Please call us first if you are experiencing difficulties with your water and wastewater services. We may be able to easily resolve the issue and save you time and money. Call 705-324-9411.
Utility billing
Visit our Paying Your Water and Sewer Bill page for information about:
- paying your water bill
- paying your sewer bill
- water billing frequency
- water billing notification
- water and wastewater rates
- water and wastewater related service fees
- applications for water and wastewater service and;
- water relief programs
The City installs, repairs and upgrades water meters, takes water readings, prepares water bills, processes payments and arranges for seasonal shut offs.
If you have questions about utility services please call 705-324-9411.
Water and wastewater services
Visit our Water and Wastewater Services page for information about:
- source water protection
- information regarding inspections, projects, items of interest and more
- private wells
- Ontario Water Wastewater Agency Response Network
- City and resident responsibilities
- watermain and sewer flushing
- bulk water
- holding tank registration
- frozen pipes
- What Not to Flush information
- annual reports
- salespeople
- Cross Connection Control Program
- sewer backups
Municipal Service Connections
Visit our Municipal Service Connections page for information about water, sanitary and storm service connections.
Water quality
Visit our Water Quality page to learn about:
- drinking water quality standards
- the purification process
- hard water, water colour and odour
- water treatment and chlorination
- sodium
- lead sampling
Licensing and regulations
Visit our Licensing and Regulations page to learn about:
- the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard
- the City's Quality Management System
- Ontario water regulations
Municipal drains
Municipal Drains page to learn more about:
- Municipal Drainage Policy
- Drainage Board
- Tile Loan Program
Stormwater
Stormwater Management Facility Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What are Stormwater Management Ponds (SWMPs)?
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Stormwater Management Ponds (SWMPs) are facilities designed to collect runoff from the local storm sewer system following either a rainfall or snowmelt event, or activities such as watering lawns and washing cars. SWMPs are built to temporarily hold this water, provide treatment to remove the pollutants, and then slowly release it back into our waterways.
In developed areas where driveways, buildings and roads cover the soil, water cannot be absorbed and instead travels over these paved surfaces as runoff, reaching our waterways much more quickly. As it flows over these surfaces, the runoff also collects various pollutants (dirt, fertilizer containing phosphorus and nitrogen) and debris (grass-clippings, paper, cigarette butts).
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Who maintains Stormwater Management Ponds?
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| If you live in a new subdivision that has not yet been assumed by the City, the pond will be the Developer's responsibility to maintain. If your subdivision is already assumed, the City's Public Works Department is responsible for pond maintenance. |
After assumption, what maintenance will occur?
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| After many years, the ponds may require maintenance including the removal of debris in and around the pond. Maintenance of structures such as gates and valves, and bank stabilization may occur at different times. Cutting of grass in these areas is not a normal function as the facilities are designed to be a natural environment ensuring ground recharge of storm water and debris containment. |
Do Stormwater Management Ponds Need a Fence?
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Generally, a pond that is gently sloping less than 3H:1V and has other safety features like warning signage, vegetative and barrier plantings, and safety ledges along the pond perimeter does not require a fence.
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Is the Stormwater Management Pond Safe?
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SWMPs were not designed or intended for recreational use.
Do not skate on the pond. The ponds are not checked in winter for thickness, so there is no way to ensure the safety of the ice surface for recreational use. Due to unpredictable flow into the ponds, the quality and thickness of the ice can change rapidly. Even though the pond appears frozen, it may not be and can be extremely hazardous.
Do not swim, wade or boat in the pond. The ponds are not supervised or checked for water quality. The level of water within the pond can change very quickly due to storms.
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Do Stormwater Management Ponds encourage West Nile Virus?
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| SWMPs are not typically considered good mosquito breeding sites since the water level is continuously changing and exposure to wind is high. However, the presence of vegetation and debris can create standing pockets of water that may serve as mosquito breeding sites. Preventative measures include a maintenance program that involves debris removal and control of vegetation. |
Why is the Stormwater Management Pond green?
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A pond may be green due to the growth of algae or duckweed, which both thrive as a result of high temperatures, a lack of rain, existence of oxygen and excessive fertilizer use. However, duckweed is important to a healthy pond as it is food for fish and birds, it helps reduce evaporation and controls the breeding of mosquitoes. The most effective way to control algae is to reduce or eliminate lawn fertilizers. Fountains are not effective in reducing algae as they become blocked with pond vegetation. Chemicals cannot be used as they would have a negative impact on surrounding watercourse habitats.
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For more information about Stormwater Management Ponds, please contact the Public Works Roads Operations Department.
