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​​​​​Drinking Water

 

Water Operations

The Township of Tiny owns and operates 16 Municipal drinking water systems to provide a safe, reliable supply of potable drinking water to our customers.

​Click on one of the headers below to learn more about Municipal Drinking Water Operations in the Township of Tiny.

Water Restrictions

Water restrictions are in effect all year.

Odd number houses may water on odd numbered days and even numbered houses may water on even numbered days at the times listed below:

Outdoor water usage is permitted from 5 to 8 am and from 7 to 10 pm on odd or even numbered days.

If you are seeding or laying down sod, a permit is available to extend watering times.  Under the permit you may water from 7 pm to 8 am every day for 14 days.  Permits are $25.00 each and are available at the Township of Tiny Municipal Office.

Quality Management System Policy

The Drinking-Water Quality Management Policy is our commitment to you – our customers – to provide you with a safe, reliable supply of potable drinking water.

We have established a Quality Management System (QMS) to meet the commitments of our Drinking-Water Quality Management Policy.  The QMS is documented in a series of procedures and forms used to verify the operational performance of our systems.

The QMS is designed to meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) as mandated by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The QMS Management System Policy can be accessed by clicking on the link below:

Drinking-Water QMS Policy​​

Flushing

Flushing Schedule:

Flushing Schedule 2018.pdf​


Background

Flushing is an important part of water main maintenance.  Over time, minerals dissolved in water will settle in the water mains.  Flushing uses a high flow of water to clean out the mains and remove sediment.  It has the added benefit of introducing fresh water into all parts of the distribution system.

Water systems in the Township of Tiny are flushed annually.  A large notice board is used to inform residents when their system is going to be flushed and the flushing schedule is available on the Quick Links sidebar on the left side of this page.

Effects of Flushing on Residents

During flushing operations, the water pressure may be reduced.  It will be restored to normal once the flushing is complete. 

Some users may experience discoloured water.  This is caused by the removal of sediment from inside the mains.  To clear this discolouration, residents should run a fully open tap until the water runs clear.  This may take 3 to 5 minutes.  This sediment is primarily made up of iron and manganese, two elements that occur naturally in our drinking water.

Unscheduled Flushing

Some flushing activities may occur without notice.  During a fire, water is removed very quickly from the hydrants to fill the tanker or pumper trucks.  This has the same effect as flushing and can cause the same effects.

The Water Department may need to flush mains following the repair of a leak or for other emergency maintenance purposes.  In these situations the priority is to restore service as quickly as possible and it is not possible to provide prior notification.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious natural resource.  

We can all take steps to conserve and protect our drinking water.  Here are some suggestions:

Be waterwise indoors

  • Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge, instead of running the tap 'till it cools
  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or washing dishes
  • Shorten your showers by two minutes
  • Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
  • Install low-flow toilets as they account for a quarter of indoor water use
  • When replacing appliances, choose low-flow, high efficiency options.

Be waterwise outdoors

  • Avoid watering the lawn, and meet current restrictions
  • Put leaves and bark mulch around shrubs and trees to hold in moisture
  • Wash cars for safety only, (windscreens, windows and headlights) using a bucket
  • Sweep driveways or decks with a broom instead of the hose

New Water Connections

Municipal water service is available in select areas of Tiny Township.  Properties that are serviced by municipal water can apply to connect to the water system by filling out a Water Connection Request form. 

This form is included in the building permit application package, along with the Water Connections Standard form. The application is returned with completed building permit and kept on file until the service is ready to be connected.

Applying to connect

Municipal water service is available in select areas of Tiny Township.  Properties that are serviced by municipal water can apply to connect to the water system by filling out a Water Connection Request form. 

This form is included in the building permit application package, along with the Water Connections Standards form. The application is returned with the completed building permit and kept on file until the service is ready to be connected. 

Making the connection

The property owner is responsible for connecting to the water system.  Each property has a designated curb valve located near the property line.  Note:  This curb valve can only be operated by Municipal water department staff.  Operating this valve will result in set fines to the property owner.

In two systems, Lefaive and parts of Lafontaine, the Water Department will make the connection to the curb valve.  In all other areas, the property owner will make the connection. 

Every new connection is inspected and tested by the Water Department.  The property owner will leave the entire length of the service line exposed for this purpose.  The property owner will contact the Water Department 48 hours before the inspection is required to schedule the appointment.  There must be someone on site when the inspection is completed and a pressure tester left in place.  When the inspection passes, the Water Department will turn on the water service to the property.

Connection Standards can be found at the link below:

Township of Tiny Water Connection Standards​

Billing

There is a fee for the water inspection paid at the time the water connection request is made.  Water service billing starts when the water connection is completed and inspected.  Following the inspection, the homeowner will be sent an invoice for the water service prorated for the current calendar year.  In all subsequent years the water billing will be incorporated into the property tax bill.

Power Outages

Each system has access to standby power in the event of a power outage.  For one system, Sand Castle, the water department requires a site visit to restore water service.  All other systems will automatically switch over to standby power without any interruption of service.

During power outages, residents are requested to restrict water usage to essential purposes only.    In larger systems, only some of the wells and pump stations will be kept in operation.  In order to meet the demands of the systems, lawn watering and other non-essential activities should be postponed until power is restored.

Water Monitoring

Municipal water systems are routinely sampled for water quality in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Results are monitored by water department staff and are available for viewing at the Township of Tiny municipal office.

Bacteriological Testing

Weekly samples are taken to an independent lab and tested for e-coli and coliform bacteria.  Water is tested before and after treatment and in the distribution system.  Treated water must be completely free of e-coli and coliform bacteria.

Chemical Testing

Chemical samples are taken in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Certificate of Approvals for each water system.  Some samples are taken every quarter, while others are taken every 3 to 5 years. 

Chlorine Testing

Disinfection is required in all Municipal drinking water systems in Ontario.  A liquid form of sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) is added to the raw water in a set dose to provide disinfection.  Some chlorine must remain in the distribution mains to ensure that water is safe to drink from the pump station to the tap.

Levels of chlorine are continuously monitored in each pump station.  Daily samples are taken to confirm the accuracy of the monitoring equipment in the plant.  Alarms are set to notify the water department if the level of chlorine is too high or too low.  Samples are routinely monitored for chlorine levels in the distribution system to confirm that adequate disinfection levels are being maintained.

Station Checks

Each pump station is inspected every day, 365 days a year by qualified water department staff.  They check equipment operation, chlorine levels, and monitor water usage.

These checks are made to ensure a continuing supply of safe drinking water to our consumers.

Water Upgrading Projects

The following projects are currently underway.  If you have any questions about these projects, please contact the Water Department.


​Castle Cove Pumpstation 4 replacement


An environmental assessment has been completed and work has begun to replace Castle Cove pumpstation 4.

Lafontaine Mains Replacement

A plan is in place to replace some aging distribution mains and services in the Lafontaine area.  This project will be completed over several years.

Castle Cove Pumpstation 4

​Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding Castle Cove Pumpstation 4 located at 947 Conc 19 W - Note - this EA is now completed.

Notice of Completion: Please click on the link below for details.  Comments will be accepted until April 25, 2016.

Castle Cove 4 Notice of Completion.pdf

The completed report can be viewed by clicking on the link below or a paper copy is available for review at the Township of Tiny Municipal Office:

CastleCove FINAL PFR EA Summary-signed.pdf​

A public information centre (PIC) will be held on September 24, 2015.  Please click on the link below for details:

Castle Cove 4 Notice of Public Information Centre​

Please click on the link below for information that will be provided at the PIC:

Castle Cove PIC.pdf

Please provide comments by October 23/15 using the form below:

Castle Cove PIC comment sheet.pdf​ 

To view the Notice of Commencement, please click on the link below entitled Castle Cove 4 Notice of Commencement.

​Castle Cove 4 Notice of Commencement.pdf

2017 Annual Drinking Water Reports

​A report for each water system detailing the operation, performance and water quality test results of each system is available by clicking on the links below: 

2017 Annual Drinking Water Reports

2017 Annual Summary and QMS Report​​​

A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Township of Tiny Municipal office at no charge.​

2015-2020 Consolidated Financial Plan

​The 2015-2020 Consolidated Water Financial Plan has been completed and approved by Council.  To view the plan click on the link below:

Water Department 2015-2020 Consolidated Financial Plan​