Drinking Water
COVID-19 UPDATE FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Environmental Services wants to reassure our municipal drinking water customers of our commitment to ensuring reliable and sustainable supplies of municipal drinking water during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Contingency plans have been implemented by Environmental Services to ensure our staff of certified operators are in place to supply safe drinking water from source to tap as per Ontario legislation and regulations while ensuring the safety and protection of our staff and community. If you have any questions or concerns about your municipal drinking water supply, please contact Environmental Services.
The Township operates 12 municipally controlled water systems located throughout the municipality’s 61,000 hectares of land that deliver safe and reliable drinking water to approximately 2,500 properties in the municipality.
The Township is committed to delivering and maintaining a safe drinking water supply and protecting our source water. Drinking water is heavily regulated by the Province of Ontario. We encourage residents to visit
Drinking Water Ontario Website for more information on drinking water in Ontario.
Municipal Water System Facts
- The majority of residents in Oro-Medonte are on private wells.
- There are residents who are on a privately-owned/operated water systems.
- There are residents who are on Municipally-owned/operated water systems.
- The Township has operational control over 12 water systems located across the municipality, including the unassumed subdivisions of Braestone.
Water Operations
The water operations in the Township are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Operations include; monitoring, inspection, testing, Drinking Water Quality Management System -DWQMS, remote Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition - SCADA control.
All water and wastewater operators and operations in Ontario are governed by the following regulations and acts, including:- Certification of Drinking Water System Operators and Water Quality Analysts, Ontario Regulation 128/04 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (Reg 129/04 Licensing of Sewage Works Operators)
- The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
- The Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA)
- Drinking Water Systems Regulation, Ontario Regulation 170/03 of the Safe Drinking Water Act
- Ontario Regulation 169/03 (Water Quality Standards)
- Drinking Water Quality Management Program (DWQMS)
- Regulation 903 (Wells)
- Regulation 318/319 (Halls)
The Township's licensed water operators ensure the safe and reliable delivery of drinking water to customers. Operators are responsible for several testing, monitoring, and operations programs including:
- Chlorine Residual Testing
- Bacteriological Testing
- SCADA Equipment Calibration
- Chemical Testing
- Alkalinity and Lead Testing
- Well Head Inspections
- Turbidity Monitoring
- Flushing Programs
- Hydrant and Valve Maintenance Programs
- Flow Meter Calibration Program
- Generator Maintenance Program
- Reservoir & Standpipe Maintenance
- Pressure Gauge Checks and Control Valve Maintenance
Drinking Water Fees & Fines
Water is an important and valued resource. Conservation is good for the environment, helps save money on your water bill, and can reduce energy costs in the drinking water systems.
As you enjoy the summer months and warm weather, remember that using external water for lawn and garden irrigation is permitted as follows:
- EVEN numbered addresses on EVEN numbered days
- ODD numbered addresses on ODD numbered days
The Township's Environmental Services department reminds all residents connected to municipal drinking water systems that municipal water use is governed by By-law 2016-100. Potential fines associated with contravention of any of the following actions are outlined below:
Drinking Water Fees & Fines
Action
| Fee/Fine
|
Let off or discharge water so that the water runs waste or useless out of the works.
| $500.00
|
Waste, lend, sell or dispose of the water.
| $500.00
|
Open, close or obstruct any valve, hydrant, stopcock, chamber, pipe or municipal equipment without authorization.
| $700.00
|
Alter a water meter and associated appurtenances.
| $700.00
|
Connect any pipe or watermain to obtain water without consent.
| $700.00
|
Use water in contravention of the By-law.
| $500.00
|
Hinder or obstruct an officer exercising a power or performing a duty.
| $300.00
|
