Municipal Water

Municipalities either own drinking water systems or have water supplied to them through regional systems.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks regulates these systems to ensure water is safe and meets Ontario standards.

How the province oversees drinking water systems

The Ministry is responsible for:

• Registering all municipal drinking water systems

• Licensing system owners and operators

• Authorizing operators to run and maintain drinking water systems

• Issuing permits to modify, repair, or extend systems

Responsibilities of system owners and operators

Every owner and operator must ensure that:

• Drinking water meets Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Standards

• Anyone who operates or works on the system is properly trained and licensed

• Drinking water tests are completed by licensed, accredited laboratories

• Any adverse test results are reported to the Ministry and the local Medical Officer of Health

Areas served in Elgin County

Southwestern Public Health supports water safety in the following communities:

• Town of Aylmer

• Bayham: Port Burwell, Straffordville, Vienna, Eden

• Central Elgin: Belmont, Port Stanley, Sparta, New Sarum

• Dutton-Dunwich: Dutton, Wallacetown

• Malahide: Springfield, Port Bruce

• City of St. Thomas

• Southwold: Fingal, Shedden

• West Elgin: Port Glasgow, Rodney, West Lorne

Regional systems

• Elgin Area Primary Water Supply System – Serves Elgin County and St. Thomas.
  View reports on the Elgin Area Water System

• Oxford County Water – Provides drinking water to municipalities in Oxford County.

Where can I get more help?

If you have concerns or questions about your water, contact your local municipality for updates or to report an issue.