Mannheim Service Area: Water Capacity Information Hub
Latest News
Ensuring a sustainable water supply that supports growth
Drinking water is essential to the health of a community and is the foundation of a healthy economy. Our top priority is to ensure this essential service continues to support residents, new homes, and jobs across Waterloo Region now and in the future. While development and growth continues in many parts of the region, we are currently working through a water capacity constraint in an area that supplies water to Kitchener, Waterloo, and parts of Cambridge, Woolwich, and Wilmot. This means there is a limit on how much water we can safely pump and distribute without over-stressing the system. The constraint was identified through updates to the Region’s long-term plan for water supply. Solutions are underway to add new water capacity where it is needed to support growth and development.
Moving solutions forward
The Region is fast-tracking projects to support a sustainable water system in the Mannheim Service Area that can support growth. We have a plan to add up to 600 L/s of new water capacity by 2032, with up to 300 L/s expected to come online through a pivotal solution in 2027.
Information on Development
Construction continues for development that has already been approved, including homes for about 14,000 residents. Work is also underway to clarify what types of development can proceed in the near term, and to chart a path for development that requires new water supply.
Mobilizing the work
Significant time and effort across the organization and within the community has been dedicated to addressing the constraint. Several working groups meet regularly to share information, ideas and input into the plan to advance solutions and support sustainable growth.
Your drinking water is safe
If you live in Waterloo Region, you may wonder what this constraint means for you. Please be assured that your drinking water is safe - this does not have any impact on the quality of water. It has to do with making sure we can get water to areas where future growth is planned.
Stay informed
Staff continue to update and seek direction from Council on solutions and how to approach supporting development and future growth. Each month, reports and motions about the constraint are brought to a Special Council meeting. The next meeting is May 6.
