Waterloo Region — The Region of Waterloo has tapped into innovative technology to bring new water capacity three years earlier than expected. Through a side stream pilot, 20 L/s of water capacity is now available to the drinking water system. By installing a modular container at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant, the Region was able to bring capacity online much faster.

After confirming a water capacity constraint in the Mannheim Service Area in late 2025, the Region considered all options to accelerate new water projects, which traditionally take five to ten years to deliver through complex processes. 

“This innovative, made-in-Waterloo Region solution is a testament to the expertise within our community,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “By working together and pursuing new approaches, we were able to bring additional water capacity online years sooner while maintaining a stable environment for growth.”

This follows Regional Council’s direction to consider alternative delivery methods and was approved by Council earlier this year. Three additional containers are now on site, and work is underway to connect them to the water system. Once operational, they are expected to bring an anticipated 200 L/s of capacity online by July 2027.

A total of 50 L/s has been made available for allocation in 2026, in accordance with the Region's Allocation policy, as endorsed by Regional Council on May 6, 2026. This capacity can support a population of 28,500 people or a mix of residential and economic development opportunities, as determined by each city and township. 

Additional water capacity will be added in 2027 and beyond to support growth projections through 2031. The 2026 allocation represents approximately 80 percent of anticipated residential demand in the Mannheim Service Area through to 2031. 

Ensuring a safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water supply remains the Region of Waterloo’s highest priority as the community continues to grow. The Region, area municipalities, the province, industry, and community partners continue to work together on a planned path forward and advance solutions. More information about the progress made to add more water can be found on our Water Capacity Information Hub.

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