The City of Owen Sound has achieved a perfect score on drinking water quality from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for two years in a row (2021 & 2022)!
Water distribution and wastewater treatment services are funded through user fees; no tax dollars are collected to provide City water services. See more details and frequently asked questions about water billing below.
Water and Wastewater Rates |
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In consideration of staff report CR-22-058 respecting Water and Wastewater Rates for 2023-2024, Council has approved on June 12, 2023 that the water rates will increase by 8% over the 2022-2023 water rates. 2023-2024 Water and Wastewater Rates:
Monthly Water Consumption Charges:
Note: 1 M3 (cubic meter) = 220 gallons (or 1,000 litres) All rates shown are for properties within the boundaries of the City of Owen Sound. Rates for properties outside the City of Owen Sound boundaries are double the amounts shown above. The monthly service charge plus applicable wastewater charges will constitute a minimum bill during a month without water consumption. Wastewater Charges: The wastewater rate is 124% of the customer's total water charges (water consumption charge plus water service charge). You can also view a printable version of our water/wastewater rates. |
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Paying your Water Bill |
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The City of Owen Sound has a number of options available to our customers for payment of your water bill:
Payment must be received at City Hall by the due date to avoid penalty. A late payment charge of 1.5% (18% per annum) is calculated on the amount outstanding and will be added to the water utility account on the 15th of each month after the due date, and on the 15th of each month thereafter. For more information, questions, or comments please contact our Utilities Collection Clerk at 519-376-4440 ext. 1243 or waterbilling@owensound.ca. |
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Understanding Your Water Bill |
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Water billing in the City of Owen Sound is billed every three months. To provide clarity and transparency, we have designed a water bill template offering an explanation of the bill structure. See the image below for a brief overview of the charges on your water bill: |
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When are water bills issued and when is payment due? |
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Each water bill covers a three-month (quarterly) period, and payments are due 21 days after the bill is issued. The first three digits of your water bill (utility) account indicate when your water meter will be read. For account number 007.009221.00, the 007 indicates that your meter will be read on cycle 7. Refer to our Water Billing Cycle Map here to find out the meter read dates and due dates for your cycle. |
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How do I sign up for paperless water billing (E-Billing)? |
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Paperless billing offers a convenient, timely, effective, and environmentally friendly way to receive your bills. These e-bills will look the same as your paper copy, and your billing cycle will remain the same. If you would like to enroll, please complete the paperless billing enrolment form. You will no longer receive a paper copy of your bill. |
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I am moving houses. What do I need to know? |
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Water billing accounts are attached to the property, not the customer. This means, if you move, your account does not move with you. You will be issued a new account number with your new property. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding moving houses and water bills. More info can be found in the linked If you are purchasing or selling a property within Owen Sound, please complete the Property Sale/Purchase Form. Please advise us of your upcoming move at least 14 days prior to the closing date.
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I am a tenant/landlord. What do I need to know? |
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If you are a tenant, you and your landlord can complete and sign a billing designate form. A billing designate form authorizes the City of Owen Sound to activate a water billing account in a tenant's name for the period that they will be residing at a rental property. A billing designate form must be signed and completed in its entirety before a new water billing account will be opened. You may either mail, email, or drop-off in person the completed form at least 14 business days prior to the move-in date. *For instructions on how to add a digital signature, please read our digital signature instruction sheet. Owners of properties occupied by Residential and Commercial Tenants requesting services with the City will be asked to:
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Other Water Tips and FAQs |
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Who can I contact for more information? |
Owen Sound City Hall 808 2nd Avenue East Owen Sound, ON Phone: 519-376-4440 ext. 1243 |
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