Municipal Water

Municipalities own — or have water supplied to them — through various types of drinking water systems. 

The provincial government, through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, regulates these systems to ensure water safety and quality.

This includes:

• registering all municipal drinking water systems
• licensing system owners/operators
• authorizing operators to run and maintain drinking water systems
• issuing drinking water works permits to modify, repair or extend drinking water systems

Every owner and operator of a drinking water system must ensure that:

• the system’s water meets Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Standards
• anyone who operates or works on their system is properly trained and licensed
• drinking water tests are done by licensed, accredited laboratories
• adverse test results are reported to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the local medical officer of health

Which areas are served?

Southwestern Public Health supports water safety in:

• Town of Aylmer

• Bayham: Port Burwell, Straffordville, Vienna, Eden

• Central Elgin: Belmont, Port Stanley, Sparta, New Sarum

• Dutton-Dunwich: Dutton, Wallacetown

• Malahide: Springfield, Port Bruce

• City of St. Thomas

• Southwold: Fingal, Shedden

• West Elgin: Port Glasgow, Rodney, West Lorne

Regional systems include:

• Elgin Area Primary Water Supply System: Serves Elgin County and St. Thomas. Check reports on the Elgin Area Water System

• Oxford County Water: Provides drinking water to municipalities in Oxford County

Where can I get more help?

If you have concerns or questions about your water:

• Contact your local municipality for updates or to report an issue