Region of Waterloo to share update on ‘stabilized’ water capacity issue
Posted Jul 7, 2026 07:38:15 AM.
Last Updated Jul 8, 2026 11:04:19 AM.
It’s set to be a busy week at the Region of Waterloo, with a pair of events on the agenda to provide an update on the water capacity issue.
The water capacity issue was first identified by regional staff back in December of 2025. At that time, regional staff noted that population growth and aging infrastructure has led to an issue that would need to be addressed quickly.
As explained in reports going to a special council meeting on Wednesday, progress has been made on repairs and upgrades to existing water infrastructure, and there are plans to expedite future work to bring more capacity online.
“Through new and repaired infrastructure, operational efficiencies and water transfers from Wilmot Centre, the Regional Water System has been stabilized,” reads a report heading to council on Wednesday.
According to regional staff, work at the Mannheim Treatment Plant is nearing completion, with the delivery of the first treatment container scheduled for August.
“Work is ongoing to allocate water, with 30 L/s ready to be assigned following the finalization of administrative agreements,” reads the report. “This new supply supports approximately 5,400 homes for 10,500 residents and 5,000 jobs. The first allocation of water, 20 L/s is ready to be assigned to Area Municipalities for use no earlier than September 30, 2026.”
Wednesday’s meeting will also feature delegates from the community, some of whom still have concerns about well water in Wilmot Township, some are offering alternative solutions to find more available water sources, and some are calling on the province to take accountability for the Waterloo Region water they’re responsible for taking.
A pair of motions coming to council will look to expedite future projects that would provide additional water capacity. A motion from Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe directs staff to look into the financial implications of moving ahead on the Maple Grove Water Treatment Plant project and the Cambridge 2W Booster Pumping Station project in 2027 instead of 2028 or 2029.
Another motion looks to give the Region of Waterloo’s CAO the authorization to waive the competitive procurement process in order to greenlight water capacity projects faster.
The Region of Waterloo is hosting a media conference at the William Street Pumping Station in Waterloo on Tuesday at 10 a.m. to provide an update on the water capacity issue and plans to provide a “balanced path forward.”
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