Q1 2026 WMC Insights: Preparing Systems for Spring and Beyond

Welcome to the second edition of WMC Insights, our quarterly perspective on smarter, safer, and more reliable water treatment solutions across Ontario and Quebec.

As facilities transition out of peak heating season and into spring shoulder months, Q1 represents a critical checkpoint. Winter operation places sustained demand on closed-loop and treatment systems, often revealing issues that aren’t immediately visible during normal operation. Addressing these issues early helps ensure reliable cooling season startup and avoids costly, reactive maintenance later in the year.

This quarter’s insights focus on glycol system health, spring readiness planning, proactive chemical storage, and the value of planning ahead.

Protecting Closed Loop Systems Through Winter and Into Spring

Glycol systems typically operate quietly in the background, but they play a critical role in freeze protection, corrosion control, and system balance. Extended winter operation can gradually affect performance, even in systems that appeared stable earlier in the season.

Key checks to prioritize in Q1 include:

• Glycol concentration and freeze protection levels
• Inhibitor package health
• pH and conductivity balance
• System cleanliness and suspended solids

When left unaddressed, small imbalances can contribute to corrosion, reduced heat transfer, and unplanned downtime during cooling season startup.

Best practice: Conduct a full glycol analysis before spring to identify and resolve issues proactively, rather than reacting under startup pressure.

Getting Ready for Spring: Addressing Issues Before Cooling Season Begins

Many spring and summer system problems can be traced back to missed inspections or deferred maintenance during winter. Q1 is the ideal time to correct these gaps.

Critical spring readiness activities include:

• Closed-loop system condition reviews
• Cooling system pre-startup planning
• Risk, safety, and regulatory compliance assessments

Early preparation reduces emergency service calls, improves operational efficiency, and extends the service life of critical equipment.

Double-Wall Containment: A Smarter Approach to Chemical Storage

Safe chemical storage is a foundational part of any treatment program. Double-wall containment tanks provide enhanced protection by integrating a primary tank with built-in secondary containment.

If a leak occurs, it is immediately captured by the outer wall, preventing environmental exposure and allowing issues to be identified early. This approach reduces spill risk, supports regulatory compliance, and offers a reliable, long-term solution for responsible chemical storage.

Planning Ahead for Reliable Startup with Turnkey Solutions

Installing or upgrading treatment equipment ahead of spring startup helps minimize disruption and ensures consistent system performance when demand increases.

Common turnkey solutions provided by WMC Water include:

• Automated chemical feed and control systems
• Side-stream filtration
• Pretreatment systems, including softening, RO, and DI
• Glycol system enhancements and upgrades

Taking a proactive approach allows facilities to enter the cooling season with confidence, rather than responding to issues under pressure.

Regional Expansion: Supporting Growing Demand in the GTA

We’re pleased to share that our new Mississauga office is now open. This expansion strengthens service coverage across the GTA, supports our growing technical team, and enhances project execution for clients throughout the region.

Is Your System Ready for Spring?

Now is the time to schedule a system review. Our team can test, analyze, and fine-tune your closed-loop and treatment systems before the cooling season begins.

Early action in Q1 sets the foundation for reliable performance throughout the year.

Contact WMC Water to schedule a system review or glycol analysis.