Regional Council Plans $15 Million Investment in Temporary Water Solution
The Region of Waterloo Council is on the brink of approving a $15 million investment aimed at addressing ongoing water capacity issues. A special council meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon, where staff will formally request the funding.
Funding and Project Details
The proposed project entails the installation of three temporary ultrafiltration containers at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant, located near Ottawa Street in Kitchener. This initiative aims to enhance the plant’s water capacity as the region grapples with supply challenges.
- Estimated Cost: More than $15 million
- Project Duration: Temporary containers to be rented for 12 months
- Flow Rate: 50 litres per second per container
- Completion Deadline: Initial tank operational by June 2026, remaining tanks by July 2027
Company Involved
H2O Innovation Inc., based in Oakville, has been selected to install these ultrafiltration units. Their technology is expected to confirm the efficacy of this solution over the initial rental period.
Funding Source and Budget Implications
The capital costs are planned to be integrated into the 2026 budget, drawing from the Water Capital Reserve Fund. This forward-thinking strategy aims to regenerate lost capacity, ensuring a sustainable drinking water supply for the region.
Projected Costs
Significant fluctuations in project costs have been reported. The current estimates detailed in the upcoming council meeting indicate a higher budget requirement compared to previous projections.
- Total project cost: around $16 million
- Engineering services: approximately $2 million
- Electrical work: about $2.5 million
Risk of Delays
Council staff warn that any delays in approvals may result in setbacks in project completion. They seek approval before completing a detailed design, as timely contractor engagement is crucial. If a contractor is not secured by February 13, the project timeline may be jeopardized.
This strategic initiative will help ensure that the Region of Waterloo can continue delivering a reliable and safe drinking water supply while further infrastructural improvements are conducted.
Friday’s council meeting will commence at 1:30 p.m., where the future of this vital water project may be determined.
