Progress update: latest action on Waterloo Region’s water capacity constraint
Providing sustainable drinking water for the community as it grows is the Region of Waterloo’s top priority. As we address the water capacity constraint in the Mannheim Service Area, these updates share our progress. This is the third update in this series.
Email waterupdate@regionofwaterloo.ca to receive regular updates. You can also visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/watercapacity to see a FAQ and other information.
Parkway reservoir upgrades complete, commissioning to begin
The Region has completed upgrades to the Parkway reservoir in Kitchener that will help restore water capacity in the Mannheim Service Area. The next step is commissioning, which involves testing the equipment before bringing it back online.
The reservoir on Manitou Drive stores treated water in a concrete cell the size of an eight-story building. It enables water to be distributed from two of the Region’s 100+ supply wells to the community. The reservoir was taken offline for planned renewal work, which included restoring concrete and replacing aging piping, valves, and the waterproof liner. This project was part of the Region’s 10-year water capital plan to ensure the infrastructure residents rely on is in good condition. It ensures that one of the vital water supplies in the Mannheim Service Area can supply drinking water for years to come.
Consultant leads critical next step to staged development
A consultant with expertise in operating and maintaining sustainable drinking water systems is leading a critical next step to supporting development to proceed in stages. Carl Yates will help determine how much water could be available to support growth while the Region works to restore and add new capacity to the Mannheim Service Area. With over 35 years of experience in the field, he previously served as Director of the international Water Research Foundation and Chair of the Canadian Water Network.
About the water capacity constraint
The Region of Waterloo operates a complex water system that relies on groundwater and water from the Grand River, including over 100 wells and 50 treatment facilities. In the fall of 2025, through ongoing work and updates to the long-term strategy for water supply, a capacity constraint in the Mannheim Service Area was identified. This area supplies water to Kitchener, Waterloo and parts of Cambridge, Woolwich, and Wilmot. The constraint is based on the Region’s ability to pump, store, treat, and distribute water to where it is needed to accommodate future growth, while also considering critical maintenance requirements. The Region is working to accelerate solutions to the constraint and ensure a sustainable supply of water for generations to come.
Council reports:
- March 11, 2026: General update on work underway
- March 11, 2026: Update on risk-based approach to staged development
- February 25, 2026: Clarifying Information
- February 10, 2026: 1980 Policy on Water Taking – Wilmot Township
- February 10, 2026: Regional Advisory Comments on Developments and Applications
- February 6, 2026: Pilot-Mannheim Temporary Side Stream Treatment
- January 28, 2026: Preliminary Water Capacity Constraint Solutions