Water and Sewer Tips

A small leak such as a constant 1/8” diameter stream of water flowing down the drain can waste 372 cubic meters of water per month. This could amount to charges in excess of $458.00 for water and $435.00 for sewer charges for a total of $893.00 in one month! Help conserve water and save money: reduce, repair and replace.

Statistics Canada reports that the average person uses approximately nine (9) cubic meters of water per month. If you have a family of 4, then your average consumption should be approximately 36 cubic meters per month. High consumption within a household can be the result of leaking or malfunctioning:

It is important that you monitor your home for leaks and when detected, repair them immediately as it is your responsibility to do so. One way to tell if you have a water leak in your house is to listen for running water. Find the main water shut off in your home and put your ear to the tap or pipe. If you hear a hissing sound, you may have a leak. Another way to determine if there is a water leak in your home is to make sure that all the taps are turned off in the house and that there is no water being used (including humidifiers, air conditioners and ice machines). Go to the water meter and if the read triangle located on the top of the meter is moving, then there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing. To determine if your toilet tank is leaking, place some food dye in the tank and wait 20 – 30 minutes. If the colouring makes its way into the bowl, provided no one has used the toilet, then the toilet is leaking. Most leaks can be repaired by replacing the flapper valve with a simple hand tool saving hundreds of litres of water per day. The Township of Essa Water and Wastewater By-law requires that all water passing through the water meter be billed whether it is used or wasted. The Township of Essa cannot reduce water and wastewater charges when the reading on
the meter register indicates that water has flowed through the meter.

• Install low flow shower heads
• Install low flow toilets
• Take shorter showers
• Use a rain barrel for garden watering
• Refrigerate tap water for drinking
• Only use washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
• Don't leave taps running unnecessarily
• Limit lawn watering and car washing

The Township of Essa does take into consideration when determining the wastewater rates that not all the water goes directly back into the sanitary sewer system (i.e. lawn watering, pool filling).

Watering restrictions for lawns, gardens and car washing are in effect from May 15th to September 30th each calendar year. Even numbered properties are permitted to water on even calendar numbered days ONLY between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Odd numbered properties are permitted to water on odd numbered calendar days ONLY between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. These measures are necessary for ensuring that the municipality has an adequate supply of water for domestic use, fire protection and emergency services.

If you have any questions regarding your water/sewer bill, please contact the Utility Coordinator at the Township office by calling 705-424-9917 ext. 114. 

Any concerns or difficulties experienced with municipal water or sanitary sewer service should be
directed to the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) at 1-866-775-7712 during normal business hours.

If you need to locate your watermain or sanitary sewer laterals, you can contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255.

 If you require assistance after hours or in an emergency please contact OCWA at 1-800-461-9675.