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The Township of Woolwich provides municipal water and sanitary sewer within the serviced settlements. Every homeowner is responsible for maintaining the water and sanitary lines from the street to inside your home.

Olameter has been contracted by the Township of Woolwich to read your water meter. Employees of Olameter will have photo identification with them at all times and they do work 7 days a week. If you have any concerns please contact the Township of Woolwich.

If you are doing work inside your home and require the water to be shut off please contact Infrastructure Services staff a minimum of 48 hours before you intend to start the project.

Notice: Water Remote Reading Program

The Township of Woolwich is set to begin retrofitting existing water meters to a new Smart Radio. This new Smart Radio will enable the Township to remotely read water meters which will eliminate the need to physically attend the property of water customers. This program will only affect properties in Woolwich who are being supplied water from the Township. Over the next six months KTI will be working in West Montrose, Maryhill, Heidelberg, Conestogo, St. Jacobs and Breslau.

Additional Information - Water Remote Reading

Notice to Property Owners

Your property has been identified that your exterior water meter remote is scheduled for an upgrade
There will be no cost to the customer for the equipment or installation
KTI has been contracted by the Township to retrofit your water meter
KTI employees can be identified with a KTI uniform, identification badge and will be driving vehicles displaying the company name and logo

KTI Limited is committed to ongoing safety and takes enhanced measures to keep everyone safe during the
installation process:

Screened daily for symptoms, wear masks and sanitize their hands and tools
Maintain physical distancing and no person-to-person contact

The installation work is required as part of the upgrade program and is deemed essential.

Retrofitting existing water meters to a new Smart Radio

The radio will be mounted over your existing touch receptable, located on the exterior of your property.
All work will be conducted on the outside of the property, no appointment is required
KTI will notify you of their arrival at your property. If you are not home KTI will move forward with the installation and leave a door hanger to provide a status of the installation and if any follow up is required
If you are home, KTI will confirm that you agree with the installation and proceed with the work
Installation will take place between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday to Friday and take approximately 30-60 minutes

Any questions please contact the Township at 519-669-6000 or KTI 1-833-543-8807

Water Billing

Request New Water Account

If you are on Municipal water, please complete the online form to set up your account.

Final Water Reading Request

If you are moving you need to request final water reading for the last day of possession. This ensures that the account is transferred to the new occupants and they are billed for the water they use. The final bill, from your last regular reading date to the final reading date will be mailed to you at your new location. Complete the Final water reading submission form.

Change of Tenancy Form

To notify our Water Department of a tenancy change please complete the Change of tenancy form.

Water and Sewer Rates

Your regular water bill consists of two parts:

Usage charges based on your consumption; plus
Reserve charges for infrastructure replacement based on the size of your water meter.

Usage Charges

Calculated per cubic meter or 220 gallons
Note: not all areas are charged for both water and sewer

Rates as of March 1, 2020
Charges	Rates
Water Charges	$1.76 per cubic meter
Sewer Charges	$2.91 per cubic meter

Bimonthly Capital Reserve Charges

Standard residential meter size is bolded in table below
Charges are prorated for a partial or extended billing period
Reserve charges still apply for minimal / no usage

Reserve Charges
Meter Size	Water	Sewer	Total
Up to 3/4"	$26	$26	$52
1" to 11/4"	$38	$38	$76
11/2"	$64	$64	$128
2"	$126	$126	$252
4"	$505	$505	$1,010
6" to 8"	$885	$885	$1,770
10"	$1,263	$1,263	$2,526

If this is your first bill at this location, your bill will also include the following charges:

Account set up fee: $25 (non-refundable)
Deposit: $150 (residential service) or $500 (business)
Note: Your deposit will only be refunded if you are paying your bills on time and in full for six bills consecutively

Please pay promptly as penalty will be added at the rate of 1.25% on the first day of default, plus 1.25% each month thereafter.

How to Pay your Water Bill

Pre-authorized payment plan

Pre-authorized Debit (PAD) Program Application

Banking institutions

The Township accepts payments through most banking institutions. Please register with your bank by using your seven digit account number located at the top of your water bill.

By mail or in person

Township of Woolwich
P.O. Box 158
24 Church St. West
Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6

Payment methods accepted:

cash
cheque (made payable to the Township of Woolwich)
debit

Cheques may be dropped in the afterhours drop box located on the corner of Church Street West and Maple Street.

Online payment

You can pay your water bill online using Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit, or Mastercard Debit.

You will need the following information:

Your account number (6 numeric and 1 alpha digit account number on your water bill)
A valid email address to email payment receipt
The amount you wish to pay
Your credit card or debit card

Please note that there is a convenience fee that is collected and paid to Paymentus for using the online payment system.

Payments can also be made over the telephone by calling toll free 1 866 278 6390

eBilling for Water

The Township offers a secure online portal where you can view your water bill. Once you have created your account, you will be notified by email when a new water bill is ready for you to view.

You will no longer receive a paper copy of your bill when you sign up for eBilling.

To sign up for eBilling or to view your account, visit the eBilling portal.

Why is my water bill suddenly very high?

A sudden rise in your metered water bill amount may be due to several reasons including:

Plumbing leaks in toilets, fixtures and or water softener
An increase in the number of people living in the house, resulting in greater water usage
A dry, hot summer resulting in higher water consumption
Filling a swimming pool, hot tub, renovations or recent landscaping
An increase in the number of days in the billing period
Consecutive estimated water meter readings followed by an actual water meter reading

For tips on reducing water use at home and checking for leaks visit the Region of Waterloo website.

Conserving Water, Saving Money and Lawn Watering Rules

Lawn Watering Rules May 31 to September 30 are as follows:

You can water your lawn one day a week. Lawn watering must take place on your assigned day from 5:30 am to 10:00 am and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Addressed ending with a:

0 or 1 water lawns on Mondays
2 or 3 water lawns on Tuesdays
4 or 5 water lawns on Wednesdays
6 or 7 water lawns on Thursdays
8 or 9 water lawns on Fridays

Lawn Watering Times:

For other outdoor activities, you can water every other day. Other outdoor watering does not include lawn water.

The last digit of your address determines your other outdoor activities watering days:

Odd-numbered addresses can water on odd-numbered days
Even-numbered addresses water on even-numbered days
Watering must take place between 5:30 am to 10:00 am and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Newly planted sod or seed:

Other outdoor watering activities include watering gardens, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants, washing vehicles with a controlled hose or shut-off valve, and topping up of permanent residential pools.

To request additional watering times, before planting sod or seeding your lawn:

Contact the Region of Waterloo at 519-575-4400. Deaf and Hard of Hearing TTY call 519-575-4608 or complete the sod or seed watering application form to request additional watering times.

The Region of Waterloo oversees water conservation including:

Lawn watering
Rain barrels
Multi-residential flapper replacement program

For tips on water conservation and expert advice using the Water Efficient Technology (WET) program, visit the Region of Waterloo's website.

Municipal Water & Sewer

Municipal Water Systems

The Township strives to provide safe and secure infrastructure for all residents. Water service is a two-tier system. Water from the ground and the Grand River is treated to drinking water standards by the Region of Waterloo and then delivered to your home, business or industry through the Township watermains. We share responsibility with the Region to regularly test water and ensure that we are meeting or exceeding the standards set out by The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Annual Drinking Water Summary Reports

The Township monitors the water quality weekly across the water distribution systems and responds directly to customer inquiries and complaints.

The Township completes annual drinking water reports for each distribution system:

Woolwich North (Formally Elmira/St. Jacobs)

Annual drinking water summary reports are also completed by the Region of Waterloo, City of Waterloo and City of Kitchener for the respective water distribution systems.

Drinking Water Quality Management Policy

The Township of Woolwich receives treated drinking water from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and is responsible for the distribution of treated drinking water to consumers in:

Breslau
Conestogo Plains
Conestogo Golf
Maryhill
St Jacobs/Elmira
Heidelberg
West Montrose

The Township of Woolwich is committed to:

Providing safe drinking water by working together with our consumers and the Region of Waterloo
Maintaining and improving the Quality Management System for the drinking water distribution systems
Complying with all applicable legislation and regulations
Communicating openly and effectively to the public concerning matters of drinking water quality

Municipal Drinking Water Licence and Drinking Water Works Permit

See below for the respective licence and permits for the Township's water systems:

Breslau Licence

Breslau Permit

Woolwich North Licence

Woolwich North Permit

Lead Testing

The Township has a proactive program that analyzes lead levels in our drinking water. This program meets The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) requirements for lead sampling of drinking water systems. The Township is currently within a reduced sampling / exemption period for lead testing.

If you require any additional information regarding lead, please visit our Lead Water Services webpage.

Private Water Systems

If you have a private water well, it is your responsibility as the homeowner to ensure the water is safe to consume and meets or exceeds Provincial standards.

For more information, please visit the Region of Waterloo's Drinking Water page.

Sample bottles are available at the Township Administration building, they can be picked up any day during the week but only returned to the office on Tuesday's.

Water Pressure Issues

You may experience low water pressure if there is hydrant flushing in your neighbourhood, or if work is being done to the watermains (this can be planned or emergency). However, low water pressure is usually related to your water softener or heater.

Low Water Pressure - Cold Water Only

If low water pressure relates to your cold water, check to see if your water softener is working properly.

Look for:

What time your water softener is set to cycle
Whether your softener seems to be cycling continuously
Whether there is water draining from your softener (often into a laundry or utility sink)
Whether you see water leaking from the pipes leading into the softener

If any of the above apply, you can try switching the bypass valve (leading into the softener) to the "on" position. If the pressure is then restored when cold water is run to another tap, the issue is likely with your softener, and you may need to contact a plumber or your water softener provider for assistance.

Low Water Pressure - Hot Water Only

If low water pressure relates to your hot water, check to see if your water heater is working properly.

Look for:

Whether you see water leaking from the pipes leading into your water heater
Whether the valve for your water heater is fully open

If the pressure is not restored, you may need to contact a plumber or your water heater provider for assistance.

Other Water Pressure Issues

If you're noticing water pressure issues leading only to a few areas of your home, the issue may be relating to internal plumbing, such as a clogged pipe or debris in the water lines. You can also check whether the aerators on your sink, tub or shower faucets need to be cleaned. You may need to contact a plumber for assistance.

If you're unsure, you can also contact the Township (519-669-1647 ext. 6041) for guidance.

Discoloured Water

Some discoloration is expected after work to watermains is completed, or if you have been away from your home. The discolouration is from iron and manganese that occurs naturally in groundwater. Iron and manganese are not a health risk. The water is safe to drink; however, you should flush your lines until the water runs clear before you drink it.

If you're noticing discolouration, run the water from a tap close to your water meter for a few minutes. This will help flush the water through the pipes.

Also check if your water softener is working properly. Bright red or orange sediment coming through the taps could be the filter media from your water softener. In this case, you may need to contact a plumber or your water softener provider for assistance.

Report a Problem

Please report any problems you may have with a municipal water or sanitary service.

Sanitary Sewer

The term "sewer lateral" refers to the length of pipe that runs from your building or home to the main municipal sanitary sewer line. The maintenance and repair of the entire sewer lateral is your responsibility.

If your sewer lateral is backed up please contact Infrastructure Services to evaluate the situation and determine how we can assist you or determine if you need to contact a plumber.

Storm Sewer

Storm sewers collect rain and run-off from melting snow on your property to help prevent flooding and redirect this wastewater to nearby storm water management ponds, creeks and lakes. To assist the Township is ensuring storm sewers do not get blocked, do not deposit debris or rake leaves onto the roadway.

Source Water Protection

Information regarding the Source Protection Plan can be obtained from the Region of Waterloo.

Contact Department

Revenue Clerk (Water Billing)
Administration Office
24 Church Street West
P.O. Box 158
Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6

Numbers

Phone: 519-669-1647 ext. 6018
Toll Free: 1-877-969-0094
Fax: 519-669-9348

Links

Email the Revenue Clerk
Map this Location.

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