Greywater pilot program

Using innovative greywater technology to shape sustainable growth

Our region is growing. We need to find new ways to ensure we have a reliable water supply for future generations. We're running a pilot program with Activa and Hydraloop to see how much water greywater reuse can save.

We've installed a Hydraloop 300 system in four newly-built Activa homes. Each greywater system redirects used shower and bath water for treatment. Treated water is then used to flush toilets. Reusing greywater helps save money and conserves drinking water resources.

“This pilot program is the first of its kind in North America,” said Water Programs Supervisor Dan Meagher. “The Region of Waterloo has been a leader and innovator in water conservation for decades. We’re proud to break new ground again by launching this new research program.” 

Water savings data from each of the Hydraloop systems will be collected for two years to see how well this technology performs. The results will help inform the Region's Water Supply Strategy Update.

Participation is currently limited to the four homes in Activa's Trussler West community.

How does the greywater system work?

Hydraloop's compact system is set up to collect, treat and reuse water from showering and bathing. It uses a multi-stage process to clean water without filters, membranes or chemicals.

Note: For the pilot program, the system uses treated water to flush toilets in each home. There will be no cost for any water used to flush toilets while the system is running.


The Hydraloop process:

  1. Collection: Greywater from showers and baths goes to the Hydraloop unit.
  2. Treatment: The system uses a six-step process:
    • Sedimentation
    • Floatation
    • Dissolved air floatation
    • Foam fractionation
    • Aerobic bioreactor
    • UV disinfection
  3. Reuse: Treated water collects in the unit, then gets reused for toilet flushing.
  4. Monitoring: The system connects to the internet for online monitoring and maintenance.

What are the benefits for pilot program participants?

  • Once activated, it runs on its own.
  • No cost for installation or annual maintenance.
  • Reduced water and energy consumption can lower utility bills.
  • A smartphone app lets you track water use and re-use.
  • Conserving drinking water reduces strain on local water and wastewater systems.
  • Less demand on local groundwater and surface water sources.
  • Research helps shape future water conservation efforts in the region.

Email the Water Programs team to learn more about the pilot program

For current pilot program participants

How do you set up your greywater system?

Please contact Whiteway Plumbing by email or call 226-486-1174. 

How soon can participants start reusing greywater?

There is a 21-day startup period. After that, the system switches from using back-up water to recycled water.

How will the Region use collected data from the Hydraloop system?

The Region will only use the data to measure how much water the unit is using. We won't share it or use it for anything else.

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