Climate Change and Water

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We are taking steps to better understand the impacts of climate change on water and wastewater systems. This includes actions to ensure delivery of clean drinking water and treatment of wastewater while protecting our natural resources.

In June 2021, the Region of Waterloo Regional Council endorsed the TransformWR strategy, a region-wide climate action mitigation plan, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

How climate change can affect our water and wastewater systems

Climate change is a global challenge with local impacts. The University of Waterloo climate change infographic shares how our local climate is projected to get warmer, wetter and more extreme. Without planning and actions, these changing weather events can impact services we depend on including our water supply.

There are a number of possible scenarios we will face from climate change. We accessed all scenarios likely to impact Waterloo Region. These scenarios align well with the University of Waterloo findings.

  1. More extreme heat
  2. More freezing rain
  3. Up and down freeze thaw cycle
  4. Less extreme cold
  5. More heavy precipitation
  6. Less annual snowfall
  7. Increased strong wind

Unpredictable and extreme weather events can affect water quality, water quantity, the treatment process and longevity of equipment. Examples include:

  • More intense rainfall and rain from snow events. Creates more wastewater than the treatment process can manage. Untreated water bypasses treatment. This impacts water quality by returning directly to the natural environment.
  • More intense storms can stir up soil in the Grand River making the water too cloudy to treat. This can impact water quantity and put more demand on groundwater wells.
  • Extended periods of hot weather increase water temperatures. This can potentially impact the effectiveness of the water disinfection process.
  • Extreme heat events can lead to equipment failures and water service disruptions
  • Freeze thaw cycle can weaken the integrity of the underground pipes. This can cause water main breaks and water service disruptions.
  • More freezing rain and freeze thaw cycles in the winter. This requires more de-icing salt that impacts water quality.

How we are dealing with climate change

We are taking steps to understand and plan for climate change impacts. We are doing this through event monitoring, training and studies, and implementing long term measures. We are using mitigative and adaptive measures to ensure a safe and reliable water and wastewater service.

  • Mitigative measures help to reduce greenhouse gases
  • Adaptive measures address climate change impacts to ensure an ongoing service

Mitigative measures

  • Using pressure and gravity to move water in place of electrically powered pumps. Examples include water towers and building the Mannheim surface water treatment plant on the highest elevation point in Waterloo Region.
  • Converting greenhouse gases to renewable energy. Our three largest wastewater treatment plants in Galt, Kitchener, and Waterloo use technology to convert off-gases from the treatment process to renewable energy to power the facilities.

 Adaptive measures

  • Building infrastructure above the flood line due to more flooding. A new well house for the William Street Pump Station is being designed with process equipment resilient to flooding in the basement and sensitive electronics and control equipment on the upper floor, above the flood elevation at 324.9 metres above sea level. 
  • Treating wastewater during increased rainfall events. The Elmira wastewater treatment plant can currently handle high flows. However, with climate change, peak flows may overwhelm the treatment process and could result in the bypass of treatment of some wastewater. One option to address peak flows might be cloth filtration disc filters. In consultation with Ministry staff, we completed a pilot study to better understand the technology and its potential to reduce bypass flows, improve wastewater treatment plant resiliency and improve overall treatment quality.
  • Proactive sewer pipe inspections and repairs to stop leaks from increased rainfall
  • Greater salt management from more freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Greater emphasis on air conditioning design to address more intense heat
  • Improved recirculation and rechlorination design of water systems from more intense heat
  • Exploring residential grey water use to less water demand from heat wave

Actions you can take to help

  • Reduce your water use and the associated energy to supply water to your home
  • Reduce your outdoor watering by following the Water Conservation By-law. Benefits include lowering daily water use and leveling off peak demands that can put a strain on groundwater supply, the distribution system, and energy use to operate
  • Choose plants native to our climate that thrive with little water
  • Help keep water clean with water protection measures. Keeping water clean is better for the environment and requires less energy to clean.
  • Read the I Am Groundwater blog for more ideas on how to be a water protector

Climate change resources

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