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. 

NEW! Multi-unit water use audits

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

Multi-residential buildings with 7 or more units and meet the criteria may be eligible for this program. Read criteria to qualify for priority considerations.

Request a water use audit to find opportunities for water savings, identify leaks, and reduce operating costs. Includes a detailed report with breakdown of building water use, water-saving recommendations, and opportunities to apply for funding.

  • Application submitted by the property owner, property management or condominium board representative
  • 7 or more unit multi-residential building connected to the Waterloo region municipal water supply
  • Permission to access units, shared areas, and utility rooms as part of the audit process
  • Property representative available during audit to provide access to areas, answer questions about water use, maintenance and the building, appliances and water fixtures
  • Ability to provide the latest 12 months of water billing data
  • Permission to use water flow measuring equipment for data collection (photo of water meter face will be requested to ensure compatibility with equipment)
  • Availability for follow-up meeting to discuss changes scheduled or made from audit findings

Priority given to multi-residential buildings:

  • Constructed 25+ years ago
  • With occupancy of 20 or more residents
  • Where the average water use exceeds 5.5 cubic metres per month per resident
  • Without individually metered units
  • With funding available to upgrade water fixtures within 12 months of audit

  • Complete the water use audit application form or call 519-575-4400.
  • We will contact you to confirm eligibility and:
    • Request copies of recent water bills and photo of water meter to confirm compatibility with equipment
    • Schedule your on-site water audit
  • During your audit, a Region representative will:
    • Install a smart water flow sensor onto your building’s water meter to track water use for about 7 days
    • Inspect a percentage of units for leaks and inefficiencies
    • Arrange a time to retrieve the water flow sensor once readings are complete
  • Following the audit, you will receive a detailed report
  • We will schedule a follow-up meeting with you to understand changes you are planning or have made from audit findings

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

Multi-residential buildings with 20 or more units and meet the criteria may be eligible for this program.

Apply for funding when completing a building-wide replacement of most or all the toilets, showerheads and tap aerators with water efficient models.

Property owners receive funding for the project costs on top of the water billing savings realized when upgrading to water-efficient fixtures. Allow for at least one year from project completion date to receive funding for this program. Refer to the how funding works section for details.

  • Application submitted by property owner, property management, or consultant completing upgrades
  • 20 or more unit multi-residential building connected to the Waterloo region municipal water supply
  • Replacing most or all toilets, showerheads and tap aerators within a set time period
  • Require project invoices, installation reports and completion dates referencing property address upon completion of project
  • Application for funding request must be submitted within 6 months of project completion date

  • Complete the application form or call 519-575-4400.
  • Replace all intended toilets, showerheads and tap aerators in the building with water-efficient models
  • Email us project invoices, receipts, installation reports and completion dates. Include application reference number or property address in email subject line.
  • We will use water billing data from the year before and after the project to calculate savings
  • A site inspection may be requested to confirm completion of project
  • Eligible funding is calculated at least one year after project completion date to determine water savings
  • Once approved, we will contact you to confirm eligible funding and request banking information to etransfer funds

  • One-time single payment
    • $0.40 per litre of water saved per day (average daily water use over a one-year period)
    • Payout less if upgrades pay for themselves in under two years
  • Funding calculation uses project invoiced costs, water savings over a one-year period and time for project to pay for itself
  • If eligible for funding, there is a one year or more wait from project completion date. Eligible funding considers water savings by comparing water billing data for the year leading up to and one year following the project completion date.

Funding calculation when payback is two or more years

Rebate = (litre of water saved per day*) x ($0.40)

* Average daily water use over a one-year period)

Example:

A 152-unit multi-residential building with 228 occupants replaced the toilets, showerheads and aerators with water efficient models. The project's capital cost was $60,000 with a payback of more than 2 years. Over the next 12-month, water consumption decreased by 2,500,000 litres, averaging out to about 6,849 litres per day.

Rebate received = $2,740 (6,849 litres saved per day x $0.40)

Calculations to determine funding:

  • Average water savings per day: 6,849 litres ((8,000,000 - 5,500,000) ÷ 365 days)
  • 12 months of water consumption using water billing data:
    • Prior to upgrade: 8,000 cubic metres (8,000,000 litres)
    • After upgrade: 5,500 cubic metres (5,500,000 litres)
  • Payback period: (project capital costs) ÷ (total water savings for year x municipal water billing rate)

Toilet flapper or flush valve seal replacement rebate

Multi-residential buildings with 2 or more units under the same owner and meet the criteria may be eligible for this program.

Apply for a $15 rebate for each toilet flapper or flush valve seal replaced. For added savings, we also offer free water-efficient showerheads and tap aerators to install when replacing the toilet flapper or flush valve seals.

A worn toilet flapper or flush valve seal can silently leak up to 330 litres of water a day! These costly leaks often go unnoticed and may not be reported by tenants. The flapper or seal typically wears out in about three to five years. Replacing this part and switching to water-efficient showerheads and tap aerators can help save money on your water bill.

Important: this rebate is for replacement of toilet flappers or flush valve seals only. Entire toilet replacements do not qualify for this program and will not be approved to receive the rebate.

  • Multi-residential building connected to the Waterloo region municipal supply
  • Application submitted by the property owner, property management, or consultant completing the upgrades on behalf of the property owner
  • 3 years since last replacement date of the toilet flapper or flush valve seal
  • Replacing toilet flapper or flush valve seal in two or more units
  • Photos of installed toilet flappers or flush valve seals may be requested
  • Application for funding request must be submitted within 6 months of project completion date

  1. Complete the application form or call 519-575-4400
  2. Purchase and install the toilet flappers or flush valve seals
  3. If requesting showerheads and tap aerators in submitted form, we will contact you to confirm product availability and ship date. You will also be asked to agree to pay for fixtures if you do not replace the toilet flappers or flush valve seals within 6 months of the application submit date
  4. Email us your toilet flapper and/or flush valve seal receipts.
  5. We may request photos of the installed toilet flappers or flush valve seals.
  6. Once approved, we will contact you to confirm eligible funding and request banking information to etransfer funds 

  • One-time single payout upon installation of replacement toilet flappers or flush valve seals in the building and copy of receipt provided
  • $15 for each replaced toilet flapper or flush valve seal
  • Free water-efficient showerheads and tap aerators when replacing toilet flappers or flush valve seals within 6 months of application date. Otherwise, the property will be invoiced for cost of fixutres.

When submitting the toilet flapper or flush valve seal replacement rebate form, you can also request free water fixtures. Due to limited supply, availability of specific models is not guaranteed. The fixtures are available while supplies last. Upon receipt of the form, we will contact you to confirm product availability and ship date.

Important: proof of installation of toilet flappers or flush valve seals must be provided within 6 months of application submit date. Otherwise, you will be invoiced for the cost of the fixtures.

Types of fixtures

Fixture Description Image
Showerhead (standard)
  • 5.7 litres per minute (LPM)
  • Chrome, 3 spray
  • 8.89 cm high x 8.51 cm wide x 8.78 deep (3.5 inches x 3.35 inches x 3.46 inches)
  • Niagara Conservation # N2515CH
Standard showerhead
Showerhead (rain)
  • 5.7 litres per minute (LPM)
  • Chrome, 1 spray
  • 8.89 cm high x 11.18 cm wide x 8.89 deep (3.5 inches x 4.4 inches x 3.5 inches)
  • Niagara Conservation # N2515CH
Rain showerhead
Showerhead (handheld)
  • 5.7 litres per minute (LPM)
  • Chrome, 3 massage settings
  • Ecofitt # ES3FH15CH
Handheld showerhead
Tap aerator (bathroom)
  • 3.8 litres per minute (LPM)
  • Chrome, dual threaded
  • Niagara Conservation # N3210B-PC
Bathroom tap aerator
Tap aerator (kitchen)
  • 5.7 litres per minute (LPM)
  • Swivel, dual-spray, dual-threaded
  • Niagara Conservation # N3115P
Kitchen tap aerator

Cost-sharing for sub-metering projects

Multi-residential buildings that meet the criteria may be eligible for this program.

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

Sub-metering allows you to bill tenants for their actual water use rather than a shared, estimated cost. It can also encourage tenants to conserve water, help find leaks faster and lower operating costs.

  • Application submitted by the property owner, property management, or consultant completing the upgrades
  • Multi-residential building without individually metered units and connected to the Waterloo region municipal water supply
  • Photos of completed sub-metering project may be requested
  • Application for funding request must be submitted within 6 months of project completion date

  1. Purchase and install the sub-meters
  2. Complete the application form or call 519-575-4400.
  3. After installation is complete, email us your sub-meter installation receipts. Photos of completed sub-metering projects may be requested.
  4. Once approved, we will contact you to confirm eligible funding and request banking information to etransfer funds

  • One-time single payout upon installation of sub-metering project and copy of installation report and invoices provided
  • Property managers can apply for 50% (up to a maximum of $10,000) funding for sub-metering projects

 


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 

Contact Us

Region of Waterloo HQ
150 Frederick St.
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Telephone: 519-575-4400
Fax: 519-575-4481

For general inquiries:
Regionalinquiries@regionofwaterloo.ca

Other Main Region Locations

Cambridge Main Office
150 Main St.
Cambridge, ON N1R 6P9

Waterloo Main Office
99 Regina St. S.
Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3