Region Waterloo determined water capacity an issue affecting the Mannheim service area, which supplies Kitchener, Waterloo, parts of Cambridge and surrounding communities.
Officials say there are no immediate impacts to residents and the water remains safe for now.
However, a third-party review of the system is currently underway to determine the best course of action.
Professor Richard M. Petrone, a hydrologist in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo, told Global News that early identification of the problem is key.
“We identified this early enough so that the region and municipalities can take action to minimize the impact when the time of crisis comes,” he said.
Petrone noted that 75 percent of the region depends on groundwater, making it vulnerable to overuse and pollution. “We are surrounded by agricultural and natural areas that are critical to aquifer recharge.”
He also warned that economic growth and climate change could further strain the system.
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“As the population grows and land development continues, we risk putting serious pressure on our water supply,” he said. “Municipalities need to plan for changes in rainfall patterns and aquifer recharge to avoid crises.”
City of Waterloo officials said they were informed in early December and are meeting with regional officials to discuss corrective actions.
“City staff will continue to meet with representatives from the Region of Waterloo in the coming days and weeks to understand the impact and corrective actions,” the city said in a statement.
“Our two-tier local government has a long history of working together for the benefit of our shared residents, and as we learn from the region, we will communicate with our city,” they added.
In a Dec. 4 report, the region cited population growth and aging infrastructure as factors contributing to capacity overload.
“The Region of Waterloo's water system is comprehensive and complex. The Region is working to expedite the timeline to resolve this issue and a third party review is currently underway.”
Local advocacy groups are calling for stronger action and greater transparency.
“We encourage the region to provide further clarity on this issue,” said Region of Waterloo Hold the Line, which is part of a coalition including the Grand River Environmental Network and Water Watchers.
“Proposals for dangerous development in areas such as Big Springs Farm and the Wilmot Land Trust cannot continue,” the group added.
“Given this water challenge, we must recommit to growth planning that protects our Rural Line and groundwater aquifers,” they said.
Experts say identifying the problem now gives the region a chance to act before the system reaches its limits.
“Protecting our wells from depletion or contamination is an existential necessity,” the group said.
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