A sanitary and water capacity study is a detailed analysis that evaluates whether existing municipal infrastructure can support the proposed development’s servicing demands.

It confirms available capacity in the sanitary sewer and water distribution systems and identifies any constraints or required upgrades.

Key Functions

A capacity study ensures:

• Adequate sanitary sewer capacity for projected flows

• Sufficient water supply for domestic and fire flow demands

• System performance remains within acceptable criteria

• Infrastructure constraints are identified and addressed

What It Typically Includes

• Population and flow projections based on proposed development

• Sanitary flow calculations (including base flow and peak factors)

• Water demand and fire flow analysis

• Hydraulic modelling and capacity assessment

• Identification of downstream constraints and surcharge risks

• Assessment of required upgrades or mitigation measures

Why It Matters

Capacity directly affects:

• Development feasibility and allowable density

• Design of servicing systems and connection strategy

• Coordination with municipal infrastructure upgrades

• Compliance with City standards and criteria

• Approval timelines

Capacity studies are typically a key requirement in support of Zoning By-law Amendment applications, particularly for larger or higher-density developments where infrastructure constraints may impact planning decisions.

Insufficient capacity is a common cause of major redesigns, conditions, and delays.