Waterloo Region, ON – Today, the Region of Waterloo announced a significant increase to water capacity in the Mannheim Service Area. This restores water capacity, ensuring a continued safe and sustainable water supply to support community needs.

In July, a total of 30 L/s of water capacity is ready for the Region to assign to area municipalities for projects within the Mannheim Service Area. This includes 10 L/s that is available immediately and 20 L/s available this fall when Mannheim Side Stream is expected to be online.

Over the last six months, the Region, area municipalities, the province and industry have worked together to expedite infrastructure repair, transfer water from Wilmot Centre, and make 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. 

“Unlocking this additional supply sooner than anticipated is a critical turning point for our community,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “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 Regional staff, as well as the valuable contributions of our municipal, provincial and industry partners. It strengthens our water system, supports housing for up to 10,500 residents and up to 5,000 jobs. This really marks an important step forward for Waterloo Region.”

A key part of this important achievement was optimizing existing wells, which generated an 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. 

With capacity stabilized, the Region is committed to delivering even more water, as quickly as possible. This includes the Mannheim Side Stream Project, anticipated for this fall. 

“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, Commissioner of Water Services, Region of Waterloo. “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.”

Residents’ ongoing commitment to everyday water conservation efforts has also been essential for our groundwater-based system and continues to be an important priority.

Plans for the longer-term future of the Region’s water system continue through the upcoming Water Supply Strategy Update. The Region also continues to engage with residents on well interference as the well interference policy is updated. 

For more information on the work underway in the Mannheim Service Area, visit our water capacity information hub.