BluMetric Environmental has brought together four companies in what it describes as an all-Canadian team to bid on deployable water purification systems for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The Ottawa-based company heads the group alongside DEW Engineering and Development, Active Gear Company and Des Nedhe Group Defence. Canadian Defence Review published the announcement on 5 October.
The bid will target the Advanced Water Supply System (AWSS). According to the announcement, the AWSS program is expected to be awarded in early 2027. The team plans to offer a containerized water purification system, described in the announcement as dual-use and export-ready.
BluMetric said the AWSS is intended to replace the 22 Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units (ROWPU) that have been in service since 1993. The company said it has maintained those units since 2011.
The Department of National Defence (DND) identifies the AWSS as a replacement project with a funding range of $50 million to $99 million. In its Defence Capabilities Blueprint, the department describes an integrated water production, storage and distribution system. The project would introduce a light water production capability for company level or below.
The blueprint says project requirements have yet to be defined. Possible deliverables include water production at formation level, a light system for sections, troops or companies, and bulk water storage and distribution. DND also plans to assess whether producing water from air is viable for Canadian Army operations.
In June 2025, DND issued public notice of proposed AWSS infrastructure at the Army’s base in Gagetown, New Brunswick. The proposal includes a warehouse for mobile water treatment plants, a concrete pad for treatment trailers, and a water intake and pumping station.
Defence Construction Canada has issued a request for proposals for AWSS infrastructure, identified as solicitation HQ000784. CanadaBuys also lists an AWSS request for information under reference W8476-256911.
BluMetric also continues to service DND’s current units. In May 2025, the company announced a three-year master service agreement for the ROWPU systems, including seven potential one-year extensions and an initial $5.8 million service order. An April 2026 announcement added a $2.9 million extension covering refurbishment, field service, maintenance and engineering studies.
The company also built the CAF’s smaller sub-unit system through a Rheinmetall Canada contract. In May 2025, it announced a notice to proceed with production of 26 self-contained water treatment units under the contract, valued at $12.2 million. The units were specified to provide potable water for up to 250 personnel.
In its 26 August results, BluMetric attributed a decline in military revenue to the conclusion of the Rheinmetall project and the timing of replacement projects. It said it had recently begun finalizing implementation of its Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification, “allowing it to bid on Military contracts as a prime contractor”. Revenue for the quarter ended 30 June was $20.9 million.
As published, the announcement does not describe the responsibilities of individual partners. DEW Engineering and Development is an Ottawa-based manufacturer active in logistics support, protective equipment and land vehicle systems.
Active Gear Company of Canada is based in Concord, Ontario, and is registered in the federal Controlled Goods Program. It has provided parts to National Defence through a federal standing offer.
Des Nedhe was founded by English River First Nation in 1991 and identifies Saskatoon as the location of its corporate office. Its defence division was launched in May 2025 and describes itself as 100 per cent Indigenous community-owned. On 1 October 2025, BluMetric and the division announced a memorandum of understanding to explore supply-chain opportunities, including water purification for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
DND’s blueprint places the AWSS in the definition phase, with implementation and initial delivery planned for fiscal 2027/2028 and final delivery for 2030/2031.
Related coverage: Rheinmetall Canada’s land-systems capacity is covered in the Saint-Jean expansion report. The submarine purchase named in the BluMetric and Des Nedhe agreement is tracked in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project guide.