Water and Wastewater

Backflow prevention

Backflow is when the direction of flow in the drinking water lines is reverse. This can draw contaminates into the drinking water system. If your backflow prevention device does not pass testing, it could lead to termination of your water service in the Township of Southwold, until a passing device has been installed.

For questions related to backflow prevention, please contact the Water Department by email or by calling 519-769-2010.

Hydrant Flushing

The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) conducts flushing of hydrants in the Spring and Fall each year. 

During flushing, residents may experience a drop in pressure. Any disruption should be of a short duration and should only occur while mains in the area are being flushed. It is recommended that you turn on a cold water tap, preferably in a laundry tub, to flush out your service once flushing has occurred in your area. If there is an aerator on your tap, remove it prior to flushing your taps. 

If you have any questions, contact the Township of Southwold at 519-769-2010.

Water connections

Are you looking to set up a water connection in the Township of Southwold? Complete the Service Connection Application form. 

Water connection fees are listed on our User Fees page.

Well water testing

Southwestern Public Health – Well water testing

Frequently asked questions sheet

Water Reports

Water Quality Reports Page

Water Billing

Utility billing is completed on a quarterly basis. Payment is due the last business day of the following months: January, April, July, and October.

View our water and sewer user fees for a complete list of fees and charges.

If you believe there was an issue with your meter read, you can request a meter re-read.

You can complete a request to set-up new water accounts if you are moving in, or request final reads if you are moving out.

Need to pay your water utility bill? Explore the different payment options that are available.

Want to receive your water utility bill by email? Have it sent to your inbox by filling out an email billing request.

Contact the accounting clerk by email for more information about water billing, or questions relating to your water utility bill.

In 2018, the Township of Southwold completed the Wastewater Treatment Plant that is located in Talbotville. It is a membrane bioreactor treatment facility that was constructed by Newterra.

The Township of Southwold (Township) has retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) Addendum to the 2016 Talbotville Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Environmental Study Report (ESR). The study area includes the location of the new proposed WWTP site, located east of Highway 4 in the Township.

Subject to completion of the Notice of EA Addendum, The Township intends to replace the existing WWTP with a new facility at the previously evaluated North Site. View the EA Addendum report, which summarizes the Class EA Study process and revisions to the ESR.

Protect your pipes! Blocked pipes are big trouble. They can burst or back up, which leads to costly flooding in your home or business. Further down the line, items like wipes and grease, can clog sewers and cause toxic sewage overflows into the streets and natural environment. They can also damage local wastewater infrastructure, and your water. Learn what not to flush down your toilets to protect your pipes and our sanitary sewer systems with the I Don't Flush campaign.

• FOGs – Fats, oils, grease
• Household hazardous waste – these should be taken to a site that can safely dispose of them. The St. Thomas Community Recycling Centre accepts household hazardous waste.
• Personal hygiene products
• Pharmaceuticals – most pharmacies will take back unused/expired pharmaceuticals – visit Health Products Stewardship Association to find your local pharmacy by address/postal code.

Ontario Clean Water Agency

OCWA

Wastewater Billing

Wastewater fees are included on your utility bills. Utility billing is completed on a quarterly basis. Payment is due the last business day of the following months: January, April, July, and October.

View our water and sewer user fees for a complete list of fees and charges.

If you believe there was an issue with your meter read, you can request a meter re-read.

The Township of Southwold has stormwater management facilities (SWMF) in place to help protect human health, property and the environment.

Properly working SWMF's filter stormwater, decreasing the environmental impacts of everyday activities such as:

• car washing
• improper disposal of household hazardous waste
• lawn watering
• precipitation
• road salt application
• water runoff