Wastewater

The town recommends the installation and maintenance of a backwater valve, which is a device that helps prevent sewage from an obstructed sewer line from flowing back through the pipes and flooding your basement. A private plumber may be hired to install a backwater valve if your home does not already have one.

Remember:

• Do not pour fat, oils, or grease down the drain. Collect and dispose of them in your organics (green) cart.
• Do not flush wipes and other hygiene products. Even products labelled as flushable can clog pipes.
• Take unused medications to the pharmacy for disposal rather than flushing them down the toilet. Pharmaceuticals are not treated and end up in our water environment.
• Properly dispose of household hazardous waste. Materials such as paint, glycol and motor oils are accepted at the Household Hazardous Roundup.

Click below to learn to prevent sewer backups and protect our environment:

Throughout our cold months residents may experience frozen water pipes, water meters, and service lines throughout the winter. You are responsible for protecting the water pipes, water meter, and service lines on your property from freezing.

Follow these helpful tips to prevent water outages caused by frozen water pipes, water meters, and service lines:

1. Ensure your water meter and hot water tank are free of any clutter that could prevent warm air from other areas of the house from reaching them.
2. Open interior doors and cabinet doors to allow heat from the house to warm unprotected pipes and water meters in cold basements and similar areas.
3. Regularly run water through your pipes through regular daily use.
4. Check for cold drafts in areas where supply lines are located such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
5. Insulate hot and cold-water pipes located in cold areas.
6. If you will be away for an extended time keep your heat on.

The sani dump is open 24-hours a day year round, although water is only available during spring and summer months. The water is not potable and is for rinsing only.

Water has been turned off for the 2024 season.

We flush sanitary sewers annually from April to October.

The work will not affect homeowners or cause any disruption to service, although there is a possibility that small spills, noise, and odours may appear in some homes. Odours will dissipate soon after the line is flushed. Open windows to minimize the smell. Keeping toilet lids closed regularly is helpful. 

The sewer cleaning process uses a high-pressure water jet to scrub the pipe. When the water jet passes through the sewer main, the water pressure draws air through the pipes. This air movement can push out or pull in the water and air held inside your toilets, showers, sinks and floor drains. Flushing the lines removes sand, gravel, and grease from the sewer mains. This preventative maintenance operation helps to prevent sewer blockages, odour generation and premature wear of infrastructure.

• Once you call to report a sewer back up you can expect the following:

  • A utility operator will come and assess the problem.
  • The utility operator will check the main sewer lines, both upstream and downstream from the house.
  • If the main is clear, the operator will instruct you to call a plumber.

  Next steps:

  • After the plumber has cleared the line, and if the blockage was caused by a structural failure;
  • We will schedule an appointment for staff to perform a camera inspection of your service, providing that a four inch clean out access is available in your home.
  • Staff will discuss the results of the inspection with you and advise if further action is required.