Water Services

The Thornbury Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is owned and operated by the Town. The Thornbury WTP is classified as a large municipal residential system and supplies potable drinking water to all connected properties. The plant was constructed in 1977 and became operational in 1978. Over the years, many improvements and enhancements such as the installation of microfiltration membrane units have been added to ensure that the treatment plant remains efficient and effective. In addition to the Thornbury WTP, supplemental water supply is received from the Town of Collingwood through the Mountain Road Booster Station.

The water distribution system consists of approximately 120 kilometres of water main ranging in size up to 400 millimetres. Water main materials consist of PVC, ductile iron, cast iron, asbestos cement and high-density polyethylene.

The Town completes regular water main maintenance and replacement programs to ensure that infrastructure maintenance is maintained.

The Town’s Water Section controls and monitors the water pressure throughout the Town-owned water distribution system in accordance with requirements of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. This system includes the water mains at the street, and the laterals leading from the water main to the curb stop. Curb stops are the property of the Town, and are only to be operated by a Town Water Operator.

A water service on private property connected to the curb stop, not including the water meter, is classified as private plumbing. The Town is not responsible for controlling the water pressure in a home beyond the curb stop. Private plumbing fixtures, including hot water heaters or heating systems which utilize water, can increase the water pressure in a home beyond the level that it was at when it passed the curb stop. Thermal Expansion Tanks can be installed to manage this excess pressure, but they are classified as private plumbing fixtures according to the Ontario Building Code 2012 O.Reg. 332/12.

When metered water consumption was first introduced, The Town occasionally, on a case-by-case basis, provided Thermal Expansion Tanks to residents. However, this practice was discontinued in 2011, and the Town no longer supplies Thermal Expansion Tanks to residents. Maintenance and replacement of any Thermal Expansion Tank is the responsibility of the homeowner.

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 170/03, the Town maintains a Drinking Water System Public Access Binder. The binder contains information regarding the Town's Water System including the annual report, water sampling results and daily operational checks. All information contained within the binder is current as of January of the present year. Information from past years can be made available upon request. The binder is located outside of the Operations Department on the second floor of the Town Hall and can be reviewed during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

In October 2006, the Ministry of the Environment introduced the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) in response to Justice O'Connor's Part Two of the Walkerton Inquiry requirement for the "adoption of quality management systems for drinking water systems."

The purpose of the DWQMS is to protect public health by achieving consistent good practices in managing and operating a water system. The implementation of the DWQMS strives to promote the adoption of best practices and continual improvement, as well as preventative versus reactive strategies to protect public health.

As part of our commitment to supplying safe drinking water, the Town of The Blue Mountains has adopted the following Quality Management System Policy:

The Town of The Blue Mountains, consistent with its current policy of providing the public safe drinking water, reaffirms its commitment to supplying safe, consistent drinking water while maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS) meeting regulatory requirements. The Town will continue to achieve these goals through the implementation of a Quality Management System comprised of policies and procedures through risk assessment evaluations, staff competencies, open communication, workplace safety and emergency contingency plans.

If you would like to learn more about your drinking water or would like to have your drinking water tested by one of our licensed operators, please contact the Water & Wastewater Division.

• Residents may water between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Properties with odd-numbered addresses can water on odd-numbered calendar days
• Properties with even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered calendar days

• Residents may water between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Residents are permitted to water outdoors once per week

Below is a summary of the water use schedule during a Stage 2 Restriction:

Outdoor use of water is not permitted during a Stage 3 Restriction.

The permit will enable watering for a period up to and including thirty (30) days from the issuance of the permit between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. during any day within said thirty (30) day period.

Please ensure that the Permit is displayed in a visible location.

To obtain a Landscape Watering Permit please complete the Application form and submit with $150.00 payment (by cheque) payable to:

Town of The Blue Mountains
Attn: Operations Department
32 Mill Street, Box 310
Thornbury ON
N0H 2P0.

For more information please contact 519-599-3131 ext. 284.

• Excessive lawn watering leads to shallow root growth, which weakens the grass making it vulnerable to disease, pests and drought.
• Applying a maximum of 1" of water per week (including rainfall) will encourage deep, strong root growth ensuring your lawn can better cope with the hot, dry weather of summer.
• Watering your lawn during the heat of the day can create water loss due to evaporation and may burn the grass.
• Water from your dehumidifier or rain barrel is an excellent alternative to using potable water for your plants.
• Your awareness and compliance with the Town's Water Restrictions will help to ensure a reliable supply of water for everyone's use.

What does Outdoor Use of Water mean? 
Outdoor use of water refers to the watering of existing lawns, gardens or other outdoor use. Watering with a watering can or washing a vehicle with a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off device is permitted on any day.

What if I have new landscaping?
For the purposes of establishing new landscaping only, any person may purchase a Landscape Watering Permit from the Town for a fee of $150.

How are Water Restrictions enforced?
Water Restrictions are strictly monitored and enforced. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. A property owner who uses water from the municipal water system, or permits use of water from the municipal water system contrary to Section 8.01 of By-law 2008-02 shall be subject to warnings and pay charges in accordance with the following:

• Use of water during restricted/prohibited time
• First Instance – written warning
• Second Instance - $150 per instance
• Third & Each Subsequent Instance - $300 per subsequent instance

The Town of The Blue Mountains requires 48 hours notice to schedule a water turn on or shut off at your property. Please note that curb stops may only be operated by licensed Town operators.

To schedule a water turn on or shut off, please contact the Water & Wastewater Division, (519) 599-3131 ext. 284. This service is subject to a fee as outlined below.

To report an after-hours water emergency, please call: (226) 665-0707

The Town's Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program will minimize the potential for contamination of the Town's drinking water supply. The program involves identifying cross-connections between potable and non-potable sources, ensuring that these connections are removed or that protective devices are installed to prevent the contamination of the Town's drinking water supply.

All Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI) and Multi-Unit Residential properties connected to the Town's municipal water system are required to participate. The Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control By-law 2013-31 came into effect on July 15, 2013. The By-law requires that all ICI and Multi-Unit Residential property owners have the following services performed by a qualified contractor in order to comply:

1. Cross Connection Survey

The property owner/occupant (for which the By-law applies) is required to have a qualified contractor carry out a cross-connection survey of all plumbing in each building or structure every five years, or upon change of occupancy, and to submit a report to the Backflow Prevention Coordinator.

To obtain a copy of the Cross Connection Control Survey Form, please contact the Backflow Prevention Coordinator.

2. Backflow Prevention Device Installation and Testing

The property owner is required to have the appropriate premise isolation backflow prevention devices installed by a qualified contractor and have a qualified contractor perform backflow prevention device testing annually for each installed testable device and to submit a report to the Backflow Prevention Coordinator.

The Fee Schedule associated with the Town's Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program is available for review and/or download.

To obtain a copy of the Test Report Form, please contact the Backflow Prevention Coordinator.

Approved Qualified Contractor Registry

The Town maintains a list of qualified contractors approved to perform cross-connection surveys and backflow prevention device testing. The Approved Qualified Contractor Registry is available for review.

It is also suggested that customers verify that contractors have appropriate insurance coverage and discuss all costs before proceeding with any work associated with the Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program. Contractors operate independently from the Town and are solely responsible for any work performed. All costs associated with the requirements of the Town's Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Program will be the responsibility of the property owner.

Cross Connection Control Surveys and backflow prevention device test results will only be accepted for review when they are performed by an approved qualified contractor.

Please contact the Backflow Prevention Coordinator if you wish to obtain a copy of the Qualified Contractor Registration Application. 

Please ensure that all necessary qualification documents for each tester and the applicable fees are included with your application form.

Building Permit Requirement

A Building Permit is required for the installation of all premise isolation backflow preventers regardless of the size of the water service connection. All installations of the premise isolation devices and all related items shall be completed in accordance with the Building Code, Canadian Standards Association B64.10 series standard and manufacturer's specifications.

For additional information on obtaining a Building Permit, please visit the Building Services page.

Every spring and fall, the Town flushes fire hydrants and water mains to ensure proper operation and water quality throughout the water distribution system. During this work, residents may notice minor water discolouration. If discolouration occurs, please let faucets run until the water is clear. In addition, residents may experience reduced or fluctuating pressure.

The Water Financial Plan is a long-range plan to assist in identifying the cost of having a safe and sufficient water supply for the Town. This includes a plan for the repair or replacement of aging water infrastructure. Water infrastructure includes material and equipment such as pipes in the ground, filtration equipment, and water treatment equipment.

Why do we need a Water Financial Plan?
After the Walkerton water crisis, the Province implemented rules and regulations to significantly reduce the chance of a similar event occurring again. These rules and regulations include the need for all municipal water system owners, to have a water financial plan in place which details how the infrastructure is will be built, repaired, or replaced to ensure a long-term, safe supply of drinking water.

How is this different from our Asset Management Plan?
The Water Financial Plan is similar to the Town's Asset Management Plan. The two plans identify how the Town can most cost-effectively deal with aging infrastructure. The difference is that the Water Financial Plan deals with water infrastructure, and the Asset Management Plan deals with all municipally-owned infrastructure, a portion of which includes water infrastructure.

Both the Water Financial Plan and the Asset Management Plan:

• Allow for better decision-making by Council regarding allocation of the budget
• Provide consistently high-quality infrastructure for use by the community
• Allow us to develop long-term plans for the budget so that taxpayers do not experience large increases in taxation or water rates all at one time
• Look at ways to reduce the total life cycle cost of an asset (the total cost of an asset over the course of its life, including the cost to buy, repair and maintain the item)

What is the cost of a Water Financial Plan?
The Water Financial Plan was developed by Town staff without the use of outside consultants. Costs are incurred during the construction or repair and replacement of water system infrastructure, ensuring that the Town is compliant with Provincial regulations. The Water Financial Plan outlines how much money is needed to construct, repair or replace water infrastructure, and more importantly, how to use those dollars in the most cost-effective way possible.

Blue W Program

Thanks to the Blue W Program, you can now fill your reusable water bottle in The Blue Mountains wherever you find local restaurants, businesses and Town facilities displaying a Blue W decal. This indicates that they will fill up your water bottle for free with Town tap water.

The Blue W Program is a not-for-profit initiative, proudly promoted by the Town.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many businesses and facilities are part of the Blue W Program in The Blue Mountains
There are over 30 businesses and facilities in Town that participate in the Blue W Program.

How does a business or organization join the Blue W program?
You can sign up by visiting the Blue W website or contacting Blue W or the Town directly.

How did the Town become a Blue W community?
The Town was approached by the Blue W organization to participate. Surrounding municipalities including Collingwood are also members of the Blue W Program.

In Ontario, residents who use a private drinking water system (not a municipal system) can test for bacterial contamination free of charge? Protecting your drinking water source is important not only in providing you and your family with safe water but also for everyone else who is drawing water from the same source.

To learn about how to protect and maintain your well and septic systems, please visit the Grey Bruce Health Unit website.

Water Operators measure the alkalinity of the treated and distributed water monthly. Results for 2019 range from 73 mg/L to 109 mg/L which is considered moderately hard.

If you are connected to the Municipal Drinking Water supply and would like to have your drinking water tested, please contact the Water & Wastewater Division, (519) 599-3131 x 284 to arrange to have a sample collected.

At times during the year, you may find that your tap water appears cloudy. This is not a health concern. Cloudy water is due to the release of excess air bubbles in the tap water. As water travels from the Town’s distribution system to your home’s internal plumbing, it warms up. Since cold water holds less air than warm water, excess air bubbles may be released when filling a glass, resulting in a cloudy white appearance. The cloudy appearance should disappear in a few minutes.

Residents that use Town water are encouraged to take voluntary measures during the winter season to minimize the chance of frozen water pipes, such as: 

Winterize outside faucets

Ensure that you have properly drained all outside water pipes/hose faucets using shut-off valves to drain any water remaining in the line. Look around the home for areas where your water lines may be vulnerable due to a lack of insulation or heating such as in basements, attics, garages and crawl spaces. The water lines serving or running through these areas are at risk and should be insulated to avoid freezing.

Insulate pipes

As an economical option, residents can wrap towels around their pipes to provide insulation. There are also several products on the market that can be used to help avoid the freezing of pipes, which should be handled by a plumbing professional to ensure efficiency and safety.

Look for cold drafts

Check around your dwelling for areas where water supply lines are in unheated areas and take measures to prevent the flow of cold air to these areas. Common locations include: basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to enable warm air to circulate freely in the home, thereby reducing the possibility of pipes freezing. Areas adjacent to outside walls are most at risk.

Consider leaving your water running

You can run your fixtures at a very slight trickle as the temperature of the constantly running trickle is above freezing. You may also consider flushing your taps for three to four minutes several times a day instead of leaving the water running continuously. This will help prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. Please note that the Town will not credit this type of water use, which could result in significant water usage fees.

Be prepared when travelling

Travelling during winter? Keep your thermostat set at 15 degrees or higher, and have someone check your house every second day.

Find your water shut-off valve

Determine where your water shut-off valve is in your house and learn how to use it. For most homes, the shut-off valve is located near the water meter at the point where the water line comes into your home, which is usually in your basement.

If your water service does freeze, immediately notify a licensed plumber and, if required, contact the Water & Wastewater Division by calling the 24-hour Emergency Water number, (226) 665-0707.