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Orillia
1019.1
March 2026
Chapter 1019
Drinking Water System
Chapter Index
Article 1
Interpretation
1019.1.1
Application for service - defined
1019.1.2
Automated meter reading program - defined
1019.1.3
Backflow - defined
1019.1.4
Backflow prevention device - defined
1019.1.5
City - defined
1019.1.6
Commercial property - defined
1019.1.7
Commercial rate - defined
1019.1.8
Curb stop - defined
1019.1.9
Drinking Water System - defined
1019.1.10
Drinking Water Works Permit - defined
1019.1.11
Fire service - defined
1019.1.12
Municipal Drinking Water Licence - defined
1019.1.13
Municipal water - defined
1019.1.14
Municipal water service connection - defined
1019.1.15
MXU (Meter Transceiver Units) device - defined
1019.1.16
Officer - defined
1019.1.17
Person - defined
1019.1.18
Premises - defined
1019.1.19
Premises isolation - defined
1019.1.20
Private water meter - defined
1019.1.21
Private water service connection - defined
1019.1.22
Private water supply - defined
1019.1.23
Residential premises - defined
1019.1.24
Residential rate - defined
1019.1.25
Schedule "A" - defined
1019.1.26
Temporary water meter
Drinking Water System
1019
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1019.1.27
Temporary water service connection
1019.1.28
Water meter - defined
Article 2
Management of Drinking Water System
1019.2.1
General authority
1019.2.2
Annual Report
1019.2.3
Administration
Article 3
Use and Receipt of Water
1019.3.1
Water use
1019.3.2
Applicable charges and fees
Article 4
Construction of Drinking Water System
1019.4.1
Drinking water system pipe replacement
1019.4.2
Installation of municipal water service connection
1019.4.3
Installation of private water service connection
1019.4.4
City curb stop / shut-off valve
1019.4.5
Illegal water connections
1019.4.6
Protection from frost
1019.4.7
Municipal water service connection costs
Article 5
Water Meters Included in Drinking Water System
1019.5.1
Water meters - property of the City
1019.5.2
Private water meters
1019.5.3
Standard installation of water meters
1019.5.4
Location of water meters
1019.5.5
New water meters
1019.5.6
Size of water meters
1019.5.7
Protection of water meters
Drinking Water System
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Article 6
Maintenance and Servicing of Drinking Water System
1019.6.1
Access to Drinking Water System
1019.6.2
Maintenance and testing
1019.6.3
Failure of meter to register
1019.6.4
Testing and malfunction of water meters
1019.6.5
Relocation of water metering facilities and water service connections
Article 7
Establishing and Discontinuing Water Service
1019.7.1
Establishing the water service
1019.7.2
Water service accounts
1019.7.3
Temporary water service connection
1019.7.4
Seasonal water service
1019.7.5
Water accounts in arrears
1019.7.6
Discontinuing or decommissioning of water service
1019.7.7
Disconnection of water service by the City
1019.7.8
Disconnection of the water service for repairs
1019.7.9
Building demolition requiring water service disconnection
Article 8
Back-Flow Prevention and Frozen Water Service Supply
1019.8.1
System contamination
1019.8.2
Back-flow prevention
1019.8.3
Frozen water service supply responsibility
1019.8.4
Accessibility for thawing services
1019.8.5
Prioritization of thawing services
1019.8.6
Water Service - unavailable - temporary measures
1019.8.7
Donor water service supply
1019.8.8
Billing - water and sewer usage
1019.8.9
City not liable
Drinking Water System
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Article 9
Water Use
1019.9.1
Address - odd - even - alternating
1019.9.2
General - prohibited - exemptions
1019.9.3
Outdoor water use ban - notice
1019.9.4
Outdoor water use ban - prohibition
Article 10
Requirement to Connect
1019.10.1
Properties required to connect
1019.10.2
Failure to connect
Article 11
General
1019.11.1
Private water supply
1019.11.2
Exemptions
1019.11.3
General prohibitions
Article 12
Enforcement
1019.12.1
Enforcement
1019.12.2
Obstruction
1019.12.3
Penalties
Article 13
Interpretation and Validity
1019.13.1
Headings
1019.13.2
Amended references
1019.13.3
Schedules
1019.13.4
Validity and Severability
__________
Drinking Water System
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Article 1
Interpretation
1019.1.1
Application for service - defined
"application for service" means an application required to initiate a procedure whereby the
City provides an appropriately sized water pipe to the property line curb stop and all
associated appurtenances pertaining to the provision of water.
1019.1.2
Automated meter reading program - defined
"automated meter reading program" means the programs or projects, as may be
adopted by the City, for the supply and installation of water meters and a
communications network capable of reading, transmitting and collecting water meter
readings throughout the City and includes all related equipment, software and
hardware. The Automated Meter Reading Program includes water meter replacement
and automated meter reading system currently undertaken by the City.
1019.1.3
Backflow - defined
"backflow" means the flowing back or reversal of the normal direction of the flow of
water.
1019.1.4
Backflow prevention device - defined
"backflow prevention device" means a device or system that prevents backflow or back-
siphonage into the water works and is designed to prevent contamination of the drinking
water system.
1019.1.5
City - defined
"City" means The Corporation of the City of Orillia and includes its employees, servants
and agents.
1019.1.6
Commercial property - defined
"commercial property" as applied to this Chapter includes only land and improvements:
(a)
used or intended to be used for business purposes including land and
improvements for office, wholesale, retail, service, hotel, motel,
industrial and manufacturing activities, transportation, communications,
and utilities;
(b)
used or intended to be used for institutional, government, recreational or
cultural purposes;
(c)
any multi-unit building occupied by six or more units with a single service
and one water meter;
(d)
not specifically included in another class of property where rental income
is generated;
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(e)
or such other property as may be approved by the City at the discretion of
the property owner, provided such approval is given in writing.
1019.1.7
Commercial rate - defined
"commercial rate" means the rates, charges, levies and costs imposed pursuant to
Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and Fees, for the
supply of water and to a commercial property for the use of business, industry or
activity carried on therein.
1019.1.8
Curb stop - defined
"curb stop" means the City's water shut-off valve typically located at the property line to
the property.
1019.1.9
Drinking Water System - defined
"drinking water system" means any works for the production, treatment, storage, supply,
transmission, distribution and metering of water by the City, or any part of any of those
works including the water service connection but does not include plumbing to which the
Building Code Act, 1992 or any amendments thereto apply.
1019.1.10
Drinking Water Works Permit - defined
"Drinking Water Works Permit" means the permit issued under Part V of the Safe
Drinking Water Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 32 by the City.
1019.1.11
Fire service - defined
"fire service" means a pipe that is intended solely for the purpose of providing a standby
supply of water for fire protection purposes.
1019.1.12
Municipal Drinking Water Licence - defined
"Municipal Drinking Water Licence" means the licence issued by the City under Part V of
the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, S.O 2002, c. 32.
1019.1.13
Municipal water - defined
"municipal water" means water supplied through the City of Orillia water distribution
system.
1019.1.14
Municipal water service connection - defined
"municipal water service connection" means the physical connection of the private water
service connection with the City's watermain which includes that part of the waterworks,
consisting of pipes, fittings and appurtenances which supplies water to a property, and
which is located between the City watermain and the street line or between the City
watermain and the boundary line between a City easement or other City land containing
the watermain and private land.
1019.1.15
MXU (Meter Transceiver Units) device - defined
"MXU device" means a radio signal reading device(s) typically installed on the exterior
of a building for remote radio frequency reading capabilities.
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1019.1.16
Officer - defined
"Officer" means a Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer, Police Officer, or any other
person appointed by by-law to enforce this Chapter.
1019.1.17
Person - defined
"person" means an individual or corporation and includes the owner registered on the
title of the property and any occupant or user of any building located on such property.
1019.1.18
Premises - defined
"premises" shall mean any complex, house, tenement, building, or like structure in
which private water service connections enter.
1019.1.19
Premises isolation - defined
"premises isolation" means prevention of backflow into a municipal water system from a
premises or property by the installation of a suitable backflow preventer at the entrance
to the building or property.
1019.1.20
Private water meter - defined
"private water meter" means a water meter purchased from the City by a person and
installed downstream of the City owned meter by the person, at their own expense, and is
read, serviced and maintained by the property owner for the purpose of a sewage rebate
or otherwise.
1019.1.21
Private water service connection - defined
"private water service connection" includes any water pipeline downstream of the curb
stop or property line (1019.4.4(b)) on the privately owned portion of the property through
which water is conveyed from the City drinking water system.
1019.1.22
Private water supply - defined
"private water supply" means a supply line that is connected to the municipal water
supply and is assumed privately and not by the municipality, that provides good quality
potable water under satisfactory pressure for applicable uses, as well as adequate
pressure for firefighting purposes.
1019.1.23
Residential premises - defined
"residential premises" includes only land and improvements used for or intended to be used
for or in conjunction with a residential purpose, but does not include a building containing
two or more units serviced by a single service with one water meter.
1019.1.24
Residential rate - defined
"residential rate" means the rates, charges, levies and costs imposed pursuant to
Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees , Water and Sewer Rates and Fees, for the
supply of water to a residential property for the domestic use of the person thereof.
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1019.1.25
Schedule "A" - defined
"Schedule "A" means Chapter 459 - Water and Wastewater, Schedule "A", Water and
Sewer Rates and Fees.
1019.1.26
Temporary water meter - defined
A water meter which measures the quantity of water consumed at, in or upon a property
during the construction of a structure, or during any other temporary purpose, intended to
be temporary and removed upon completion of the structure or other temporary purpose
and is read, serviced, maintained or supplied by the City.
1019.1.27
Temporary water service connection
A water service connection to the waterworks for the purpose of the construction of a
structure, testing of new water main or any other temporary purpose, intended to be
temporary and removed upon completion of the structure, testing of the new watermain or
other temporary purpose and may also include a temporary connection to a fire hydrant.
1019.1.28
Water meter - defined
"water meter" means a measuring device(s) at a property which measures and records the
quantity of water delivered to all premises and is read, serviced, maintained or supplied by
the City.
Article 2
Management of Drinking Water System
1019.2.1
General authority
The Drinking Water System shall be operated according to the Drinking Water Works
Permit and Municipal Drinking Water License and shall be under the control of the City.
1019.2.2
Annual report
The City, through the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department must report
annually to the Mayor and Council (Owner), concerning its operation of the drinking water
system.
1019.2.3
Administration
(a)
The administration of the drinking water system including water metering
shall be under the jurisdiction of the City.
(b)
The administration of the installation of new, renovated or altered private
water service pipes, private fire service mains, private water systems and
appurtenances, with exception of the water meter and premises isolation
backflow devices on private property shall be the responsibility of the
Chief Building Official under the Building Code Act.
(c)
The City shall be authorized to prescribe any form under this Chapter and
to amend or revise those forms from time to time.
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(d)
The City shall be authorized to amend or revise standards and
specifications relating to this Chapter as may be required from time to
time.
(e)
The City may authorize programs or projects which may exempt persons
or properties from a provision or provisions of this Chapter.
Article 3
Use and Receipt of Water
1019.3.1
Water use
No person shall use, cause or permit water to be used otherwise than in connection with the
property at which it is supplied nor shall water be sold or otherwise similarly disposed of
without the prior written permission of the City, other than authorized Orillia Fire Services
personnel or other City personnel acting in the course of their duties.
1019.3.2
Applicable charges and fees
No person shall obtain water without paying the applicable charges, fees or rates for that
water, as provided in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates
and Fees, except with the prior written approval of the City, other than authorized Orillia Fire
Services personnel or other City staff, acting in the course of their duties.
Article 4
Construction of Drinking Water System
1019.4.1
Drinking water system pipe replacement
The replacement of watermains in the distribution system balances upon many factors.
Replacement will broadly follow these four factors:
(a)
Undersized pipes.
(b)
Critical pipes.
(c)
High failure rate pipes.
(d)
Aging pipes.
1019.4.2
Installation of municipal water service connections
Municipal water service connection installation, service and repair are authorized at
discretion of the City. Municipal services shall only be installed, serviced, maintained or
operated by Environment and Infrastructure staff or a duly designated contractor.
1019.4.3
Installation of private water service connections
(a)
Private water service connections are the property of the person and shall
be installed to the satisfaction of the Building Department at the person's
expense.
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(b)
All private water service connections require a service valve installed
immediately upon entering the premises that is operable, and it is the
owner's responsibility and expense to ensure this is maintained.
Private water service connections and internal plumbing are the property
of the person and it is the responsibility of the person to maintain in good
repair. Any requested investigation that determines leaks or substandard
plumbing or piping of the private drinking water service connection or
internal plumbing will cause an invoice to be generated by City staff as set
out in Schedule "A" Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and
Fees.
(c)
No person shall open, close or interfere with any hydrant, gate or valve
connected with the water works, or interfere with any curb stop, pipe or
other drinking water system appurtenance outside of the private property.
1019.4.4
City curb stop / shut-off valve
(a)
Every municipal water service connection shall have a shut-off valve
at a location approved by the City.
(b)
Each property owner is responsible for the maintenance of their water
service from the City's curb stop (shut-off valve), located approximately on
the property line, to any buildings on the property. If the curb stop is located
more than 3m on either side of the property line, the property line will be
used to determine responsibility.
1019.4.5
Illegal water connections
(a)
No branch water line shall be taken from that part of the private water
service connection between the curb stop and the metering device or ball
valve unless provided with a water meter, except as provided in
subsection 1019.4.5 (b). All such branches shall be taken from beyond the
downstream meter isolation valve unless as specified above.
(b)
A fire service branch is the only acceptable un-metered branch line and must
be approved by the City.
1019.4.6
Protection from frost
Every owner of property which has a private water service connection shall keep it in good
repair and protected from frost at the property owner's cost.
1019.4.7
Municipal water service connection costs
(a)
All expenses in connection with the construction and administration of a new
municipal water service connection from the watermain to the curb stop will
be the responsibility of the person.
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(b)
An "Application for Service" and all requirements of the form must be
completed prior to installation.
(c)
All work shall be performed by the City or a duly designated private
contractor acting on behalf of the City.
(d)
The installation shall be at the expense and risk of the person including
payment by the person to the City of any rates, fees and costs prescribed
or incurred by the City as a result of, or related to, the installation and
inspection of the work.
(e)
The installation shall be in accordance with the City's standards and
specifications.
Article 5
Water Meters Included in Drinking Water System
1019.5.1
Water meters - property of the City
(a)
All water meters are the property of the City, although initially paid for by the
person, and shall be supplied and maintained by the City unless alternate
arrangements are approved in writing by the City.
(b)
If an alternate arrangement is made, the person shall pay the additional
costs for supplying.
(c)
In all cases, the payment of additional costs will be considered an
added deposit, and all water meters shall remain the property of the City.
(d) All City properties will have one City maintained water meter.
1019.5.2
Private water meters
(a)
A person may install and maintain an additional water meter that has been
purchased from the City.
(b)
For the purpose of individual unit metering within a property, additional
meters shall be installed on the downstream side of the City water meter
for internal private billing purposes.
(c)
Consumption readings of the private water meters will not be recognized by
the City for municipal billing purposes but may be used for sewer rebate
exemptions with prior authorization from the City.
1019.5.3
Standard installation of water meters
(a)
All new residential water meter installations are provided a standard meter
package including backflow device, expansion tank, and all associated
appurtenances during the application for services process. The water meter
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and MXU device are installed by City staff. Charges and fees applicable
are set out in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer
Rates and Fees.
(b)
All new commercial water meter installations are provided a meter
package including water meter, MXU device and all associated
appurtenances. A security device with lock shall be installed by the City on
the meter bypass line isolation valve. Charges and fees applicable are set
out in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates
and Fees.
1019.5.4
Location of water meters
(a)
All municipal water service connections must be metered, unless written
authorization from the City has been provided.
(b)
The person shall provide a suitable site for the water meter at a horizontal
setting near the point of entry of the private water service connection inside
the building.
(c)
The meter site shall be accessible with no permanent fixtures within 0.5
metres from the site. If the City considers any meter with restricted access of
less than 0.5 metres, the municipal water service connection may be shut off
after a forty-eight (48) hour notice in writing is provided to the person, and
shall remain shut off until adequate access has been provided.
(d)
The City will not provide water to the private water service connection unless
a suitable water meter location has been provided.
1019.5.5
New water meters
(a)
All municipal water services providing water to private water service lines
entering a property require a water meter package purchased from the City
in accordance with Schedule 'A' of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and
Sewer Rates and Fees and it shall have a radio frequency MXU device
installed at an accessible location determined by the City with no
permanent fixtures or vegetation growth within 0.25 metres of the readout
device.
(b)
Where access is restricted to the remote readout due to an obstruction, an
MXU device will be installed on a full cost recovery basis payable by the
person.
(c)
In the event the municipal water service line and or the plumbing system
within a building are upgraded 6 hydraulic load units or greater, a current
water meter package consisting of a dual check valve and expansion tank
must be purchased from the City if not already in use in accordance with
Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and
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Fees and it shall be installed at the property owner's expense.
(d)
The wire type used for the installation of a remote readout water meter shall
be CSA Type PCC, FT4, 22AWG/3C or equivalent, provided as part of the
meter package purchased through the City and installed at the person's
expense.
(e)
Remote readout water meters may be installed, replaced or repaired at the
discretion of the City in an existing property as deemed necessary. In the
event the remote readout becomes nonfunctional due to the remote readout
wire being damaged and unrepairable, an MXU device will be installed on a
full cost recovery payable by the person.
1019.5.6
Size of water meters
(a)
In accordance with 1019.5.5(a), all water meters provided by the City will
be approved for required size during the application for service process.
(b)
Where a person requests a larger meter than has been supplied by the City,
the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department will review the
request.
(c)
Where a person has requested a larger meter to be installed, a current
water meter package must be purchased from the City in accordance with
Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees Water and Sewer Rates and Fees.
The water meter and MXU device will be installed by City staff.
(d)
Notwithstanding Section 1019.4.7(a), the City reserves the right to install
any size of meter it deems necessary, at any site.
1019.5.7
Protection of water meters
(a)
Every person shall ensure that the water meter and appurtenances are
protected from frost and damage once placed upon the premises.
(b)
The person shall provide easy access to the meters for meter inspection,
maintenance and reading.
(c)
If the City considers any meter insufficiently protected, the municipal water
service connection may be shut off after forty-eight (48) hours' notice in
writing is given to the person, and shall remain shut off until proper protection
has been effected.
(e)
If a meter becomes frozen, misused, vandalized or damaged under any
circumstances, the City shall be provided access to repair or replace the
meter at the person's cost, as set out in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User
Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and Fees.
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(f)
No person shall interfere or tamper with the water meter.
Article 6
Maintenance and Servicing of Drinking Water System
1019.6.1
Access to Drinking Water System
(a)
The City shall have access, upon forty-eight (48) hours' notice to the
person of a building, to all parts of every building in which municipal
drinking water system services are delivered or consumed. If the City
considers any part of the Drinking Water System insufficiently accessible,
the municipal water service connection may be shut off after forty-eight
(48) hours' notice in writing is given to the person, and shall remain shut
off until proper access has been provided.
(b)
For the purpose of this section, access shall include access for the purpose
of operating valves and private service boxes, conducting water use surveys
or water sampling, sealing of new water meters, reading of water meters,
and repair and inspection of water meters.
(c)
Access to private water systems that are fed by a municipal water service
connection must be provided to the Environment and Infrastructure Services
Department when maintenance and servicing of the drinking water system is
required.
(d)
Private water service connections are required to be in a good state of repair
and the responsibility shall be the person's should a failure occur while the
City is operating private water service connections in the course of
maintaining the drinking water system.
1019.6.2
Maintenance and testing
(a)
The repair and maintenance of the municipal drinking water system,
including the water meter, shall be made at the expense of the City, unless
deficiencies are found to be the fault of the owner as detailed in this Chapter.
The private water service connections shall be maintained by the person in
sound working condition.
(b)
Water meters may be removed for maintenance or testing and only by the
City or an approved contractor under contract to the City.
(c) For the purpose of this section, maintenance and testing may include
the alteration of the position of the water meter, back-flow prevention device,
or of any pipe, valve or fitting forming part of the water system.
1019.6.3
Failure of meter to register
(a)
Water meters shall be read at the discretion of the City.
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(b)
If a meter has failed to register during any portion of time since the last
actual reading, the amount of water consumption for the time period shall be
estimated to be the same as that of the past average usage in which the
water meter had registered, or at the City's discretion, the same as that of
the corresponding usage during a period of time with the new meter
installed.
(c)
If the City has installed a remote meter reading device in addition to the
existing meter, the reading at the meter shall be considered the
official/correct reading.
1019.6.4
Testing and malfunction of water meters
(a)
A person may request in writing, that the City remove and test the water
meter located on their property if readings are disputed.
(b)
The person will be responsible for the actual cost of testing and the new
water meter if the water meter is found to be measuring accurately and the
disputed usage will be the responsibility of the person's.
(c) No person shall open a bypass valve on water meter installations, except
in the case of an emergency, following which the City must be notified
within twenty four (24) hours of the bypass being opened.
(d)
No person shall tamper with, break or remove any seal installed by the
City on any municipal water service connections, including water meters,
backflow devices and by-passes.
(e)
The City shall be notified immediately whenever a water meter is not
operating, or if the water meter becomes damaged or broken, or if a seal
on any municipal water service connection or water metering equipment has
been broken.
(f)
In the event that the City is not notified of the malfunction, the City shall, in
addition to any other penalties set out in this Chapter, estimate the quantity
of water consumed and invoice the person for the water in accordance with
Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and sewer Rates and
Fees.
1019.6.5
Relocation of water metering and private water service connections
(a)
No person shall relocate or alter any existing water metering equipment or
private water service connection to the water meter without the written
approval of the City.
(b)
If the person obtains written approval, the person shall pay the entire cost
to affect the relocation or alteration, including any costs incurred by the City.
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(c)
If the City is dissatisfied with the location of any water meter due to
alterations to a building, it may require that the water meter be relocated
to a more suitable location.
(d)
The costs associated with such relocation shall be paid by the person.
(e)
Meter spacers shall not be used in place of a meter except as approved by
the City.
Article 7
Establishing and Discontinuing Water Service
1019.7.1
Establishing the water service
(a)
No private water service connection will be turned on to a property until there
has been a completed Application for Services submitted, and all of the
following conditions have been satisfied:
(i)
The requirements of Municipal Code Chapter 1020 - Drinking Water
System, Cross-Connection Control Program have been met.
(ii)
The water meter has been installed, tested and sealed.
(iii)
Approved wiring from the meter location to the outside reading
device installation location is complete.
(iv)
The remote reading device has been installed, tested and inspected
by the City.
(v)
The exterior of the building is complete.
(vi)
Permanent heat is installed and operable during winter months.
(b)
No person other than the City shall turn on or off water to any property, or
open or close a curb stop unless authorized in writing by the City.
(c)
No person shall turn on water that has been turned off for any purpose,
unless authorized to do so by the City.
1019.7.2
Water service accounts
(a)
For the purposes of billing water "basic" and "usage" rates according to
Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees Water and Sewer Rates and
Fees, the following protocol will be followed:
(i)
A non-developed property without a water and / or sewer service to
the property will not be charged water and / or sewer basic or usage
charges.
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March 2026
(ii)
A non-developed property with a water and / or sewer service to the
property will be charged the minimum residential or commercial
water and / or sewer basic charges.
(iii)
A developed property with no availability for water and / or sewer
services will not be charged water and / or sewer basic charges.
(iv)
A developed property with water and / or sewer services available
but not connected will be charged the minimum residential or
commercial water and / or sewer basic charges, as applicable.
(v)
A developed property with water and / or sewer services will be
charged water and / or sewer basic and usage charges according to
the water meter reading(s).
(vi)
A developed property with water and / or sewer services connected
to a private water supply will have water and / or sewer basic and
usage charges applied and shall be connected to either one main
water meter or metered through individual private water service
connections.
(vii)
A developed property with more than one water service connection
may abandon services by cutting and capping the private water
service connection only at the discretion of the City. A minimum of
one water and / or sewer service must be maintained for basic and
usage service charges.
(viii)
A property with a water and sewer connection used for irrigation
purposes only will be charged water basic and usage charges and a
sewer basic charge only.
(ix)
A property with a water service only and no sewer service
connection used for irrigation purposes only will be charged water
basic and usage charges only.
(x)
Fire service lines that are dedicated solely for the purpose of fire
protection are to be charged the minimum commercial water and
sewer basic charges.
(b)
Any person wishing to have a municipal water service connection shall apply
to the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department. The application
for services shall be in a form prescribed by the City and shall require
applicable fee and costs paid in full at the time of application.
(c)
The City may refuse to supply water to a person who has an
outstanding account balance at any location in the City.
Drinking Water System
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Orillia
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March 2026
(d)
Water shall be provided at the rates set out in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 -
User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and Fees and shall be billed according
to the rate applicable to the use of property to which the municipal water
service connection is provided.
1019.7.3
Temporary water service connection
(a)
The City may provide a temporary water service connection on application
by the person in writing and upon payment of the service charge set out
in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and
Fees.
(b)
Temporary water service connection installation and removal of water
meters including water usage will be invoiced in accordance with the fees
set out in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer
Rates and Fees.
(c)
All temporary water services will require severe hazard backflow devices
installed in accordance with Chapter 1020 - Cross-Connection Control
Program.
1019.7.4
Seasonal water service
(a)
Seasonal water services request(s) will be available on application by the
person, and upon payment of the service charge set out in Schedule "A" of
Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and Fees.
(b)
Seasonal turn on or turn off of water is to be performed by City staff only
and shall not be performed by the property owner or representative of the
owner without written approval by the City of Orillia.
(c)
Seasonal water service request(s) will be charged in accordance with the
fees set out in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer
Rates and Fees and include but are not limited to:
Fall service:
(i)
Turning the water service off at the property line (curb stop).
(ii)
Remove and drain the water meter.
(iii)
Record water meter reading.
Spring service:
(i)
Reinstall the water meter.
(ii)
Confirm the meter reading is the same as reading on removal date.
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March 2026
(iii)
Turn the water service back on.
(iv)
Reseal the meter and check for leaks at the meter connections.
(v)
Confirm that the remote read device is functional.
(d)
The City of Orillia will not be responsible for damages within the premises
due to frozen pipes or any other mechanical failure(s). The property
owner(s) will be responsible at their expense to ensure adequate
measures have been taken to protect the plumbing system and
mechanical system(s) or devices within the premises from freezing.
1019.7.5
Water accounts in arrears
If the person owns the property and the municipal water service account for the property is
overdue, the amount of the account may be added to and shall form part of the taxes on the
property for which the municipal water service connection was supplied.
1019.7.6
Discontinuing or decommissioning of water service
(a)
Persons may discontinue or decommission private water service
connections to the municipal water service connection upon providing
written notice to the City including the date on which service will be
discontinued.
(b)
If the private water service connection is to be discontinued, the municipal
water service connection shut off valve will be closed, the water meter will
be read and removed. The private water service connection and sewer
service lateral must be cut and capped at or near the property line. Upon
completion the City must inspect and approve and the account will be
billed water and sewer "basic" and "usage" rates as set out in Schedule
"A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and Fees.
1019.7.7
Disconnection of water service by the City
The City reserves the right to shut off the supply of water for any of the following reasons:
(a)
failure to open an account or failure to complete an accurate written
application for service if requested and payment of application as set out in
Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees, Water and Sewer Rates and
fees.
(b)
non-payment of a City utility bill;
(c)
failure to provide access to the premises;
(d)
excess leakage of water on the private water service connection;
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Orillia
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March 2026
(e)
contamination or potential for contamination of water from the private water
service connection;
(f)
theft of water including opening of a by-pass valve;
(g)
tampering with the water meter, seal, backflow device or by-pass;
(h)
contravention of any section of this Chapter or any other related document.
1019.7.8
Disconnection of the water service for repairs
(a)
The City has the right to disconnect the water service from any person,
without notice, and to keep the municipal water service connection off for
as long as necessary, to effect street repairs, service type repairs, or for the
purpose of constructing new works.
(b)
The City may enter the property and premises in which a person has a
water service, for the purpose of removing any water meters or other
property of the City if the water supply has been discontinued.
1019.7.9
Building demolition requiring water service disconnection
Demolition permits are required by the person when services are to be cut
and capped at or near the property line and the following be completed:
(a)
The City is required to close the municipal water service connection at the
curb stop to allow the contractor to cut and cap the private water service
connection.
(b)
The cap must be water tight, properly staked and visually inspected by the
City.
(c)
The City will remove the water meter; a current water meter reading must be
recorded for final billing purposes.
(d)
If the requirements of 7.9(a) and (b) have not been met in full, the permit
deposits will not be refunded to the person.
(e)
If the municipal water service connection is redundant, then it must be
disconnected at the watermain by the City at the person's expense.
(f)
All of the above requirements will be applicable to the rates and fees as set
out in Schedule "A" of Chapter 459 - User Fees Water and Sewer Rates
and Fees.
Drinking Water System
1019
Orillia
1019.21
March 2026
Article 8
Back-Flow Prevention and Frozen Water Service Supply
1019.8.1
System contamination
No person shall connect anything to the water system which may cause the service to
become contaminated or polluted in accordance with Drinking Water System, Chapter
1020, Cross-Connection Control Program.
1019.8.2
Back-flow prevention
All commercial and new residential municipal water service connection accounts shall be
required to provide back-flow prevention devices in accordance with Municipal Code
Chapter 1020, Provincial Plumbing Codes and CSA B64.10-23/B64.10.1-23 Backflow
Prevention as may be amended from time to time.
1019.8.3
Frozen water service supply responsibility
Reporting frozen water service supplies to the City is the responsibility of the property
owner. All frozen water service supplies must be inspected by City staff during regular
working hours to determine if the supply is frozen on private or municipal property in
accordance with 1019.4.4(b). Should the City determine the frozen service is located on
private property, the City will invoice the property owner for the work, as set out in Schedule
'A' of Chapter 459 - User fees, Water and Sewer Rates and Fees. Should the City
determine the water supply is frozen on municipal property, there will be no cost to the
property owner for work conducted by the City, with exception of works as outlined in
1019.8.4. Should a contractor attend the property prior to the City being notified, the City will
not be responsible for any claims or requests for billing reductions in accordance with
1019.8.8.
1019.8.4
Accessibility for thawing services
The water supply must be accessible for inspection and thawing by City staff. At the
discretion of the City, should the water supply be deemed inaccessible, it will be the
property owner's responsibility to correct the accessibility requirement to the City's
specifications. Once the supply has been made accessible, the City will return to conduct
the inspection of the water supply.
1019.8.5
Prioritization of thawing services
A frozen water service supplies list will be completed detailing time and date of call and
water service supply requirement. At the discretion of the City, the list will be prioritized in
the following order by assessing needs and potential risk. The commercial, industrial,
institutional facilities sector (ICI) will be prioritized first and then residential service requests
on a first come basis.
1019.8.6
Water Service - unavailable - temporary measures
The City will provide services to thaw the water supply. There may be circumstances where
the City is unable to thaw the service supply. Under these conditions, the City will
recommend that a shared water service be connected via a hose supplied by the City from
a neighboring property, in accordance with 1019.8.7.
Drinking Water System
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Orillia
1019.22
March 2026
1019.8.7
Donor water service supply
Where the City is unable to thaw the frozen water service supply, an alternate supply of
water will be required. It will be the property owner's responsibility to provide the City with a
neighboring property (donor) to supply the water. The City requires written authority from
the donor water service supply to connect to the shared water service.
1019.8.8
Billing - water and sewer usage
a)
At the discretion of the City, if the frozen water service supply is deemed to be
on private property the water must be left running internally at a steady stream
of a minimum 6 mm or ¼ inch (approximate thickness of a drinking straw) to
prevent subsequent freezing. The property owner will be responsible for the
total water consumption and associated sewer use charges until the service
line is deemed by the City to be operational. If the property owner stops the
water running internally before being advised to do so by the City and as a
result the municipal, private or shared supply connection freezes, the property
owner will be invoiced all charges associated with water usage and required
repairs.
b)
At the discretion of the City, if the frozen water service supply is deemed to be
on private property and the service line cannot be thawed and a donor water
service supply is required, the water must be left running internally at a steady
stream of a minimum 6 mm or ¼ inch (approximate thickness of a drinking
straw) to prevent subsequent freezing. The property owner will be responsible
for the total water consumption and associated sewer use charges until the
service line is deemed by the City to be operational. At the discretion of the
City, applicable charges will be based on the total consumption registered on
the donor water meter, minus the donor's water consumption in the previous
quarter, or on the basis of the corresponding quarter of the previous year. If
the property owner stops the water running internally before being advised to
do so by the City and as a result the municipal, private or shared supply
connection freezes, the property owner will be invoiced all charges associated
with water usage and required repairs.
c)
At the discretion of the City, if the frozen water service supply is deemed to be
on municipal property the water must be left running internally at a steady
stream of a minimum 6 mm or ¼ inch (approximate thickness of a drinking
straw) to prevent subsequent freezing. The property owner will be responsible
for sewer use charges only. At the discretion of the City, applicable charges
will be based on water consumed in the previous quarter, or on the basis of
the corresponding quarter of the previous year. If the property owner stops the
water running internally before being advised to do so by the City and as a
result the municipal, private or shared supply connection freezes, the property
owner will be invoiced all charges associated with water usage and required
repairs.
Drinking Water System
1019
Orillia
1019.23
March 2026
d)
At the discretion of the City, if the frozen water service supply is deemed to be
on municipal property and the service line cannot be thawed and a donor
water service supply is required, the water must be left running internally at a
steady stream of a minimum 6 mm or ¼ inch (approximate thickness of a
drinking straw) to prevent subsequent freezing. The property owner and donor
will be responsible for sewer use charges only. At the discretion of the City,
applicable charges will be based on water consumed in the previous quarter,
or on the basis of the corresponding quarter of the previous year. If the
property owner stops the water running internally before being advised to do
so by the City and as a result the municipal, private or shared supply
connection freezes, the property owner will be invoiced all charges associated
with water usage and required repairs.
1019.8.9
City not liable
a)
The City of Orillia will not be responsible for damages within the premises
due to frozen pipes or any other mechanical failure(s). The property
owner(s) at their expense will be responsible to ensure adequate
measures have been taken to protect the plumbing system and
mechanical system(s) or devices within the premises from freezing or any
other damages that may occur.
b)
The City will not be responsible for claims as a result of weather conditions
leading to frozen water service supply. All installations are made in
accordance with MECP and AWWA best practice and specification
standards. Claims where felt warranted, may be submitted to the City for
review. All claims must be received in writing to the Clerk's Office within 10
days of the incident.
Article 9
Water Use
1019.9.1
Address - odd - even - alternating
No person shall use municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent water
irrigation system for the purpose of any outside water use including, but not limited to
watering lawns or gardens, washing of vehicles, sidewalks or driveways or the filling of
swimming pools, except as follows:
(a)
an even numbered address may only use municipal water on even numbered
days of the month, between the hours of 5:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
to 9:00 P.M.;
(b)
an odd numbered address may only use municipal water on odd numbered
days of the month, between the hours of 5:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
to 9:00 P.M.
Drinking Water System
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Orillia
1019.24
March 2026
1019.9.2
General - prohibited - exemptions
Notwithstanding section 1019.9.1, the use of municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or
permanent water irrigation system for the following purposes shall be exempted:
(a)
watering of new trees or shrubs during installation and within 24 hours
following planting;
(b)
watering of newly placed sod or seed within 30 days following planting,
between the hours of 5:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
(c)
watering immediately before and after applying nematodes for grub
treatment.
1019.9.3
Outdoor water use ban - notice
Where the City deems it necessary that an outdoor water use ban be implemented, notice
shall be issued on the City's website and through local media (radio and newspaper).
1019.9.4
Outdoor water use ban - prohibition
Notwithstanding Section 1019.3.1 and 1019.3.2, where the City gives notice that an outdoor
water use ban is declared, no person shall use municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler
or permanent water irrigation system for the purpose of any outside water use.
Article 10
Requirement to Connect
1019.10.1
Properties required to connect
(a)
Pursuant to Section 86 of the Municipal Act, where existing residential,
industrial, commercial or institutional facilities are on a municipal street
with municipal water, the said facility will be required to connect to the
drinking water system at the person's expense within one year of
notification by the City to do so.
(b)
All new residential, commercial or institutional facilities will be required to
connect to the drinking water system unless there is an exemption
provided in the Official Plan, or the implementing Zoning By-law.
1019.10.2
Failure to connect
(a)
Pursuant to Section 446 of the Municipal Act, if the owner fails to make a
connection required within the one year period or such extended period
permitted hereunder, as Council grants, the City may make the connection
at the expense of the person and for this purpose may enter into and upon
the property subject to the requirements of Sections 435 to 439 of the
Municipal Act.
Drinking Water System
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Orillia
1019.25
March 2026
(b)
Pursuant to Section 446(3) of the Municipal Act, the costs of making such
connection may be recovered by action or by adding the costs to the tax
roll and collecting them in the same manner as municipal taxes upon the
land in respect of which the connection was made. The cost shall be
added to the Collector's Roll by the Treasurer of the City and shall be
collected in the same manner as overdue taxes and shall bear interest
from the date the first demand for payment is made at the same rate as
overdue taxes.
Article 11
General
1019.11.1
Private water supply
(a)
Under no circumstances will any private water supply system be
connected to the City's drinking water system without written authorization
from the City in compliance with applicable regulations.
(b)
A private well shall not be permitted as a primary or accessory structure
on any lands within the limits of the City boundary where the City's
watermain is available within the road allowance abutting the property.
(c)
Any well which is not being used shall be decommissioned in accordance
with Regulation 903 of the Ontario Water Resources Act or any future
amendments thereto.
1019.11.2
Exemptions
(a)
Well which legally existed prior to January 1, 2013.
(b)
Well that is installed for the purpose of environmental site remediation,
water monitoring or site dewatering.
1019.11.3
General prohibitions
Except as authorized by the City, no person shall:
(a)
Obtain water from the drinking water system that has not passed through
a water meter or that has not been obtained pursuant to an account.
(b)
Release any substance or material into the drinking water system or allow
any substance or material to be released into the drinking water system.
(c)
Contaminate the drinking water system or allow the drinking water system
to be contaminated.
(d)
Hinder, disrupt or cut off the supply of drinking water to any premises.
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March 2026
(e)
Enter any prohibited, fenced or enclosed area of the drinking water
system.
(f)
Climb on any structure that is part of the drinking water system.
(g)
Destroy, damage, remove, tamper, or interfere with any part of the
drinking water system.
(h)
Make, keep, use or dispose of any key or wrench for the purpose of
operating any part of the drinking water system.
Article 12
Enforcement
1019.12.1
Enforcement
A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer is hereby vested with the authority of enforcing the
provisions of this Chapter.
1019.12.2
Obstruction
No person shall hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct, any Officer exercising a
power or performing a duty under this Chapter. Any person who is alleged to have
contravened any of the provisions of this Chapter shall identify themselves to the Officer
upon request, and failure to do so shall be deemed to constitute obstruction or hindrance of
the Officer in the execution of their duties.
1019.12.3
Penalties
(a)
Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this Chapter is guilty
of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine or penalty as provided
for in the Provincial Offences Act.
(b)
Where a section of this Chapter has been contravened, a director or officer
of a corporation who knowingly concurs in the contravention is guilty of an
offence.
(c)
Upon conviction, in addition to any other remedy and to any penalty
imposed by this Chapter, the court in which the conviction has been
entered and any court of competent jurisdiction thereafter may make an
order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the offence by the person
convicted.
Drinking Water System
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Orillia
1019.27
March 2026
Article 13
Interpretation and Validity
1019.13.1
Headings
Headings are inserted for convenience of reference purposes only, form no part of this
Chapter and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of the provisions of
this Chapter.
1019.13.2
Amended references
Any references to a statute, regulation, by-law or other legislation or statutory
instrument in this Chapter shall include such statute, regulation, by-law or other
legislation or provision thereof as amended, revised, re-enacted and/or consolidated
from time to time and any successor legislation thereto.
1019.13.3
Schedules
All schedules to this Chapter shall form part of this Chapter.
1019.13.4
Validity and Severability
Every provision of this Chapter is declared severable from the remainder and if any
provision of this Chapter shall be declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction,
such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remainder.
Repealed and Replaced: By-law 2026-027, 30 March 2026.