Project Overview
The Region of Waterloo is reviewing internal policies on how it responds to groundwater
interference complaints from private well owners. This review focuses on the complaint and
appeal process, including how received complaints are assessed, how decisions are made, and
what happens when groundwater interference is identified.
Proposed updates to the Groundwater Interference Complaints Policy have been developed
based on technical review and community feedback received to date. The Region is now
seeking feedback on the proposed updates before final recommendations are presented to
Regional Council.
Summary of Proposed Updates
The proposed updates are intended to make the groundwater interference complaints process
clearer and provide a fair, transparent, evidence-based, fiscally responsible and resident
centred process. Key proposed updates include:
1. Modernize the policy framework: Move from fixed geographic boundaries to a more flexible,
screening process based on site-specific information and technical review.
2. Improve accessibility and transparency: Develop plain-language materials, a glossary, and
proactive outreach to help residents better understand the policy and complaints process.
3. Strengthen technical review: Require technical investigations for all eligible complaints and
consider using an independent third-party qualified professional to support impartial review.
4. Update compensation and mitigation: Remove fixed compensation limits and tailor remedies
to actual impacts, including temporary and permanent water supply solutions where
appropriate.
5. Revise the appeals process: Move from a single decision-maker to a multi-member,
independent committee to support fair representation and impartiality.
6. Establish regular review cycles: Create a formal cycle for reviewing and updating the policy
so it remains current and responsive over time.
Review the report to Council for the full updated policy recommendations:
➡View the updated Groundwater Interference Complaints Policy and Procedures recommendations
You can also review the current Groundwater Interference Complaints Policy and Procedures:
➡View the current Groundwater Interference Complaints Policy and Procedures
How can I participate
There is still an opportunity to learn about the proposed updates to the Groundwater
Interference Complaints Policy, ask questions, and share your feedback.
You can participate by attending the upcoming drop-in information session or by completing the
online survey by August 21, 2026. Feedback received will help inform final recommendations to
Council on September 9, 2026
You are invited to attend Drop-In Information Session 2:
📅Date: August 20, 2026
🕗Time: 4:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m
💻Location: Cafeteria at 150 Frederick St., KitchenerThis second in-person session will provide a summary of the recommended policy update, answer questions and offer an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed policy changes. The session will be a drop-in, so we invite you to stop by any time between 4 and 7 P.M.
Project Team members will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have regarding the review process and receive feedback.
We are interested in hearing your feedback on whether the proposed policy updates would improve the accessibility, transparency, consistency, and effectiveness of the groundwater interference complaints process. Your input will help inform final recommendations to Regional Council.
Please note that this session is focused on improving the overall process going forward, rather than reviewing individual cases.
Complete the online survey
If you are unable to attend the drop-in session or would like to provide additional feedback, you can complete the online survey below. The survey will close on August 21, 2026.
Past Event
📅Date: June 24, 2026
🕗Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
💻Location: Recording (click here)
This virtual session included:
- an overview of how well interference is assessed
- how the current complaint process works and how it compares to other municipalities
- an opportunity for residents to provide input to the project team
- a question-and-answer period and gather your input on how the process can be improved
We are particularly interested in hearing from private well owners and potentially affected residents, including your perspectives on fairness, transparency, decision making, and what meaningful outcomes should look like
Please note that this session is focused on improving the process going forward, rather than reviewing individual cases.
Other ways to participate
Complete the Second Survey (available from August 12 - August 21)
