Region appoints internationally recognized water expert to help solve capacity problem
Posted Feb 15, 2026 01:18:37 PM.
Last Updated Feb 16, 2026 01:10:37 PM.
The Region of Waterloo has hired an internationally recognized expert in water utility management to help prioritize solutions to the water capacity constraint in the Mannheim Service Area.
The announcement came Friday in the wake of an ongoing water capacity issue resulting from a growing population and aging infrastructure.
The Mannheim Service Area supplies water to Kitchener, Waterloo, parts of Cambridge, as well as Woolwich and Wilmot.
As the region’s growth pushes towards the one million mark, there is not sufficient infrastructure to serve the population.
“The first step is to really work on (finding) what these pieces of infrastructure are that are really critical to be able to solve, first the operational resiliency buffer problem to create that capacity for good maintenance of the system, and then after that for growth,” Mathieu Goetzke, Acting Chief Administrative Officer with the Region of Waterloo, said in January. “I think the work for that set of projects that we’re thinking about is something that may come at the end of Q1 of 2026.”
Kenneth Brothers has now been appointed to the role of Interim Commissioner of Water Services to work with the development industry, the municipalities and the province to accelerate work to build operational resiliency and find ways to add new water capacity.
“We are pleased to welcome Kenneth Brothers to the Region of Waterloo. His expertise and proven track record in the water sector will be essential as we work through this challenge in partnership with community stakeholders,” Goetzke said. “Together, we will continue to design solutions and build a stronger water system for residents today and for the future.”
Brothers is a fellow of the International Water Association as well as an international speak, professional engineer and expert in water utility management.
“I look forward to joining the Region of Waterloo as we navigate through this pivotal moment in water management with the challenging work ahead,” Brothers said. “I am deeply committed to working alongside partners and the community to shape solutions that strengthen the community for the long term water sustainability in the Region.”
Brothers will join the region beginning Feb. 23.
