Water Meters

Water meters are used for calculating water usage for many reasons such as billing, consumption, leak detection, calculation of waste water discharged back into the municipal system and overall usage accountability in both residential and commercial applications.

Today's water meters are both compact and carry many features that are both beneficial to the water purveyor and the end user. Some of the features found in current water meters include trending capabilities, leak detection and backflow detection. With ongoing concerns surrounding water conservation, it is the responsibility of all users to ensure that water is protected from contamination and is used responsibly. 

The purchase of a water meter is required before any building permit can be issued; the required steps are as follows:

Step 1 - Sizing Requirements

The size of a water meter is the first important step which will ensure adequate water to all the fixtures within the premise and which will meet all Ontario Building Codes. For residential applications the most common sizes are ¾'' and 1'' and various sizes ranging from ¾'' - 8" for commercial applications. The required size can be confirmed by contacting the City of Orillia's Building Department.

Step 2 - Payment of Water Meter & Pick up of Appurtenances

The payment of the water meter can be made at the Municipal Operations Centre, 20 James Street West by cash, cheque or debit. Unfortunately credit cards are not accepted at this time.

For residential properties up to 25 mm:

Once the water meter has been purchased, the owner or the representative for the owner will receive the water meter package including the water meter and MXU device. All of the required shut off valves, expansion tank, backflow device, touch pad, wire and installation instructions will be included. The City of Orillia will install the water meter & MXU device as per the City of Orillia's Municipal Code Chapter 459 User Fees.

For all other properties including all commercial properties up to 25 mm:  Once the water meter has been purchased, the owner or the representative for the owner will receive the water meter package including the water meter and MXU device. The shut off valves, expansion tank, touch pad and wires are not provided by the City for commercial properties. The City of Orillia will install the water meter & MXU devices up to 25 mm as per the City of Orillia's Municipal Code Chapter 459 User Fees.

Step 3 - Installation and final inspection

Once all required appurtenances have been installed, the Superintendent of Metering and Backflow Prevention may be contacted at 705-325-2326 to book an appointment for the water meter installation and final inspection. Once the water meter has been installed, the City will then turn the water on to the property and complete a final inspection.

Please contact the Superintendent of Metering and Backflow Prevention at 705-325-2326 to discuss the installation of any water meter larger than 25 mm.

Only City staff is authorized to operate a service curb box as per Municipal Code Chapter 1019 Drinking Water System.

Availability of water meters: All water meters are ordered upon notification of intent to purchase and shipping timelines are based on supplier availability. Please email the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department ahead of time to ensure all equipment is available to you upon point of purchase.

All water meters in the City of Orillia are equipped with a leak indicator. We highly recommend that you check this indicator on a regular basis and always compare your estimated water/ wastewater reading with your water meter to ensure that the readings are correct.

If your property is equipped with a Sensus SRII model as pictured below, the red indicator on the register head is your leak indicator. If occupants are not using any water, the red indicator should not move. If the indicator is still rotating in a clockwise direction then water is passing through the water meter and a leak is occurring within the plumbing system (i.e. faulty toilet, faucet, etc.).  If this occurs, a qualified person should be hired to find and repair the water leak.

If your property has a Sensus IPERL water meter as pictured below, your water meter is equipped with a digital LCD register. When water is flowing through the water meter a positive (+) sign will display on the read out screen. If this occurs when no water is being used by any occupants, then water is passing through the water meter and a water leak is occurring within the plumbing system.