Waterloo Appoints Interim Water Commissioner to Address Issues

The Region of Waterloo has named an interim water commissioner to tackle its ongoing water capacity challenges.

Beginning on Feb. 23, Kenneth Brothers will take on the role of interim commissioner for water services and wastewater operations. The region states he will work together with local municipalities, developers, and provincial officials to prioritize projects that enhance water capacity, increase operational reliability, and prepare the system for future growth.

This role involves managing daily repairs and maintenance, speeding up infrastructure upgrades, and leading longer-term initiatives aimed at boosting the region’s water supply.

“We are pleased to welcome Kenneth Brothers to the Region of Waterloo,” acting chief administrative officer Mathieu Goetzke said in a statement earlier this week. “His expertise and proven track record in the water sector will be essential as we work through this challenge.”.”

Brothers is a professional engineer, Fellow of the International Water Association, and an international speaker on best practices in water utility management. He has held senior leadership positions in several Ontario municipalities and has previously served as chair of the Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario.

“I am deeply committed to working alongside partners and the community to shape solutions that strengthen the community for long-term water sustainability in the region,” Brothers said in the statement.

Water Quality Is Not a Concern

Regional officials first expressed worries back in December about water capacity in the Mannheim service area, which supplies Kitchener, Waterloo, and parts of Cambridge, Woolwich Township, and Wilmot Township.

The region has emphasized that this issue is not related to water quality and that residents don’t need to change their water usage habits. Instead, it’s about making sure infrastructure can deliver water where growth is occurring.

“We have the water; it’s just not in the part of the region where development is happening,” Regional Chair Karen Redman said.

Due to uncertainty surrounding available capacity, the region has stated it can’t currently support new development applications in that area. The council has approved hiring nine staff members including engineers and technicians to focus on addressing this issue without overwhelming existing employees.

Immediate efforts include repairing and upgrading both Greenbrook and Mannheim treatment plants, building new facilities, and testing innovative technologies through pilot projects.

This year’s projected capital costs are around $2 million; however, long-term upgrades could go beyond $90 million. The region is seeking assistance from provincial environment and municipal affairs ministries for expedited approvals while moving these projects forward.

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