Water and Wastewater

How we operation the Town's Water and Wastewater Services

We own the Town's water distribution system, in agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA). The OCWA operates the municipal water treatment plant, found in Southampton. 

We are responsible for: 

  • Maintaining, operating and replacing water services and hydrants 

  • Locating water services 

  • Maintaining, flushing and upgrading the water distribution system 

  • Operating water main valves and valve boxes 

  • Maintaining 150 km of water mains and all municipal mains up to individual property lines 

We own, operate and maintain two sanitary wastewater collection systems in Saugeen Shores. The O.C.W.A. operates two municipal wastewater treatment plants, located in Southampton and Port Elgin, in agreement with the Town. 

We are responsible for: 

  • Maintaining, operating and replacing wastewater services and 130 km of wastewater mains and forcemains. 

  • Locating wastewater services and mains. 

  • Maintaining, flushing and inspecting wastewater collection systems. 

  • All municipal wastewater laterals up to private property lines. 

Homeowner Responsibilities

Homeowners in Saugeen Shores are responsible for: 

  • All water and wastewater lines on their property.

  • Cleaning water and wastewater laterals from their building up to the municipal boundary. 

  • Ensuring their water meter's puck, found outside the home, is clearly accessible and readable. 

  • Taking all precautions necessary to prevent damage to the water meter and attachments from frost, hot water, blows, or damage from any cause. 

  • Responding to any notifications from the Town regarding broken, or non-functioning water meters and identifying/reporting any issues to the Town regarding water meter issues.  

  • Broken water meters will be replaced by the Town at the homeowner's request and expense.  

  • For replacement/repairs to the water meter after business hours (7:00 am-3:30 pm), special charges will be applied.  

  • During office hours, meters can be purchased at the Town office and installed by a licensed plumber.  

  • Final inspection of the newly installed water meter is required by the Town of Saugeen Shores. 

Are you planning a home project? You are responsible for requesting locates to identify underground infrastructure. Learn more about how to call before you dig. 

Best practices:​

  • Winterize your water meter to prevent freezing damage. ​

  • Regularly inspect your water meter to prevent damage.​

  • Protect meters in non-insulated meter pits with polyurethane or expanded polystyrene slabs. Ensure protective frame and cap are tightly secured, and that the cover is closed. ​

  • Protect meter and the pipes from exposure to cold drafts. ​

  • Ask a licensed plumber or supplier about materials to insulate your pipes and meter. ​

  • Insulate meters in unheated garages. ​

  • Disconnecting and draining all outdoor hoses. ​

  • Sealing air leaks in your home and garage. ​

Do not do any of the following:​

  • Use moisture absorbing materials (straws, textiles, paper, glass, or wool) to insulate. ​

  • Use an open flame or pour hot water on meter if it freezes. ​

  • Completely turn off the heat when it is cold. ​

  • Solely rely on Town’s curb stop to turn off water supply to your residence. Always verify flow has been stopped. ​

During extremely cold weather:​

  • Open cabinet doors to allow circulation of warmer air around plumbing. ​

  • If your lines are prone to freezing, consider running a small stream of water from your tap. This will be at your expense. ​

  • When leaving for an extended period of time during winter months, the Town recommends having a licensed plumber winterize your water meter to avoid damage. 

Is your water meter damaged?

Damaged or frozen water meters will be replaced by the Town at the expense of the homeowner.

You can book your appointment online by visiting Book a Water Service Appointment. Applicable fees as per the Fees and Charges By-law for 2026 may apply.  

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Water Services

The Town of Saugeen Shores offers the following services for residents' water accounts: 

  • Water turn on and off for seasonal properties 

  • Water turn on and off for private water service repairs 

  • Water meter repairs 

Things to keep in mind: 

  • The homeowner must be present for Water Meter Turn on and Water Meter Repair appointments. 

  • Water service appointments are on weekdays only. For weekend appointments, residents can contact OCWA at 519-483-3555 for services at the expense of the homeowner. There will be a charge of minimum $300 for services through OCWA. 

  • Failure to go through the Town or OCWA when turning on/off water, and any resulting destruction of Town water/wastewater infrastructure may result in charges being applied to the resident, as outlined in the Fees and Charges By-law. 

  • Any misuse of the water/wastewater system may result in charges being applying to the customer, including the rebilling wages and misuse fees outlined in the Fees and Charges By-law. 

You can book your appointment online by visiting Book a Water Service Appointment. Applicable fees as per the Fees and Charges By-law for 2026 may apply.  

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Learn more about the Town of Saugeen Shore’s approach and by-laws for Lawn Watering.

The Town encourages all residents to conserve water whenever possible. Learn more about water conservation in Saugeen Shores.

Sandpoint wells are often used for irrigation and do not draw potable water. To learn about installing a sandpoint well on your property in Saugeen Shores, visit our Lawn Watering page.

Wastewater Services

For more information on septic systems and for more information on how to obtain a septic permit from the Town (if applicable), please visit Septic Permits. 

Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) is working in partnership with the Town to offer homeowners affordable water or wastewater service repair plans. The plans can cover the costs of fixing broken, clogged or leaking water or wastewater lines that connect their homes to the Town’s systems. There is no obligation for homeowners to sign up for a plan.  

Homeowners can contact SLWC directly to learn more about the available plans at 1-866-922-9004 or by visiting the SLWC website. 

Contact Us

Town of Saugeen Shores
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008
Toll Free 1-866-832-2008
Fax 519-832-2140