and personal care products. Surfactants make things sudsy and increase cleaning power, but are hard to fully remove when wastewater is treated. They can end up in our ocean, where they can harm fish and aquatic plants.

​You can use less (and still get things clean)​

Soaps and detergents are designed for hard water. These products work really well in our region’s soft water, so you can use less and still get the same cleaning power. Trying using half the manufacturer’s recommended amount of detergent. Use less, save money and put less strain on the environment.

As our oceans struggle with the impacts of climate change, let’s give them all the help we can to keep them healthy.

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What is Metro Vancouver doing to reduce surfactants?

Metro Vancouver is working to reduce surfactants in wastewater by:

• Monitoring wastewater entering and leaving each wastewater treatment plant, to protect public health and the environment
• Upgrading its primary treatment plants to provide higher levels of treatment, which will allow more surfactants to be removed during wastewater treatment
• Educating residents, through a public communications initiative that asks people to use smaller amounts of detergents, soaps, cleaning products and personal care products

Soap reducing tips​​