This release serves as a follow-up to the Town’s September 19 media release regarding the compost site located at 3514 County Road 43. The Town of Smiths Falls is once again reaffirming to residents that the community’s drinking water is safe and remains in full compliance with provincial standards.

On September 11, 2025, the Town received formal approval from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for an updated Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for the municipal compost site. This approval follows a multi-year process of site investigations, testing, and technical review by both external consultants and the MECP.

The Town wishes to re-emphasize:

• The drinking water in Smiths Falls is safe. Regular testing of both raw water and treated water at the Water Treatment Plant consistently meets or exceeds all provincial standards, reflecting the Town’s long history of providing clean, reliable potable water.
• There were no parameter exceedances in groundwater or surface water samples taken at or near the compost site.
• The Town did not withhold any information from the MECP. Final reports were submitted in full at the Ministry’s request, and the MECP reviewed all data before issuing its approval.

“Our water system is supported by one of the most comprehensive monitoring programs available,” added Paul McMunn, Director of Public Works. “From raw water intake through to treated water delivered to residents’ homes, every step is tested and verified to meet provincial standards. Residents can be confident in both the quality and reliability of their drinking water.”

Smiths Falls is proud to operate a state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plant, which reflects more than a century of leadership in water technology. The facility is equipped with advanced processes that ensure safe, clean drinking water for the community, continuing a tradition of innovation and reliability that spans over 100 years. Take a closer look at our Water Treatment Plant by watching last year’s Water Week videos, featuring an educational tour of the facility and its operations.

A letter from RLC-HydroG - Hydrogeological Services is included below to further reassure residents of the Town’s commitment to transparency. Residents are encouraged to visit the Town’s website for more information on water quality reports, environmental compliance processes, and documentation pertaining to the Compost Site Approval.

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8 613-283-4124ext. 1122
Communications@smithsfalls.ca

RLC - HydroG - Hydrogeological Services Technical Review