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# Lakefield - Water and Sewer Systems
Selwyn Township operates both the Lakefield Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants for approximately 1,100 homes and businesses in the Village of Lakefield.
## Billing
Residential
#### Residential Due Dates
* Flat-rate accounts will be sent every 2 months by the 8th of the month and will be due on the 28th of the month.
| Period | Billed by | Due Date | 2026 Amount |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Jan 1 - Feb 28 | Mar 8 | Mar 28 | $240.70 |
| Mar 1 - Apr 30 | May 8 | May 28 | $240.70 |
| May 1 - Jun 30 | Jul 8 | Jul 28 | $240.70 |
| Jul 1 - Aug 31 | Sep 8 | Sep 28 | $243.10 |
| Sep 1 - Oct 31 | Nov 8 | Nov 28 | $243.10 |
| Nov 1 - Dec 31 | Jan 8 | Jan 28 | $243.10 |
*Note: Amount determined annually as part of the budget process.*
Industrial, Commercial, Institutional
#### Industrial, Commercial, Institutional Due Dates
* Metered accounts will be sent every month by the 8th of the month and will be due on the 28th of the month.
Penalty and Reminder Notices
Reminder notice will be issued for balances over $10.00.
Penalty is charged at the rate of 10% on default.
Unpaid Water & Sewer balances over $25.00 will be added to the Property Tax account and collected like taxes if they remain unpaid 10 days past the date of the reminder notice.
Owner/Tenant Accounts
### Ownership Changes
If the registered owner of a property changes, the new owner will need to complete the owner authorization form for existing tenant: this ensures they understand the implications of unpaid bills.
### Tenants
#### Moving In?
When a new tenant moves in and is responsible for paying the water and sewer bill, they must complete the Lakefield Water and Sewer: Account Changes Form.
When Township staff receive this Form, they contact the property owner to have them complete an Authorization Form allowing us to create the account on behalf of their tenant.
#### Moving Out?
When a tenant moves out, they will need to complete the Lakefield Water and Sewer: Account Changes Form to no longer be responsible for billing.
Payment Options
Water and Sewer Invoices can be paid by pre-authorized payment plan, online/telephone banking, cash, debit, cheque, or credit card through PaySimply. For details, please see our Payment Options and Information page.
Lakefield Water and Sewer Rates
* Lakefield 2026 Water Rates effective July 1st 2026
* Lakefield 2026 Sewer Rates effective July 1st 2026
## Other Information
Water Service Shut Offs
Residents of the Village of Lakefield may request that their water service be shut off, and subsequently restored, for a number of reasons. This may include seasonal residents, extended vacations, utility issues, etc.
To request a water service shut off or turn on, please complete the Form.
Watering Restrictions
In accordance with the Watering Restrictions By-law, the Township of Selwyn asks residents to observe lawn and garden watering restrictions in order to ensure there is enough water for everyone. The Township of Selwyn may add a $50 surcharge to the water bill of residents who choose not to comply.
From May 15 to September 15
* Even-numbered addresses may water only on even-numbered days from 7-9 am and 6-10 pm.
* Odd-numbered addresses may water only on odd-numbered days from 7-9 am and 6-10 pm.
Watermain Flushing Program
The Watermain Flushing Program aims to maintain drinking water quality and increase the capacity of the distribution system by cleaning the pipes.
This is done by forcing water through watermains at high speed and discharging it through hydrants, which are left open until the water runs clear. This fast-moving water flow scours and cleans out mineral deposits and sediment that have built up over time and settled at the bottom of the pipes.
Residents may experience a temporary discolouration of water while the watermain is being flushed. Any disruption should be short-lived.
### Steps to Take During and After Flushing
#### During Flushing
* Do not turn on your taps or flush your toilets. This could draw sediment into the water pipes on your property, water meter, hot water tank and into water filters.
* Turn off all time-delayed water systems, i.e. dishwashers, coffee markers, lawn sprinklers.
* On average, flushing can take 30 minutes to two hours to complete.
#### Once Flushing is Complete
If you should notice iron-coloured water:
* Turn on the cold water tap located nearest to your main water shut off valve.
* Let the water run until it is clear, which may take up to 20-30 minutes.
Sump Pump Inspection Program
The Township of Selwyn's Sump Pump Inspection Program provides homeowners in the Village of Lakefield with the opportunity to schedule an inspection with a specialist to verify that the residential sump pump is appropriately connected to a drainage system and not to the sanitary sewage system.
The inspector will work with homeowners to ensure proper sump pump installation and provide recommended solutions for suitable connections, if required.
In addition to the inspection, there will be an opportunity to review best practices in water and wastewater with the inspector including:
* A property walk around to ensure proper extension of downspouts away from the home's foundation
* Discussing best practices for water conservation and the Township regulations on lawn watering
* Reviewing the clean-out location of the sanitary service within the home
* Exploring the location of incoming water services and related turn off valves
To schedule an inspection, contact the Water & Sewer Supervisor at 705-292-9507 ext. 225. Please specify your full name, address and preferred inspection time.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### What is a Residential Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a small pump installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. Usually, sump pumps are installed in specially constructed sump pits. Ground water flows into the sump pit through drains or by natural water migration through the soil. The sump pump's job is to pump the water out of the pit and away from the building so that the basement or crawlspace stays dry and to prevent it from flooding.
#### What Happens During an Inspection?
An inspection for a typical home will usually be completed in less than one hour. The inspector will walk around the exterior of the house looking at the discharge points for downspouts and area drains, such as yard, patio, window well, driveway or stairwell drains. He will also look in basement areas or crawl spaces to identify the sump pump and its point of discharge.
#### How do I Prepare for an Inspection?
The only preparation needed for the inspection is to make sure that the sump pump is accessible for the inspector, please clear a path if needed.
#### What is the Inspector Looking For?
The inspector is looking for improper connections to the sanitary sewer system. An improper connection is defined as a connection that allows for clear water to be discharged directly into the separate sanitary sewer system. Clear water should either be going to the storm sewer or be allowed to soak into the ground without entering the sanitary sewer.
#### What Happens After the Inspection?
Depending on the result of the inspection, nothing may need to be done. If the inspector determines that there are improper connections and drainage, he will work with the home owner to provide a list of solutions. A second inspection may be booked if necessary.
#### How do I Book an Inspection?
To schedule an inspection, contact the Water & Sewer Supervisor at 705-292-9507 ext. 225 or by email here. Please specify your full name, address and preferred inspection time.
Know Your Responsibility
What Not to Flush!
Wastewater treatment equipment is designed for toilet paper and human waste. The following items should not be flushed down a toilet or poured down a drain:
* Fats, Oils, Greases (FOGs) - Food scraps, butter, cooking oil, soups and sauces are all types of FOGs
* feminine hygiene products
* wipes of any kind
* paper towels
* rags
* dental floss
Drinking Water Quality Management Standard
The framework surrounding municipal drinking water is constantly changing ever since the Walkerton tragedy. The Ministry of Environment has been working with municipal stakeholders to develop a Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) to complement the comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework in Ontario.
The Township of Selwyn has developed an Operational Plan that meets the requirements of the DWQMS for the new municipal licencing regulation, including a Drinking Water Quality Policy.
Additional information on the new licencing program is available at the Drinking Water Ontario website.
### Annual Monitoring Reports for Lakefield
* 2024 Annual Report - Lakefield Waterworks
* 2024 Annual Report on Drinking Water Quality
* 2025 Summary Report - Lakefield Water Treatment Plant
* 2025 Annual Report - Lakefield Drinking Water System
Source Water Protection
We all have a role to play in caring for our water. The first step is protecting the surface or ground water that supplies municipal drinking water systems. This is called Source Water Protection
The Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Region includes both the Trent and Ganaraska watersheds. Under the Act, Source Protection Areas were established based on the watershed boundaries of Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities. The Crowe Valley, Ganaraska, Kawartha, Lower Trent and Otonabee Conservation Authorities have entered into a partnership for this region. These five Conservation Authorities encompass a 14,500 square kilometre area stretching from Algonquin Park to Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte. Collectively they comprise The Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Region.
* Lakefield Septic - Mandatory Septic System Inspections
* Lakefield Water - Municipal Intake Protection Zone
Budgets and Financial Plans
* 2026 Budget
* 2026-2032 Lakefield Water System Financial Plan
For Lakefield Water and Sewer forms, go to our Forms, Applications, Permits page.
Contact Us
Township of Selwyn
1310 Centre Line
Selwyn, Ontario
Canada K9J 6X5
(705) 292-9507