Drinking Water, Wastewater & Drainage

Notice of Commencement-Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update

The Municipality of South Huron has initiated the Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update. This update will aim to develop and evaluate the optimal water and wastewater servicing strategies to support the needs of existing users and to support potential population and employment growth within the Municipality.

Watering by-law

Outside watering restrictions are in place from May to October. External use of water is permitted as follows:

• Even calendar dates, municipal addresses ending with an even number (0,2,4,6,8)
• Odd calendar dates, municipal addresses ending with an odd number (1,3,5,7,9)
• Hours for watering are 8:00 am -10:00 am and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• New landscaping, sod and plant material is exempt from watering restrictions
• Public parks and gardens can be watered for a total of 4 hours a day
• Commercial properties in South Huron that are in the business of selling lawn and garden plants are exempt from these restrictions

Source Water Protection

All threats to our drinking water supply are considered moderate or low since the LHPWSS Water Treatment Plant intake is 2km offshore in Lake Huron. Due to the large volume of water in the Great Lakes, significant threats cannot occur. However, the Source Protection Committee recognized that on-going education with the public and property owners where sources of drinking water is important, especially in light of how many people visit the area or have moved here recently. The Source Protection Committee developed a new Education Policy O.11.17 and residents are directed to the Source Water Protection website for useful videos and factsheets.

The following is a link to the Source Water Protection website: www.sourcewaterinfo.on.ca

Drinking Water Source Protection

Grand Bend beach map

Notice of Study Completion-Water and Wastewater Master Plan

“The Municipality of South Huron has completed a Water and Wastewater Master Plan to identify a comprehensive framework for water and wastewater projects over the next 20 years. The Master Plan was undertaken in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Master Planning Approach #2. This allows for the preparation of a Master Plan at the completion of Phases 1 & 2 of the Class EA process, whereby the final notification serves as the Notice of Completion for Schedule B projects identified within the Master Plan. The Notice of Completion was published on April 3, 2019."

Please note: Part II Order requests cannot be made against the entire Master Plan document, but only against specific Schedule B projects identified within the Master Plan.”

Report a Problem and After Hours Emergencies

Report a problem such as a leaking water meter, a taste or odour concern, a possible water main break or service leak, no water coming from your taps, or any other water related issue, by contacting us at 519-235-0310 ext 230.

If you require immediate assistance and are calling in the evening, on the weekend, or on a statutory holiday, please call 519-235-0310 ext 7 and the after-hours operator will direct your call to our standby personnel.

About your water service

The Environmental Services Division is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Municipality's water distribution system, water booster pumping stations, underground reservoirs and elevated water towers.

The division is also responsible for the enforcement of the Municipality's Water Use By-Laws and each year  tests hundreds of water samples to ensure that South Huron's drinking water is safe and aesthetically pleasing.

South Huron water is distributed from the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System (LHPWSS) and is owned by the member municipalities, including the Municipality of South Huron, and provides water to over 350,000 people in the region. The LHPWSS water treatment plant is located in South Huron, on the Lake Huron shoreline, near the intersection of Highway #21 and County Road #83. Water is treated in this state-of-the-art facility before being distributed throughout the municipality.

We are proud to deliver tap water to our customer's homes and businesses that exceeds Ontario's Drinking Water Quality Standards. We maintain a modern, sophisticated water system to ensure that all residents and businesses can rely on the water supply. Clean, safe drinking water plays a fundamental role in helping to maintain the quality of our lives.

Water and sewer rates

$1.85 per cubic metre for municipal tap water

$1.81 per cubic metre for wastewater (sewage)

South Huron water rates have increased effective January 1, 2024. This rate increase is part of the three-year rate increases approved by Council on September 7, 2021 under By-law # 66-2021.

The water base charge and wastewater base charge have increased. The wastewater consumptive charge and debt re-payment charge remain unchanged. These charges are based on service size, please refer to By-law #66-2021 that indicates the increases

Locates

In Ontario, it is required by law that property owners and contractors contact Ontario OneCall before they dig. The direct toll free line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-800-400-2255.

The Ontario OneCall Centre will help you through the process of locating cables or utility lines just below the surface of your property. Ontario One Call will contact the necessary utility providers, who will locate and mark the lines on your property. This ensures a safe dig for you and your neighbourhood.