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Progress update: Pipe work underway for side stream system, plus a framework to allocate new capacity

May 12, 2026

Progress update: Pipe work underway for side stream system, plus a framework to allocate new capacity

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 fourth 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. 

Pipe work underway for side stream filtration solution

Work continues to get the Mannheim water treatment plant ready for a side stream filtration solution that will add new capacity faster. Crews are welding, delivering and installing piping at the plant, as well as designing support for a concrete pad. Underground posts are needed to support the 400,000-pound ultrafiltration containers before concrete is poured.  

The video below captures some of the work happening. Follow along for progress updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X. 

When up and running, the containers will treat water using advanced technology. Pending success of the first container, three more will be up and running by the summer of 2027. In total, this solution could provide nearly half the new capacity needed to support forecasted growth up to 2032.

A large rectangular filtration unit is moved into place at the Mannheim Treatment Plant.
Photo caption: A pilot filtration unit is moved into the contractor’s workshop to install custom tanks as prep work continues at the Mannheim Treatment Plant.

This mobile system allows new capacity to come online at the Mannheim water treatment plant well before upgrades at the plant are complete. 

Framework will help determine how to allocate new capacity

The Region of Waterloo Water Supply Capacity Allocation Policy has been developed to ensure a fair, simple and fully transparent way to allocate water supply capacity to area municipalities in the Mannheim Service Area to support future growth, as water becomes available. 

The policy outlines that the Region of Waterloo will allocate “bucket capacity” of water to area municipalities, with area municipalities having the primary role of committing water supply capacity to site-specific developments in their municipalities. 

Building permit approvals continue where no additional water demand is required. Additionally, schools, child care and religious institutions are able to proceed and certain types of commercial and institutional development can proceed provided no additional demand is generated. In the majority of Cambridge and Wilmot (Baden, New Hamburg specifically) and all of North Dumfries, Wellesley, and other areas outside the Integrated Urban System, approvals continue as they have been.

Increasing education ahead of enhanced conservation options

Education on upcoming lawn watering days and outdoor water use in the community is ramping up to help further ease peak demand this summer. In the meantime, work continues to finalize the full list of conservation program options from the Conservation Working Group. The recommendations will be presented to Council on May 28.  While it does not add new capacity, reducing water use helps manage and protect our remaining water supply, especially in the summer. Learn more by visiting the FAQs in the water capacity information hub. 

Update on development that can proceed

The Region is providing an update on all types of development that area municipalities could consider approving before new water capacity comes online. Projects must meet the following conditions:

  • Add no increased demand on the water system; 
  • The use of the property is permitted as of right in the zoning by-law; and 
  • There is no increase in the existing water service connection size (except where solely required to comply with the building code).

About the water capacity constraint  

The Region of Waterloo operates a complex water system that relies on groundwater and water from the Grand River, with 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 service area supplies water to Kitchener, Waterloo and parts of Cambridge, Woolwich, and Wilmot. The constraint is a limit on the Region’s ability to pump, store, treat, and distribute water needed to support future growth, while having capacity for critical maintenance requirements. We are working to accelerate solutions to ensure a safe and sustainable supply of water for generations to come.    

Council reports: