Water and Sewers

Bulk Water Stations

The Municipality of Lambton Shores operates two bulk water stations, which provide commercial businesses, agricultural operations, and the general public with an option to purchase large volumes of water.

Learn more about Lambton Shores Bulk Water Stations

Drinking Water

We have two sources of treated water for our system.

• Lake Huron Water Supply System located at Port Blake services Grand Bend, Hwy 21 built up area, Thedford, Arkona and Lake Huron shoreline to the Ipperwash area.
• Lambton Area Water Supply System located in Point Edward services Forest, the Lake Huron shoreline and Hwy 21 from Townsend Line to Ravenswood.

Drinking Water Quality Management System

Policy Statement

The Water Operating Authority, Operations Management International Canada Inc., is committed to providing safe drinking water to all residents. The Quality Management System (QMS) guides the operations and programs undertaken throughout the distribution systems which are owned by the Municipality of Lambton Shores.

The Water Operating Authority is committed to:

• The maintenance and continual improvement of the QMS
• The consumer, to providing safe drinking water
• Comply with applicable legislation and regulations
• Communicating these policy commitments to all Operating Authority personnel, the Owner and the public
• Maintain and improve a QMS that is consistent with the Policy

You can review our operational plan online.

Financial Plan

Lambton Shores Water and Wastewater Report and Financial Plan

Hydrant Flushing

Jacobs (OMI) will carry out hydrant flushing from mid-May through September. Residents may experience temporary low water pressure and/or cloudy but harmless discolouration of the water. Should discolouration occur, running a cold water tap for a short period will typically restore water conditions to normal.  Where practical, residents should avoid washing laundry during operational hours as to do so could result in discolouration of clothing.

Payment Options

We have many options for paying your water bills.

Water Meters

All homes and businesses are equipped with a water meter. Depending on the model of the water meter, it is read by an electronic reader or a remote on the outside of your home. You can confirm the reading on your meter by following these instructions to read your water meter.

Other forms:

Standard procedures for residential water installation

Waterline installation process

Getting to know your water meter assembly

Important information regarding thermal expansion

Water Rates and Billing

eBilling is now available for tax and utility bills! Complete the eBilling Sign-up Form to register.

Water charges are based on a per cubic meter usage charge and a monthly base charge.

As per by-law 05-2023 the usage rate is $3.16 per cubic meter. Your meter size determines the monthly base charge, and the chart below shows the monthly base charge for each meter size.

All utility accounts are billed quarterly. The area you live in determines the billing date. If you live in:

• Grand Bend or Arkona, you will be billed at the end of January, April, July and October.
• Thedford, Forest, or the rural area of Bosanquet (excluding Northville Rd), you will be billed at the end of February, May, August and November.
• Bosanquet (including Northville Rd), you will be billed at the end of March, June, September and December.

Water & Sewer Emergencies

Call Jacobs (OMI) at 1-888-399-1643.

Water Turn On/Off

The Municipality of Lambton Shores offers a free service to turn your water on and off at the road. To submit a request for this service, please use the Report It Portal and select "Seasonal Water Turn Off/On" from the Issue/Request Type drop-down menu.

Sewer treatment

All of our systems are in compliance with regulations mandated by the Ministry of the Environment. We undergo annual inspections of our system and plants to ensure compliance with our Certificate of Approvals.

Property owners are responsible for the portion of the sanitary lateral from the property line to the house or business.

We perform sewer treatment at the following locations:

• Arkona treatment plant – serving the village of Arkona
• Forest treatment plant and lagoon system – serving the town of Forest
• Grand Bend Area Wastewater Treatment Facility – serving the village of Grand Bend and western portion of South Huron
• Indian Hills treatment system – serving Indian Hills Golf Club and subdivision
• Thedford lagoon system – serving the village of Thedford

Sewer rates

Sewer charges are based on the amount of water used plus a monthly base charge. The base charge is based on the size of water meter installed. All accounts are billed on a quarterly basis.

As per by-law 05-2023, the per cubic meter rate for sewer is $3.71.

Sewer backup

There are two (2) types of sewer backups: a backup within a sanitary lateral and a backup within the sewer main. The following steps outline the general procedure taken to investigate and clear a sewer backup, including general respective responsibilities:

1. The Operating Authority (OA) is typically notified of a sewer backup by the Municipality of Lambton Shores (Municipality), or in the event of an after-hours call, through the 24-hour answering service.
   • Homeowners should call the OA at 1-866-786-2421 for non-emergency calls or 1-888-399-1643 for after hours or emergency calls.
2. The individual who first takes the call from the homeowner, be it the Municipality or OA, must advise the homeowner that they must first contact a private plumber to make sure the blockage is not in the homeowners private plumbing, ie. any pipe on the homeowner’s side of the property line.
3. Within one (1) hour of receiving the notification, the OA must respond to the notice.
4. While the homeowner is contacting a plumber, the OA will check the upstream and downstream manholes on either side of the property to check for flow conditions and determine if there is a visible blockage.
5. If the sewer main is blocked, the OA will notify the Municipality and ascertain if their vacuum excavation truck is available to respond. If the Municipality does not respond within one (1) hour, the OA can secure the services of a subcontractor having the equipment necessary to clear the blockage or otherwise repair the line to restore free flowing conditions.
6. The Municipality is responsible for paying fees associated with any such subcontractor excavation or restoration services. The Municipality is not responsible for paying for private plumbing fees.
7. If the sewer main is not visibly blocked, the sanitary lateral cleanout, if one (1) exists, will be located if possible. If the sanitary cleanout at the property line is at the surface, the PA will remove the cover and inspect for water sitting in the cleanout. If no water is found to be in the cleanout, the blockage is on the homeowner’s side and the homeowner will be advised it is their responsibility to remove the blockage.
8. If standing water is visible in the cleanout at the property line, the OA and/or Municipality will contact Ontario One Call for an emergency sanitary lateral inspection for a cross bore.
9. Once GTEL has completed the cross bore locate and advised it is all clear, the OA will use a sewer reamer in attempt to remove the blockage.
10. Once the blockage is removed, the homeowner will be instructed to run water down their sanitary system to flush out the lines.
11. If the sanitary cleanout at the property line cannot be located, the OA will inform the homeowner it is their responsibility to have their plumber clear the blockage to the main. This may involve the plumber excavating and installing a cleanout to the surface at or near the property line, which as noted above, costs will be paid for by the homeowner.
12. For liability reasons, under no circumstances will the OA enter inside the premises to use the sewer reamer in attempt to unplug the blockage from an inside cleanout.
13. If the sanitary backup has caused any damage inside the dwelling, the OA will take pictures and documentation of the damage, with the homeowner’s support.
14. The OA will camera the lateral after it has been cleared in attempt to verify the cause of the blockage; roots, shifted or crushed pipe, grease, calcite, etc. Inspection findings will be documented, including any subsequent backup findings.

Financial plan

Lambton Shores Water and Wastewater Report and Financial Plan