Water saving programs for multi-residential properties

If you live in Waterloo Region and are familiar with the water capacity constraint, you may wonder if conservation can help. Reducing water use is always important because it helps manage and protect the supply we have, especially during warm, dry weather. The community has done a great job to conserve over the years, and we will keep this up with your help. Learn more about conservation below and find more information on the constraint by visiting the FAQs in the water capacity information hub.

Get started with a free consultation

Let our Water Programs team help you find savings tailored to your building during a free consultation. We'll discuss water-saving opportunities and flag rebates and incentives you could be eligible for.

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NEW! Multi-unit water use audits

Limited spots available in 2026 – for buildings with seven or more units.

A water use audit provides property managers with a better understanding of where and how water is being used in their building(s). This highlights opportunities for water savings, helps identify leaks and can reduce operating costs.

Qualifying upgrades made within six months of receiving your audit report may be eligible for funding and/or rebates.

Apply for a free multi-unit water use audit

How to apply and what to expect

Complete the application form or call 519-575-4400.
Once your application is approved, we'll request copies of recent water bills
Our consultant will then contact you to schedule your on-site water audit
During your audit the consultant will:
- install a smart water flow sensor onto your building’s water meter
- track water use for seven days or more
- inspect a percentage of units for leaks and inefficiencies
- arrange a time to retrieve the water flow sensor once readings are complete
After your audit, you will receive a detailed report including:
- a breakdown of how water is used in your building
- practical, water-saving recommendations
- opportunities to apply for funding and/or rebates

Note: Qualifying upgrades made within six months of receiving your report may be eligible for funding and/or rebates. The consultant will schedule a follow-up audit to confirm changes.

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

For medium to large-sized apartment buildings interested in long-term savings

Replacing all toilets, showerheads and tap aerators with water-efficient models is a simply way to reduce water use in multi-residential buildings. We have funding available to support you with upgrades.

Note: Funding for this program is based on proven water savings, capital investment and the return on investment (ROI) period. Billing data must be collected from the year before and after improvements to calculate water savings. It may take up to two years for you to receive funding.

How upgrading to water-efficient fixtures can pay off

Capreit (property management), replaced all the toilets, tap aerators and showerheads in a 140-unit building with two bathrooms in each unit. They saved 5,171 cubic metres of water and $18,616 in the first year (2015 rates) and benefit from ongoing water savings. This project paid for itself in under four years.

Apply for funding for building-wide toilet, showerhead and tap aerator upgrades

How to apply and what to expect

Complete the application form or call 519-575-4400.
Replace all toilets, showerheads and tap aerators in the building.
After installation email us project invoices, receipts, installation reports and completion dates. We will use water billing data from the year before and after the project to calculate savings.
Once approved, we'll be in touch to set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to allow for a direct deposit of funding.

How funding works

We base funding on a project's invoiced costs, water savings and the time for the project to pay for itself.
We provide $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. Water savings often provide long-term financial benefits.

Toilet flapper and fixture replacement rebate

A worn toilet flapper can silently leak up to 330 litres of water a day! These costly leaks often go unnoticed and may not be reported by tenants. As flappers typically wear out in three to five years, it pays off to replace them as a part of regular maintenance. It's a simple and cost-effective way to reduce water use and operating costs.

We provide property managers with a quick, $15 rebate for every toilet flapper replaced in a building. This often covers the cost of replacement. For added savings, free water-efficient showerheads and tap aerators are also available.

Apply for the toilet flapper and fixture replacement rebate

How to receive your rebate

Complete the application form or call 519-575-4400.
Purchase and install the toilet flappers.
We will mail you any requested showerheads and aerators.
After installation is complete, email us your toilet flapper receipts. We may request photos of the installed toilet flappers.
Once approved, we'll be in touch to set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to allow for a direct deposit of your rebate.

Cost-sharing for sub-metering projects

Installing sub-meters allows property managers to measure water use in individual units. This encourages water conservation, helps find leaks faster and can lower operating costs. With sub-metering you can bill tenants for their actual water use, rather than a shared, estimated cost.

Property managers can apply for 50 per cent funding (up to a maximum of $10,000) for sub-metering projects.

Apply for funding for sub-metering projects

How to apply and what to expect (sub-metering)

Purchase and install the sub-meters and complete the application form or call 519-575-4400.
After installation is complete, email us your sub-meter installation receipts. Photos of completed sub-metering projects may be requested.
Once approved, we'll be in touch to set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to allow for a direct deposit of funding.

Water-saving tips for property managers

Indoors

Encourage efficient water-use behaviours from tenants.
Check toilets, showers and taps regularly for leaks.
Install high-efficiency toilets, showerheads and aerators.
Look for the WaterSense and Energy Star logo when choosing fixtures or appliances.

Outdoors

Use water outdoors on the right day and time according to the Water Conservation By-law 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 water meant for your grass and 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 need less water to thrive and are suited to our local climate.
Add a layer of mulch to your gardens to help keep moisture in the soil.

Water-saving tips for tenants

With more than 60,000 multi-residential units in Waterloo region, taking small actions to conserve our shared water supply can add up to real savings.

In the bathroom:

Take shorter showers – a 10-minute shower with a standard showerhead uses about 100 litres of water
Check for toilet leaks – if you have a leak, report it to your property manager right away
Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving or washing hands
Only flush pee, poo or toilet paper to avoid major clogs and damage to pipes

In the kitchen and laundry room:

Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.
Scrape food from dishes instead of pre-rinsing.
For hand-washing dishes, fill your sink or a container with hot, soapy water rather than letting the tap run continuously. For rinsing, use another sink or container filled with water.
Clean fruit and vegetables in a container rather than under running water – then reuse that water for your indoor or outdoor plants.
Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinking rather than running the tap until it gets cold.

Reporting and maintenance:

Report leaks. Leaky toilets and faucets can waste large amounts of water. Contact your property manager to get them fixed fast.
Check to see if faucets have aerators to reduce flow without loss of pressure.
Consider sending this webpage to your property manager to learn more about funding and rebates available to help them save water in the building.

Outdoors:

If you use municipal water for lawns, gardens or washing cars, find the day(s) and times you can use water for these activities. The Water Conservation By-law is in effect from May 31 to September 30 every year.
If you have plants outside, water them early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Use a broom to clean balconies or driveways instead of a hose.

Have questions? Email us at watercycle@regionofwaterloo.ca

Multi-residential Properties

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