Water quality

Learn how to identify and respond to water quality problems, and find how the city maintains a safe drinking water system. Report persistent water issues to us by phone at 519-886-2310. Subscribe to service alerts for water quality warnings.

We work with the Region of Waterloo to maintain our water system. The region is responsible for water supply and wastewater treatment. The city is responsible for the distribution of drinking water and the collection of wastewater.

Clearing discoloured water

Discoloured water is usually caused by minerals naturally found in groundwater or from the corrosion of older iron pipes in the water distribution system. These minerals can be disturbed during activites such as watermain cleaning or fire hydrant maintenance. Iron pipes are being phased out of our water system to avoid future corrosion issues.

We recommend you do not drink discoloured water. To clear it from your water line, run the cold water tap in your home for five minutes. If that does not work, wait an hour and try again. Report persistent issues to our water team at 519-886-2310.

Low pressure

If water pressure is lower than usual, there are a number of things you can do:

if only hot water is affected, contact your water heater provider or a plumber
if only softened water is affected, put your softener on bypass and contact a plumber
check your water valve to make sure it is fully open. It is found where water enters the house
if your neighbours are also experiencing low pressure, contact us at 519-886-2310 for assistance

Boil water advisories

There are no active boil water advisories in Waterloo. Subscribe to our news page for water alerts and instructions on what to do if an advisory comes into effect.

Water quality management

Drinking water quality management system

We're accredited by the province as the city's water operating authority, with a municipal drinking water license and drinking water works permit. Our system for ensuring water quality meets the requirements of Ontario's Drinking Water Quality Management Standard. Information about the system is described at length in our operational plan (PDF).

Annual water quality reports are available:

2018 Water Quality Report (coming in 2019)
2017 Water Quality Report (PDF)
2016 Water Quality Report (PDF)

Lead testing

Prior to the 1950s, lead pipes were used to connect buildings to the watermains. While we work to remove them during road reconstructions we have a proactive program that analyzes lead levels in our drinking water. This program meets provincial requirements for drinking water safety.

We test water samples throughout our water distribution system every six months. To volunteer to have your home's water tested for free, contact our water team at 519-886-2310.

If unsafe levels of lead are detected, we will retest your home to confirm results and provide further information on how to avoid unsafe water consumption.