Potential solutions for Waterloo Region’s water capacity problem to be presented to council

CTV’s Jeff Pickel takes a look at some of the options being considered to boost Waterloo Region’s water capacity amid an expected shortage.

Councillors will be reviewing a preliminary list of solutions, and a request for additional resources, aimed at addressing water capacity concerns in Waterloo Region.

A staff report, set to be presented at Wednesday night’s regional council meeting, outlines the short, medium and long-term options for the Mannheim Service Area, which covers most of Kitchener, Waterloo, Woolwich Township and parts of Wilmot Township.

Officials recently revealed the system doesn’t have enough water capacity to meet the needs of a growing community.

The region’s population is projected to reach one million by 2051.

Until a solution can be found, the region has pressed pause on recommending approvals for new development projects within the Mannheim Service Area.

The report, scheduled to go before regional council on Wednesday, includes a preliminary list of options to improve system capacity and resiliency. Those include:

• Immediate investment to repair existing infrastructure
• Piloting new modular technology at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant
• Adding infrastructure, such as a new pumping station
• Reallocating water supply
• Expanding the existing well supply

A full list of the projects can be found here.

While all the options are up for discussion, none are guaranteed.

“The list is not yet verified, is subject to change and is yet to be vetted by the technical sub-task force [and] industry experts,” the report states. “It should not be relied upon for planning/growth purposes until formally vetted.”

To help advance this work, staff have recommended the hiring of nine full-time equivalent positions, including four senior engineers, two instrument and control technicians, one water resource technologist, one finance support role and one communications support position.

If approved, the additional staffing would cost approximately $1.2 million, which would be funded through the region’s water stabilization reserve.