Region claims it has restored and increased water capacity

By Lee Griffi

The Region of Waterloo announced what it calls a significant increase in water capacity at the Mannheim Service Area.

“This restores water capacity, ensuring a continued safe and sustainable water supply to support community needs,” said a region press release.

The move means a seven-month freeze in construction starts in Kitchener, Waterloo, Elmira and other parts of the region will be lifted later this month.  

“Unlocking this additional supply sooner than anticipated is a critical turning point for our community,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “This is welcome news for families looking for a place to live, businesses looking to invest, to create jobs, and for communities planning for the future.”

The region said a total of 30 litres per second (L/s) of water capacity is ready for area municipalities for projects within the Mannheim Service Area. This includes 10 L/s immediately and 20 L/s available this fall when Mannheim Side Stream is expected to be online. The announcement was made at a Kitchener press conference on Tuesday morning.

“Unlocking this additional supply sooner than anticipated is a critical turning point for our community,” added Redman. “Regional council challenged staff and our technical partners to leave no stone unturned in identifying additional water capacity, and I’m proud that their hard work has delivered results ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects the innovation, determination and expertise of staff, as well as the valuable contributions of our municipal, provincial and industry partners.

Redman said the new water strengthens the water system, supports housing for up to 10,500 residents and up to 5,000 jobs.

The region explained a key part of its achievement was optimizing existing wells, which generated the extra 10 L/s of water, a significant addition to overall capacity. Well optimization looks at the overall supply system to see how wells can be used more efficiently, increasing supply from some wells and protecting the long-term health and sustainability of others. 

“As we focus on new, innovative infrastructure to deliver water when and where we need it, I want to allay any fears and be clear; we have enough water for Waterloo Region residents,” said Ken Brothers, the region’s commissioner of water services. “I also want to recognize that today is a milestone moment in addressing the capacity constraint, and I want to take this opportunity to thank regional council, staff, area municipal colleagues, technical experts and the development industry. Through this work, I am confident we have a balanced path forward.”

Brothers said he wanted to ease any concerns residents may have about water supply or quality.

“We have enough water for Waterloo Region residents. As a result of everyone coming to the table to find solutions, to work as quickly and safely as possible, to find us a balanced path forward out of this constraint. I think we’re there today.”

The region explained that over the last six months, the region, area municipalities, the province and industry have worked together to expedite infrastructure repairs, transfer water from Wilmot Centre and implement operational improvements to stabilize and strengthen the Region's water system.

“This has allowed the region to restore and boost capacity, unlocking additional water to support new opportunities for jobs, housing and essential community services,” added the release.