Water and Wastewater

Account Setup

Contact the Municipal office by email or phone 519-762-2204 extension 24 

Municipal Drinking Water Documentation

Municipality's Annual Compliance Reports:

2022 Annual Compliance Report and Resolution of Council 

2021 Annual Compliance Report and Resolution of Council

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Annual Reports:

2022 MECP Regulation Report

Elgin Area Primary Water Supply System Annual Compliance and Regulation Reports:  

2022 Drinking Water System Regulation 170/03 

2020 Annual Compliance Report

Tri-County Drinking Water System Annual Compliance Reports 

Drinking Water Quality Management System  (DWQMS)

The Drinking Water Quality Management (DWQMS) Operational Plan replaces the old certificate of approval.  Internal and external audits are completed annually.  This is essentially the municipality's license to operate our water system.

• DWQMS Policy and Resolution by Council

Municipal Drinking Water Distribution System

Municipal water is located throughout the Municipality.  Properties not abutting a waterline may have a private source of water (private wells)

• To connect to the municipal water system, please contact the Water Operations Manager at 519-933-6483
• To make a water quality complaint, please contact the office at 519-762-2204

• While the Municipality owns the water meter on your property, you are responsible for maintaining or replacing water pipes underground or inside buildings on your side of the property line.

Municipal Wastewater Collection System 

• To connect to the municipal wastewater collection system, please contact the Wastewater Department at 519-762-2733
• Protect your pipes. Blocked pipes are big trouble, they can burst or back up, leading to costly flooding in your home or business.

• Further down the line, items like wipes and grease can clog sewers and cause toxic sewage overflows into streets and the natural environment. They can also damage local wastewater infrastructure, and your water rates may go up to cover repairs.

Paying Your Bill 

 Ways to pay your bill

Drinking Water Financial Plan

Prevent Problems in Your Pipes

The only things you should flush are pee, poop, and toilet paper. So-called flushable products may make it down the toilet, then cause big problems in the Municipality's sewer system.

Please don’t flush

Chemicals, paints, motor oils, and other pollutants can cause fires or explosions that can hurt people, damage buildings and destroy underground pipes.

Food and grease can clog our sewers sending wastewater back up through sinks, floor drains and toilets.

Backups and blowouts can create health hazards, damage properties, and harm nature and wildlife.

Cleanup and repairs are unpleasant and expensive, and the property owner is usually responsible for covering the costs.

Frozen Water Pipes

Please call us at 519-762-2204 if you have unusually low water pressure.

If your pipes are frozen try running different cold water taps throughout your home or business to isolate the problem area.

If all water service has stopped, locate the area where your water service enters your home as it is most likely frozen at this location, especially if the meter is located in a crawl space or cupboard.  Leave the cupboard door open so warm air may enter.  Add additional warmth to areas.  Slowly and carefully use a safe spaced heater or hairdryer. We may offer advice over the phone or visit your property to find the problem and recommend a solution. If you are a tenant, please contact your landlord as well.

Thawing frozen pipes on your property.  The Municipality recommends calling a licensed plumber for help with frozen pipes on your property. If you want to try to thaw household pipes yourself, please follow these safety precautions:  Do not use a torch with an open flame to thaw pipes, as this is a fire hazard. Find your master water shut-off valve (usually in the basement where the water service pipe enters your home). If the frozen pipe is cracked or broken, you will need to shut off the water in your house until the pipe is repaired.

Steps to thaw a frozen pipe:

• Turn on a tap in the basement
• Use a blow dryer, electric blanket or heating pad to warm the suspected frozen pipe for one or two hours. Check blow dryer regularly to ensure it does not overheat.
• Place a warm towel or rag around the suspected frozen pipe.
• You may also use a portable heater with caution, especially around flammable materials.
• Always use caution when applying any heat source near insulation or other flammable materials.
• Depending on the outside temperature and the extent of freezing within the pipe, the thawing process could take between one and six hours.
• If/when the pipe thaws, water should start flowing to the tap you turned on in the basement.

If these steps do not resolve the problem, contact a licensed plumber.

After thawing the pipe keep the pipes warm. If the pipe has frozen already, it’s likely to freeze again. Insulate the pipe, ensure the area is heated.

Watch for leaks. You own all the pipes from the beginning of your property line into and throughout your home or business. If any pipes are leaking, you are responsible for repairs and should call a professional plumber. For information about potential damages or claims related frozen and/or thawing pipes please contact your insurance provider.If the water meter is leaking, please contact us. We may need to repair or replace the meter which may result in charges for service or replacement.

In the Spring check for leaks. Turn off all your taps, and check your water meter. If you notice leaks or drips, close the shutoff valve and call a plumber for assistance.

Properties with history of frozen pipes.  Be sure to winterize your your plumbing well before the winter weather arrives.  If needed call your local plumber for assistance.  Winterize crawl spaces and anywhere else cold air may come in contact with your plumbing. 

How to prevent pipes from freezing

• Use foam pipe insulation to protect pipes near outside walls, in crawl spaces or cold cellars.
• Open kitchen, bathroom or laundry cupboard doors to let warm air reach your plumbing. Please remove household cleaners and other items that could harm children or pets while cupboard doors are open.
• Seal air leaks in your home and garage, especially in areas where pipes run.
• If there are water supply lines in the garage keep outside garage doors closed.
• Insulate all outdoor water pipes with specially designed outdoor foam pipe covers available at building supply or home improvement stores.
• Shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.
• If you’re going away, talk to your insurance company about what you can do to protect your home from frozen pipes and leaks.

Other Resources

• Locates Policy
• Water & Wastewater Billing Collection Policy
• Pre-authorized water form
• Equal billing pre-authorized water form
• FAQ and Water Conservation Tips