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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 invites all residents to a community Open House to learn about and provide feedback on important updates to the City’s Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and new Urban Design Guidelines. The Open House will take place:
Carrying on an almost 100-year tradition, the outdoor swimming pool at Harrison Park opens for the summer season this Friday, June 27, at 1 p.m.! It will be open until August 31, 2025. The full pool schedule is available at OwenSound.ca/PublicSwimming.
Owen Sound motorists should be aware of alternating lane closures on 10th Street East, happening between 2nd Avenue East and 3rd Avenue East on Wednesday, June 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These lane closures are required to accommodate necessary work being done by a privately commissioned contractor and are expected to last for 2 hours.
This summer, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery invites the public to experience three thought-provoking exhibitions that examine the evolving intersections of art, technology, history, and humanity. Opening June 21 and June 28, these exhibitions offer urgent and poetic perspectives on the nature of creation in uncertain times.
The City of Owen Sound is proud to introduce ‘What Goes Where’, an interactive tool available on the City's website and smartphone app, created by Recycle Coach. The What Goes Where feature makes it easier than ever for residents to sort their waste and optimize the use of the new green bin program.
Every year on June 23, the City recognizes the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. Flags at all City facilities (excluding City Hall’s community flagpole) are currently lowered to half-mast in honour of this day.
In response to the upcoming warm temperatures, the City of Owen Sound reminds residents that public places throughout the city are available to keep cool.
Please be advised that the previously cancelled June Service Review Implementation Ad-hoc Committee meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the River District will welcome the 2025 Pride Parade and Block Party. Motorists through the River District may experience delays to allow the safe passage of the parade. Businesses will remain accessible during the closures. Parking is available in nearby municipal lots and on-street where permitted.
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