Fenelon Falls Wastewater System currently overflowing - March 10, 2026

UPDATE: March 11, 2026 - 5:30pm

Beginning at approximately 5:30pm on Wednesday, March 11, an overflow was initiated at the Fenelon Falls Wastewater System – Francis Street Sewage Pumping Station. 

This pumping station is located downstream of the Colborne Street Sewage Pumping Station. As a result, the precautions outlined in the original notice continue to apply for residents drawing water from the Fenelon River downstream of the Fenelon Falls locks.

The City will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Kawartha Lakes – Beginning at approximately 12:00am on Tuesday March 10, 2026, an overflow was re-initiated at the Fenelon Falls Wastewater System – Colborne Street Sewage Pumping Station, releasing raw sewage into the Fenelon River.    

The Fenelon Falls Wastewater System is continuing to receive higher than normal sewage flows due to extreme wet weather from the weekend and higher temperatures causing snow melt, and the amount of wastewater entering the sewer system has exceeded the capacity of the system. An overflow is initiated to reduce the risk of sewage backups into private property and process upsets at the wastewater treatment facility. The impact of the spill on water quality will be minimal given dilution due to significant rainfall, however residents drawing water downstream from the Colborne St. Sewage Pumping Station (bottom side of Fenelon locks) should take precautions.

The Lakelands Public Health Unit advises residents who draw their water from the Fenelon River to use a proper filtration and disinfection system before consuming the water. Surface water can be contaminated by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can cause illness. Although extra precaution should be taken during the bypass event, it is always important to ensure that surface water is properly treated before drinking or using to be sure it is safe.

Homes and businesses connected to municipal water from the Fenelon Falls Drinking Water System are not affected and their water continues to be safe to drink.

Residents will be advised when the bypass event has ended.