Water and Sewer

Water codes

Sewer codes

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What are some ways to reduce my consumption?

A: Installing low flow devices such as toilets or faucets; turning off the tap while you brush your teeth, wash dishes, etc.; high efficiency dishwasher and washing machine use less water; reduce shower time; and consider collecting rain water to use in the garden.

Q: What are some of the fix costs of water and wastewater delivery?

A: Hydro for the plants, regulatory sampling requirements, infrastructure upgrades, equipment maintenance, etc.

Q: Why are these fixed costs shared?

A: One of the main reasons this cost exists and is shared between all users is so that every building that has access to Municipal Drinking Water or Municipal Wastewater is sharing the costs associated with the service being provided. Some homes in the system are not used as a primary address, but they are still paying the same amount to have access to the systems.

Q: Does a house pay the same amount as a commercial building for water and wastewater delivery?

A: These fees are based on the water meter size, which is assigned a unit value. A house with a ¾” meter is assigned one unit 

Q: Why is wastewater billed using the amount of water consumption?

A: Water into the house is relatively equal to the amount of water leaving the house in the sanitary sewer. This would be water from toilets, showers, sinks, washing machines, etc. entering the sanitary sewer to be treated. 

• Pre-authorized utility payment plans

Sign up for one of our pre-authorized payment plans:

1. Billed amount on the account on the due date of the utility billing
2. Fixed Amount on the account on the last business day of the month

     To sign up, fill out the Pre-Authorized Utility Payment Plan form

• At your Bank

Grey Highlands accepts payments through most banking institutions. Please register with your bank by using your account number located on your tax bill.

• In Person

Payments are accepted at the Grey Highlands Municipal Office located at 206 Toronto Street South Markdale.

• By credit card

Grey Highlands uses Paymentus to allow you to pay your tax and utility bills by credit card. Please note Paymentus charges an additional fee for this service (2.95% for tax bills and $5.95 per $250.00 for water bills).

• By Mail

Payments can be mailed to:

Municipality of Grey Highlands

PO Box 409

Markdale ON N0C 1H0

Water and wastewater rates by system - See schedule A

2021 water and wastewater rate study and financial plan

Markdale water system - is a Class 1 Treatment and Class 1 distribution system. The system consists of three drilled wells and two pumping stations. Both pumping stations pump directly into the distribution system and elevated standpipe.

Kimberley-Amik-Talisman water system - is a Class 3 treatment and Class 1 distribution system. The system consists of two raw water springs and a conventional filtration packaged plant. A storage reservoir provides water via a pumped and a gravity water main.

The Municipality has a Drinking Water Quality Management System in place under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002

Find out more in the Waterworks By-law 2009-27.

The public utilities staff have created a water quality survey to collect feedback from municipal water system users on their satisfaction of their water and service levels. Please take a moment to complete the survey.

The Municipality of Grey Highlands will be undertaking a water meter replacement program to update the water meters for the Markdale and Kimberley-Amik-Talisman water system users. This program is anticipated to take six years to complete (2019- 2024), and the work will be scheduled by streets or subdivision.

The new Neptune meters will improve the efficiency of reading water meters through the installation of radio frequency meters. Once a new meter is installed, the need for municipal staff to enter homes/businesses or private property to obtain meter readings will be minimized. The new meters are more accurate, but the total volume on the bill will still be cubic meters and billed according to the current water rates. When a community reduces water use, it benefits everyone by preserving the resource and deferring the investment in water supply infrastructure.

To assist this program, we are asking property owners to contact Public Utilities Department to set up an appointment within ten business days of receiving this notice. The Municipality is legislated to maintain an accurate record of water consumption within the distribution system. There will be no cost associated with the new water meter.

It is safe

The Public Utilities department must meet strict requirements under Ontario’s Safe Drinking Water Act.

Water from the system is tested regularly for bacteria levels and tested for more than 70 chemicals. We also monitor our water quality 24/7 to make sure it is safe for you and your family. All of our sample results are available for anyone to review.

It costs less

To buy a case of 500 mL bottle of water, you will spend roughly $2.00 to $6.00. If you chose to use a 500 mL reusable water bottle instead, you could refill the same bottle 2000 times for only $0.73 in Markdale, or 1000 times for $1.42 in Kimberley.

Don’t like the taste?

Grey Highlands uses chlorine to disinfect the water from harmful bacteria. Although we use a small amount, some people are still sensitive to the taste and smell of chlorine in drinking water. Here are some tips to help minimize the chlorine taste:

• Refrigerate tap water a few hours before drinking, this allows chlorine to dissipate
• Fill a water cooler jug, this allows chlorine to dissipate
• Install a carbon filter on your faucet you fill a glass with
• Add lemon or lime for a refreshing taste

A better choice for the environment

Drinking tap water is an environmentally responsible and sustainable practice. Choosing tap water prevents single-use plastic bottles from ending up in our landfill. Tap water saves the energy required to manufacture, transport and recycle single-use bottles.

Tap water is convenient

To help make drinking tap water the most convenient choice:

• Remember to bring a reusable bottle with you
• Keep a container filled at home or work
• Have a glass by your bed if you get thirsty through the nights
• Let kids choose their own reusable bottle with a fun pattern and a lid they can operate
• Have a large container you can fill with water, ice and sliced citrus or cucumbers when hosting an event

Water Shut Off

If you require the water to be shut off to your home due to work being done, please contact the environmental services staff a minimum of 48 hours before the required shut off time. utilities@greyhighlands.ca

Markdale wastewater system - is a Class 2 treatment and Class 2 collection system. The system consists of mainly gravity sanitary sewers, two pumping stations, two lagoons and an effluent disposal system of eight rapid infiltration basins.

Amik-Talisman wastewater system - is a Class 1 treatment and Class 1 collection system. The system consists of gravity sanitary sewers, two lagoons and an effluent spray irrigation system.

Flesherton wastewater system - is a Class 3 treatment and Class 2 collection system. The system consists of gravity sanitary sewers, one pumping station, an extended aeration package plant and an effluent disposal system of sand filtration and UV treatment prior to discharge into the Boyne River.

Find out more information in the Sewer Use By-law 2012-25.

To help mitigate a sewer backup, read our sewer do's and don'ts.

Reducing fats, oils and greases is another way to prevent sewer backup.

If you are digging on your property, you are required to submit a locate request. Visit the Ontario One Call site to submit your locate request online, or call 1-800-400-2255.

Please note that the Municipality does not locate water and sewer lines past the property line. 

As a property owner on the municipal water or sewer systems in Grey Highlands, you are responsible for repairs on the water and sewer lines that are between your home and the property line. The Municipality is responsible for maintenance and repairs of the municipal water or sewer pipes only up to the property line.

If a line requires repair or replacement on your property, it is your responsibility to pay for these repairs which can be costly, depending on the type of work.

To help prepare for the unexpected, the Municipality is advising all property owners on municipal water or sewer check their insurance companies to see if they offer coverage for water and sewer line protection.

Alternatively, there is an optional repair program which provides coverage to your outside lines, and in-home plumbing. The program is administered through Service Line Warranties of Canada and they provide coverage 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. https://www.slwofc.ca/