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Precautionary Boil Water Advisory and Residents Asked to Temporarily Reduce Use of Water in City of Owen Sound
As advised by Grey Bruce Public Health, the City of Owen Sound has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for all residents and consumers using the municipal water system. This is a precautionary measure due to high levels of turbidity (cloudiness in the water) observed at the water treatment plant. High levels of turbidity can interfere with disinfection, which is one component of water treatment. The water currently continues to meet all other quality and testing standards.
While the precautionary boil water advisory is in place, please bring all water to a rolling boil for one (1) minute before using it for drinking, preparing food or beverages, making ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth. This is particularly important for young children, older adults and people who are immuno-compromised to protect their health.
It’s not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as showering, laundry, bathing or washing dishes.
Drinking water directly from the tap is not recommended and could potentially result in illness.
In addition to boiling water, the City of Owen Sound is asking all residents, as well as anyone who lives or works in a building connected to the City’s water system, to reduce their water use. This request will aid in required remedial actions.
This impacts the entire City of Owen Sound as well as parts of Meaford (Village of Leith) and Georgian Bluffs who are connected to the City of Owen Sound water system.
The City of Owen Sound is monitoring the water quality closely with increased testing and working with Grey Bruce Public Health to assess the potential risk to health and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
Residents will be notified when the precautionary boil water advisory notice is lifted at OwenSound.ca/News. This will occur when the water is confirmed to be safe to consume.
Please share this information with contacts who use the municipal water system in the City of Owen Sound.
Notice to Ratepayers Regarding Water Bills
March 6, 2026: Some water bills are currently delayed and will be issued shortly. We are working on the issue and will have them available as soon as possible. Bills will be due 21 days after mailout day; ratepayers will not be charged a penalty if paid within this timeframe. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this issue.
To confirm, register, or amend your information, visit Register to Vote Ontario until August 14, 2026. Our Municipal Election Day is October 26, 2026.
The City of Owen Sound has received its 2023 Financial Indicator Review from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The results confirm that all the City’s key financial indicators are within low-risk thresholds, meaning financial metrics (such as debt levels, reserves, and revenue stability) do not pose any major financial concerns.
The Owen Sound River District is proud to announce that it is the recipient of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) Special Events Award of Excellence. The Award was received in the Marketing & Promotions category in recognition of the Wheel & Ride Safety Festival and Bike Program event held annually.
The Owen Sound River District is excited to announce the launch of a new local initiative as part of the nationwide movement: Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local. This campaign encourages our community to embrace a local-first mindset and recognize the importance of supporting Main Street businesses that serve as the economic and cultural heartbeat of our City.
The City of Owen Sound continues to make significant progress on its Climate Action Strategy, with over half of its planned initiatives either completed or currently in progress. While significant steps have been taken, the City acknowledges that ongoing efforts are required to achieve its long-term climate goals.
The City of Owen Sound congratulates TC Energy on the recent announcement of provincial investment to advance the next phase of the Ontario Pumped Storage Project. On Friday, the Ontario government announced a $285 million investment in pre-development work for the proposed clean energy project to be constructed on unused land at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre located between Owen Sound and Meaford.
The proposed redevelopment of the former Owen Sound Courthouse and Jail is moving forward with some demolitions and removals of the non-heritage buildings and structures in preparation for its future adaptive reuse as an event venue. The Site Plan Approval process is currently underway.
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