Wednesday, May 27, 2026
A groundbreaking new technique used to repair aging water infrastructure has earned Niagara Region praise from the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA).
The Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant Reservoir Inlet and Outlet Pipe Emergency Repair was selected as the winner for the OPWA’s annual award for Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair.
The Problem: A major leak was discovered in the reservoir inlet and outlet pipes of the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant in late 2025.
The Solution: Rather than conducting deep excavations to replace the lines, the team built a “pipe within a pipe” using advanced, high-strength materials.
Community Impact: The trenchless method meant there were no major digging operations, zero traffic disruption, and—most importantly—no service interruptions for residents. Clean drinking water continued to flow to local communities without delay.
Recognized for using a unique, less-invasive method to repair the leak, two aging connections between the underground drinking water storage reservoir and the plant were fixed by staff without having to dig up the pipe. The technique not only kept water flowing during the repair, but by avoiding major digging, staff reduced costs, saved time and prevented significant disruption to nearby residents, traffic and the surrounding environment. Throughout the project, staff were able to continue providing safe and reliable drinking water to the community.
The new repair technique is just one example of how Regional staff are using cutting-edge technology to keep Niagara’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure operating, ensuring that 160 million litres of clean, drinkable water flow every day.
“Niagara Region is very excited to announce this incredible award during this week’s celebration of National Public Works Week,” said Phill Lambert, director of Water and Wastewater. “The expertise, innovation and commitment to this project is indicative of how staff are continually looking for ways to address issues at our plants that minimize any impact on the community while remaining cost-effective and responsible to Niagara taxpayers. Our ability to maintain older infrastructure across our Water and Wastewater Division is a testament to the dedication, technical expertise and determination of staff. Their commitment ensures our plants continue to operate at optimal efficiency and capacity, delivering reliable, high-quality service to communities across Niagara.”
The Niagara Falls Water Treatment plant is part and parcel of Niagara Region’s extensive water-wastewater inventory that includes six water plants, 11 wastewater plants and more than 100 pumping stations. Each day, the Region delivers 160 million litres of fresh, clean drinking water and treats 197 million litres of wastewater.
Featured image: (Niagara Region)
