Precautionary Boil Water Advisory LIFTED
In consultation with Grey Bruce Public Health, the City of Owen Sound’s precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted, effective immediately (Monday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m.)
The precautionary boil water advisory for the City of Owen Sound has been lifted based on an engineering assessment, conducted by Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), confirming adequate disinfection of the water. This confirms the water is safe to drink.
A precautionary boil water advisory, like the one issued in Owen Sound, is issued when there’s no confirmed contamination, but one or more of the water-testing parameters indicate there could be a risk to public health (in this case, the turbidity or cloudiness of the water). A standard boil water advisory is issued when the presence of harmful pathogens has been confirmed in the drinking water supply.
To confirm, register, or amend your information, visit Register to Vote Ontario until August 14, 2026. Our Municipal Election Day is October 26, 2026.
Dedicated Webpage: Precautionary Boil Water Advisory March 14 -16, 2026
One consolidated webpage to see news updates and FAQs relating to the precautionary boil water advisory that was issued the evening of Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The advisory was lifted on the evening of Monday, March 16, 2026.
The City of Owen Sound water system users remain under a precautionary boil water advisory, as issued in the evening of Saturday, March 14. 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.
Residents and water users are also asked to continue to conserve water use where possible. We want to thank residents for their patience and efforts so far in following the precautionary boil water advisory and reducing water use, those actions are helping support the system while conditions stabilize.
Over the past 24 hours, staff have noted that turbidity levels are improving. The City continues to monitor the water quality closely with increased testing and is working with Grey Bruce Public Health to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
This update includes reminders and frequently asked questions relating to water use reduction and the boil water advisory (click to see). The City will be creating a page on the City website which will be live Monday March 16 dedicated to this issue. The frequently asked questions and responses will be updated daily and will also include links to the Grey Bruce Public Health’s public drinking water webpage, which includes Boil Water fact sheets, like this general one.
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.
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.
The City of Owen Sound is seeking interested business operators to submit proposals for the operation of a food concession at Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre located at 700 10th Street East, Owen Sound. The City-owned building is home to twin NHL ice pads and a health, fitness and recreation centre, including an 8-lane pool, warm water pool and a full fitness facility operated by the YMCA Owen Sound Grey Bruce.
After another well-used winter season, the City of Owen Sound announces that the Good Cheer Rink at Harrison Park is now closed for the season. The City thanks everyone who visited the rink this season and helped make it a lively community gathering place.
Please be advised that the Committee of Adjustment hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 has been rescheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. The meeting was previously scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
The Committee of Adjustment also serves, as required, as the Property Standards Committee pursuant to the City’s Board and Committee By-law. The Committee of Adjustment will sit as the Property Standards Committee to hear two appeals of property standards orders on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Our apologies, the previous notice for the upcoming PIC listed the date incorrectly. Below is the corrected date. Thank you for your understanding.
Please be advised that a Public Information Centre will take place on Thursday, March 19, at 4:30 PM outside the Council Chamber at City Hall.
The City of Owen Sound, Public Works and Engineering department is notifying the public that effective Sunday, March 1, select roadways within the City will be under a reduced load period (maximum 5 tonnes per axle). This seasonal restriction is activated in alignment with Grey County and other local municipalities due to milder weather conditions at this time of year.
As spring approaches, Owen Sound residents can look forward to the crocuses coming out of the ground once the snowbanks melt! But freeze-thaw cycles of daytime positive temperatures and nighttime lows are the best recipe for potholes. Staff are ready for them and are repairing damage in priority areas across the city. In the meantime, drivers should use caution and report any areas of concern.
Please be advised that City Council will hold a Special Council meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The purpose of the Special Council meeting is for Council to consider a staff report respecting the Grey County Urban Road and Road Exchange Task Force’s report and recommendation to transfer County roads to its member municipalities.
The City of Owen Sound is notifying the public regarding an upcoming Public Information Centre (PIC) for the 16th Street East Pedestrian Tunnel Rehabilitation and Sidewalk Extension. A Public Information Centre is an opportunity to learn more about the project and provide feedback to City staff.
Sign up for City news to your inbox!
Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our news posts.
This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.
