Halifax Water has budgeted C$19.6 million for information and technology operating costs in 2026/27, up 18.08% on the previous year's budget, the largest percentage increase of any operating expenditure line in its plan.
A capital program built around resilience
Information and technology accounts for C$21.1 million of the utility's C$164.6 million capital spending plan for 2026/27, all of it new investment. The list is dominated by control systems and security: network intrusion detection for operational technology, identity and access management, incident response playbooks and business continuity planning. A digital twin data project receives C$0.1 million.
Two lapses at the main plant
On July 1, 2024, treated water left the J.D. Kline Water Supply Plant without final chlorine disinfection for 16 minutes. On January 21, 2025, the plant had no final chlorine disinfection for 66 minutes. Each lapse led to a boil water advisory. The after-incident reviews identified 16 and 19 corrective measures. The 2026/27 plan sets the fourth quarter as the deadline for the medium-term corrective actions.
An earlier audit
In March 2023, HRM's Auditor General found most consultant recommendations on Halifax Water's SCADA control system from 2016 and 2019 still outstanding. When a sophisticated phishing email targeted employees, 82% of recipients submitted credentials. The 2026/27 plan commits to address the outstanding recommendations and complete year 2 of a cybersecurity compliance roadmap.
Satisfaction has fallen
Customer satisfaction with service fell to 86% in FY 2025/26, against a 95% target and 97% in FY 2022/23.
Whether this spending delivers better leakage and service results, how it fits with Halifax Water's energy, climate and capital plans, and what the next Integrated Resource Plan means for the system are examined in the full report. The full report, Water Utility of the Future: Halifax Water, is available for USD 499. For a free overview, read the Halifax Water Utility Snapshot.