Water Savings for Multi-Residential Properties

On this page:

Use less water and lower water costs for your multi-residential property. This includes apartments, condominiums, student housing, duplexes and triplexes. The Region of Waterloo has free programs, funding and resources to help.

Multi-residential program information

Water-saving tips for property managers

Indoors

  • Encourage efficient water-use behaviours from tenants.
  • Replace older toilets and check toilet flappers for leaks.
  • Install high-efficiency showerheads and aerators.
  • Check regularly for leaks.
  • Look for the WaterSense and Energy Star logo to help choose efficient fixtures.

Outdoors

  • Use water outdoors on the right day and time according to the Water Conservation Bylaw from May 31 to September 30 each year.
  • If rain is not enough, water early in the morning. Midday wind and hot sun will evaporate the water meant for your grass/plants.
  • If using an automatic irrigation system, set your watering time within the by-law hours of 5:30-10 a.m. and/or 7-11 p.m. on the assigned day for your address. Check regularly for leaks.
  • Choose plants that don’t need much water and are suited to our local climate.
  • Add a layer of mulch to your gardens to help keep moisture in the soil.

Do you have questions about multi-residential water savings? Get in touch with us at watercycle@regionofwaterloo.ca

Toilet Flapper and Fixture Replacement Program

Receive a $15 rebate for every toilet flapper you replace. When applying for the rebate you can also request free water-efficient showerheads and tap aerators for additional water savings.

Who is eligible

  • Multi-residential properties in Waterloo Region connected to the municipal water supply
  • Property owners and managers submitting on behalf of the property and/or intending to replace the toilet flappers (not the toilets) in the building
  • Multi-residential properties include apartments, condominiums, student housing, duplexes and triplexes

Benefits of program

  • A quick rebate that results in instant savings
  • Option to request free water-efficient showerheads and tap aerators for additional water savings, if already planning to purchase toilet flappers
  • Use less water and lower your water costs. A leaky toilet flapper can silently leak up to 330 litres a day

How to receive the rebate

  1. Complete the Toilet Flapper and Fixture Replacement Rebate form or call 519-575-4000.
  2. Purchase and install the toilet flappers
  3. The Region of Waterloo will mail you any requested showerheads and aerators
  4. After installation is complete, email toilet flapper receipts to the Region of Waterloo. The Region of Waterloo may request photos as proof of the installed toilet flappers.
  5. To receive the rebate, email the Region of Waterloo a void cheque or submit the completed direct deposit form
  6. You will receive the rebate by direct deposit after Region staff has confirmed the project is complete.

Building-wide funding for toilet, showerhead and tap aerator upgrades

Receive funding to support upgrading of your apartment building with water-efficient toilets, showerheads and tap aerators. 

Who is eligible

  • Medium to large-sized apartment buildings interested in long-term savings
  • Buildings in Waterloo Region connected to the municipal water supply
  • Property owners and managers submitting on behalf of the property
  • Projects including the replacement of all fixtures (toilets, showerheads, tap aerators) with water-efficient models

Benefits of program

  • Receive funding to support the project
  • Use less water and lower your water costs

How funding is calculated

  • Funding is based on a project's invoiced costs, water savings achieved and the time for the project to pay for itself
  • Funding available is $0.40 per litre of water saved per day or less if the upgrades pay for themselves in under two years
  • Property managers often receive a rebate of 5 to 13 per cent of the project cost with water savings often providing long-term financial benefits.

How to apply for funding

Important: funding for this program can take up to two years to receive. To calculate the funding, the Region of Waterloo must determine water savings by comparing water billing data from the year before and after completion of the project. The Region receives yearly municipal water billing data each spring.

  1. Complete the WET Program form or call 519-575-4400.
  2. Replace all toilets, showerheads and tap aerators in the building.
  3. After installation email the Region of Waterloo to calculate funding. This includes water savings using water billing data from the year before and after the project.
  4. To confirm the project is complete, email the Region of Waterloo invoices and/or receipts, installation reports (if applicable), project completion dates and voided cheque or completed direct deposit form.
  5. Once approved, the Region of Waterloo will issue your payment using direct deposit.

Examples of how funding is helping property managers save water

Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures

Capreit (property management) switched out all toilets, tap aerators and showerheads in a 140-unit apartment building. Each unit has two bathrooms.

Results: Saving 5,171 m3 of water and $18,616 in the first year (2015 rates)

Payback/ROI: The project paid for itself in under four years

Cost-sharing for water audits, consulting fees and sub-metering projects

Multi-residential properties can request funding to help pay for qualifying water-saving projects.

To apply for funding, complete the WET Program Multi-Residential Funding Application or call the Region of Waterloo at 519-575-4400.

Water audits and consulting fees

A water audit can help you better understand your property's water use and highlight any issues.

Apply for 50 per cent funding (up to a maximum of $10,000) for water balance audits.

Sub-metering projects

Sub-metering data can help find problems and encourage water conservation measures by billing tenants for the water they actually use.

Apply for 50 per cent funding (up to a maximum of $10,000) for water sub-metering installations in apartment buildings and condominiums.

Contact Us