Water

Customers who wish to connect to the municipal water or sanitary sewer system will be permitted to, provided there are services available at the property line. An Application and Estimate for Municipal Services is required and must be paid for before a building permit will be issued.

For all water or sewer connection inquiries, please call 705-329-7249.

Leaks in the water system cost all service users money due to wasted and unmetered water. Responsible water system owners and operators should take a proactive approach to leak detection methods.

The first line of defence in leak detection is paying attention to any visible leaks that are observed and reported by property owners and the public. This could be a ditch full of water that is normally dry between rain events, or a soft, wet, green patch of grass in a front yard during a dry spell in the summer. In the winter, a patch of front yard may be void of snow while the rest of the yard remains covered.

Another hint of a leak may be a noise in the residential plumbing that sounds like water running when no one is using water in the home. If you hear water running, check your water meter's leak indicator dial. It is a small red triangle on the face of the meter. If it is turning at all and you are sure no water is being used in the home, you may have a leak that could cost you hundreds of dollars on your next quarterly water bill. If the leak indicator is not turning, there may be a leak on your service line between the home and the street.

A water operator will visit your property to determine whether the water service is leaking and where on the property it is located. The water shut-off valve represents the transfer of ownership between the City and the property owner. The section of piping on the public side of the shut off valve, including the valve, is maintained by the City. The piping on the private side of the valve belongs to the property owner who is responsible for any required repairs. Lastly, there are companies that have high-tech leak detection equipment that is very accurate and effective in providing leak surveillance evaluation reports for an entire distribution system. The City completes a system detection audit every 10 years.

If you suspect a leak in your water service or in the street, please contact us. After regular business hours, please call 705-326-4671. 

The City of Orillia provides pool filling services within City limits, during normal business hours. Please see the below cost comparison to have your pool filled by City staff using a hydrant, versus you using your tap (garden hose). Please call 705-329-7249 to book an appointment to have the City fill your pool. Please note: these 2017 costs are approximate; other charges may apply.   

Watermain breaks usually result from external corrosion of the pipe. Extreme weather changes can cause the ground to swell and contract, placing excessive pressure on the watermain, causing a weakened pipe to break. Also, as the water temperature starts to get colder in the fall, contraction of the pipes causes the weaker pipe connections and joints to fail. If this happens, the water usually finds its way to the surface. Because the watermain is under pressure, water will continue to flow until the break is controlled.

Cold weather can also cause watermain breaks. Watermain breaks are more likely to occur from late January until early April, when frost penetrates deep into the ground, to a level of five to six feet. While cold temperatures may send the frost deeper, the level of snow cover is also important. Snow acts as a blanket that insulates the ground. In years when there is plenty of snow, the frost does not go as deep.

Frozen Water Services

When the temperature of the water line reaches the freezing mark, there may be a noticeable drop in water pressure or there may be no water at all. It is also possible for the water meter itself to freeze, which can damage the meter and cause it to leak when it thaws.

If a frozen water service is suspected, City crews are dispatched to determine if the water service is frozen and where on the service it is frozen. If it is found to be on City property, City crews will proceed to thaw the service. If it is found to be frozen on private property, homeowners are advised to contact a plumber to have the service thawed.

If the water meter has been frozen and is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Please call 705-325-2326 if you suspect your water meter is frozen.

The City of Orillia conducts an annual hydrant inspection, flush, and test of all municipally owned fire hydrants. This preventive maintenance is conducted in the fall and is necessary to ensure that the hydrants are safe and functional when needed by the Fire Department.

Residents may notice some discolouration (red water), which is only temporary. The red colour is the result of naturally occurring iron accumulation in the watermain and is not hazardous to the public. Simply open the cold water taps in order to clear the system.

A notice is posted in the City Bulletin Board that appears in the Thursday Packet & Times to inform residents when the program is to be initiated.

The City owns, operates and maintains approximately 866 fire hydrants within the City.  Environmental Services and Operations staff is responsible for ensuring that these hydrants are available in good working order, should they be needed for fire emergencies. There are also more than 236 private fire hydrants within the City.

All hydrants are red with three ports (two hose ports and one pumper port).  The pumper port is painted a specific colour and indicates available pressure from the hydrant. No water is left in the barrel of the hydrants to avoid potential contamination and freezing issues related to the high water table and upward ground water flow in much of the City. The hydrants also have breakaway flanges in case the hydrant is stressed severely, such as a vehicle striking the hydrant.

Fire hydrants in residential areas are approximately 150 metres apart and 90 metres in commercial/industrial areas.

Environmental Services and Operations staff conduct a maintenance program to inspect, flow test, and drain the hydrants annually during the fall months.

To ensure emergency vehicle access to the hydrants at all times, it is imperative that the hydrants be kept clear of snow, brush, garbage, and vehicles at all times.

View Water Frequently Asked Questions. 

Going south for the winter?  The City of Orillia offers Seasonal Water Turn Off and Turn On services to those who do not require water services throughout the winter months.

The fall service includes having City staff turn off your water supply at the curb stop during the winter months while you are away, eliminating the risk of the water meter freezing and rupturing causing a leak which could result in major property damage and high water bills. Staff will ensure the water meter is removed and drained properly and take a final water meter reading. The spring service includes having City staff reinstall the water meter, turn the water supply back on and ensure the meter operates normally. For fee information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Superintendent of Metering and Backflow Prevention at 705-325-2326.

It is recommended that you also contact your insurance company to confirm the proper steps are taken to protect your home while you are away.