Water and Wastewater

The Town of St. Marys is committed to providing safe, clean and reliable drinking water to all the residents and businesses within the Town. The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) operates and maintains the Town's water and wastewater systems. See below for important water and wastewater contacts, information and documents. 

Our Commitment to you

The Town of St. Marys and our Operating Authority are committed to providing a safe and reliable drinking water supply. The Drinking Water Quality Management System policy outlines the commitment of our Operating Authority, and the Town.

Please note: A copy of the Operational Plan for the Town of St. Marys is available during regular business hours for public viewing at the Municipal Operations Centre, located at 408 James Street South, St. Marys.

Inflow and Infiltration

Inflow and infiltration is when clear water (groundwater or stormwater) enters the sanitary collection system requiring treatment at the wastewater treatment plant. This is important because the sanitary system is designed to be a separate system from stormwater and is not designed to handle groundwater and surface water. 

Learn about how the Town is working to identify, reduce and eliminate sources of inflow and infiltration from the water system. 

Annual Reports

The Town of St. Marys and the Operating Authority (OCWA) prepare annual reports on the Drinking Water System to meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These reports provide information on the drinking water distribution system, the quality of water, etc.

Water Reservoir Project

The Town is planning to develop a ground water storage facility at 55 St. George Street North. Learn more about the Water Reservoir Project.

Municipal Water System Environmental Assessment 

The Town of St. Marys initiated a Class Environmental Assessment in January 2013 to determine if there was a requirement for any upgrades/additions to the existing municipal water system. The study process followed the procedures set out in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment document, dated October 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011 (Ref. 1). B.M. Ross and Associates Limited (BMROSS) was engaged to conduct the Class EA investigation on behalf of the Town of St. Marys. 

Download the Screening Report for Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for Water System Upgrades (accessible version available upon request)

Water and Wastewater Rates

New water and sewer rates are approved by Town Council annually. Festival Hydro is contracted by the municipality to read water meters and to issue billings for water and sewer use.

The water system is designed as a self-funded program with rates accounting for operation, maintenance, capital improvements, etc. For more information regarding water and wastewater billing please see the links below:

• Water and wastewater billing
• BY-LAW NUMBER 69 OF 2016 - Water rates amendment
  
• Drinking Water System Financial Plan for the Town of St. Marys

Water Quality

The Water Supply for the Town of St. Marys is obtained from a Bedrock Aquifer, which undergoes treatment processes in accordance to Ministry of Environment requirements.

For more information related to water quality in the Town of St. Marys, such as hardness, sodium levels, etc. please contact the Environmental Coordinator. 

Water Testing

In an effort to ensure a safe and clean drinking water supply for the Town of St. Marys, the Operating Authority for the Town tests and collects samples according to Ontario Regulation 170/03, and the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.

Water Quality test results are available for public viewing at the Municipal Operations Centre, located at 408 James Street South, St. Marys.