Water Services Frequently Asked Questions

The Town of New Tecumseth is dedicated to providing the community with safe, reliable, and high-quality water. Our Water Department is committed to ensuring that every tap delivers not just water, but a peace of mind. Whether you're a new resident, long-time homeowner, or a business owner, our Water unit is here to support your everyday needs and answer any of your questions. 
  
Property owners own and are responsible for all water services and plumbing from property line all the way into their home.
This means that any leaks or pipe failures that occur on private property are the responsibility of the owner. This includes any failure of the inside water shut off valve before the water meter as well as any piping or connections to the water meter. Water meters are owned and maintained by the Town. It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure the meter is kept in an appropriate environment that will not allow damage to occur to the meter, such as freezing temperatures. Damaged or frozen meters due to misuse are to be paid by the property owner. The curb stop is at the property line and is the responsibility of the Town to maintain. Charges would apply if damage were caused by misuse.

Water Meters 

Who Do I Call If There Are Problems with My Water Meter?
Call the Public Works Department to set up an appointment for the Meter Technician to review the meter. Access to the water meter will be required at the time of the appointment.
Why Is My Water Meter Making Noises?
Typically, the water meter will make a ticking sound and is the responsibility of the Town to maintain. This issue requires attention, however, is not an emergency and will not affect your water supply.
The residential backflow preventor will typically make a humming/buzzing/groaning noise.  Backflow preventors are private infrastructure and the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. Please contact a private plumber.
If you would like a Meter Technician to visit your home and investigate the cause of the noise, please contact the Public Works Dept. at either publicworks@newtecumseth.ca or phone at 705-435-3900, Option “4”, to schedule an appointment. Applicable fees and charges may apply.
What Do I Do If My Water Meter Is Leaking?
First, try to determine if it’s the meter or the inside shut-off valve leaking. If it is the meter, it will typically leak from where it connects to the plumbing (the tail pieces) and it will be the gasket. The other spot is from the bottom which is called the frost plate. This typically breaks or cracks due to freezing. They can corrode but that is very unusual. There can be condensation coming from the meter or piping which is not a leak. This is normal cause by the cold water running through the meter and the area being warm causing dripping from the meter or piping
Inside Shut-Off Leak
The Inside Shut Off Valve Is the Property Owners Responsibility. The Town Is Only Responsible for The Maintenance of The Water Meter Located Inside the Home.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Water Leak?
The easiest way to determine if there is a leak is to make sure all the taps are turned off in the house and that there is no water being used (including humidifiers, air conditioners and ice machine).Go to your water meter and if it is registering, (the red triangle located on the top of the meter is moving/ digital reading moving) then there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing

Curb Stop 

How Do I Get My Curb Stop Lowered?
Contact public works and ask to get your curb-stop lowered

How Can I Replace a Missing/Broken Curb Stop Cap?
Contact public works and report the missing/damaged curb-stop cap
Water Shut-Off / On
Contact public works to request an operational test for your water shut off. This is to ensure that it is working properly prior to you beginning your work (someone from the residence must be present to ensure isolation in the house). Once operation is confirmed, contact public works again to book a shut-off. (Notify resident of applicable water reconnection fees

Pressure 

Why Is My Water Pressure Low?
Low water pressure problems are usually caused by water softeners needing maintenance or inline filters.
To check this, please place your water softener on manual by-pass. If you do not know how to put your water softener on manual by-pass it is recommended that you call the manufacturer for instructions on how to do this.
Then test your taps (i.e. the shower and tap together) to see if pressure has resumed. If it has resumed, you know that the water softener is the cause of the low water pressure.  It is recommended to flush out the water softener according to manufacturer’s instructions.  
I Have Low / No Water Pressure at Some / All Taps. What Do I Do?
This could be due to the aerators in the taps not being cleaned or worst-case scenario the resin from the softener has blown out and plugged the lines. You may also see some sand or beads coming from the tap or in the toilets. 
You can check all taps and faucets by removing the aerators (screens) from each and wash and clean and then put them back on.
If you have any private water filtration systems, you should also check those making sure filters are not clogged.
I Have Low Water Pressure and Live in A New Subdivision, What Do I Do?
In addition to troubleshooting the issues in the exact same way as instructed for assumed areas, please consider:
  • If you JUST moved in, please check with builder. Anything to do with infrastructure within the home would go to the builder via your request.
  • If the issue is outside of the home, please contact the Engineering Department.
The Town does not have a “warranty” timeframe for water meters. Once the meter is installed and sealed it is the Town’s responsibility to maintain and service. There are exceptions, including when the water meter freezes due to residents turning off heat in the home, or when the meter seal is broken due to tampering or damage. In these instances.

High Consumption 

I Hardly Use My Water, Yet My Consumption Is High. Why?
You may have a leak in your plumbing or a running toilet. Certain activities like doing many loads of laundry contribute inordinately to consumption rates.
What Can I Do to Decrease My Water Consumption?
Use low flow shower nozzle. According to Environment Canada, a low flow showerhead can decrease one's consumption by 50% or more. Do not use the toilet to dispose of dry waste. Keep a daily log of how you are using water (i.e., lawn watering, car washing, how many times the toilet is used, how many showers are taken in a day and how much laundry is being done) and reduce the frequency if possible. Use a bucket with a sponge plus a trigger nozzle on the hose to wash your vehicle. Compared to running hose, you will save about 300 litres of water. Make sure you are doing a full load of laundry, and the dishwasher is full when you use it. Check and maintain all internal plumbing (i.e. toilet seals, dripping taps, outside faucets.)