The Town owns and operates a drinking water system comprised of a water treatment facility, an elevated storage tower and a piped distribution network.
The Town draws raw water supplies from the Rideau River at the Water Treatment Plant. The Water Treatment Plant is located at 43 Abbott Street. Water is then treated in a state of the art facility which includes:
- an AquaDAF (high rate dissolved air floatation clarifier)
- dual media filtration
- ultraviolet (UV) disinfection
- chlorination
- corrosion control
- fluoridation
- residue management
After treatment, water is delivered to customers through a piped distribution network comprised of over 62 km of watermains and an elevated water tower.
Water services
Water distribution pipes deliver water into buildings and consist of two parts:
- The Town side that runs from the watermain on the street to the property line.
- The private side that runs from property line into the building. This part is the responsibility of the property owner.
These two parts are separated by a valve that we call a “curb stop”.
If you have an issue with your water service, please contact the Public Works & Utilities Department at 613-283-4124 Ext. 3302 or erichardson@smithsfalls.ca. The Town will complete an on-site assessment.
If you need to repair or replace your water service you must have an approved building permit. For more information please contact the Building Department at 613-283-4124 Ext. 1132.
Lead water services
In 2007, the Ministry made a series of changes to the regulations on sampling and testing for lead in drinking water. These changes require the Town to sample and test for lead in the distribution system, along with residential and commercial buildings. The Town has an active lead sampling program and a corrosion control program to manage lead levels and to meet the requirements of the Ministry.
Lead can be found in:
- water service pipes in homes built before the mid 1950s
- solder used to join pipes together before 1990
- leaded-brass fixtures such as faucets and valves
In 1989, the Ontario Building Code was amended to ban lead piping and the use of lead solder.
If you would like to have your water sampled or are planning to replace the privately owned section of lead water service on your property, please contact the Public Works & Utilities Department at 613-283-4124 Ext. 3302 or erichardson@smithsfalls.ca for more information.
Drinking Water Quality Management System
The Town of Smiths Falls implemented a Drinking Water Quality Management System following the direction of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) as it is mandated through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Please contact the Town's Water and Wastewater Compliance Coordinator, Sarah Cooke at 613-283-4124 Ext. 5502 or scooke@smithsfalls.ca , if you have questions or would like to view the Operational Plan.
Reports and publications
2023 Drinking Water System Annual Report
2022 Drinking Water System Annual Report
2021 Drinking Water System Annual Report
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