Water and Wastewater
Oxford County owns and is responsible for the management, maintenance, and long-term capital planning for the County's water and wastewater system as a whole.
The Town of Tillsonburg's Water/Wastewater Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems within the municipality.
The Town conducts watermain and hydrant flushing on a regular basis throughout the year--typically in the spring and fall. This preventative maintenance ensures an acceptable water quality is maintained.
Residents may notice some cloudy or discoloured water when watermain flushing occurs. These temporary side effects are not hazardous to the public and can be cleared up by simply turning on the cold water taps to clear the system.
Tillsonburg's drinking water distribution system is owned by Oxford County and operated by the Town. To learn more about drinking water quality, see the Drinking Water pages on the Oxford County website.
If you have concerns about your drinking water, report it to the Customer Service Centre.
In extremely cold temperatures it is possible for poorly insulated or shallow water services to freeze--resulting in reduced water pressure or even no water at all.
If you find that water service to your home has stopped, report it to the Customer Service Centre.
For more tips on what to do if your water service is frozen, download Frequently Asked Questions - Frozen Water Service.
If you think your sewer service lateral is backed up, report it to the Customer Service Centre. Staff can investigate the problem using a camera, but you will be instructed to contact a plumber of your choice to address the problem.
Causes of sewer backups
The most common cause of a backed up drains or basement flooding in your home is a blockage in the sewer pipe connecting your home to the sanitary main under the street. Blockages can be caused by:
- tree roots growing into the service lateral pipe
- too much fat, oil or grease buildup in the service lateral pipe
- structural problems such as sagging or collapse of the service lateral pipe
Repair responsibilities
The responsibility for sewer service repairs depends on where the issue is located in the system and what caused it. The responsibility chart below summarizes who is responsible for the various types of conditions of sewer lateral issues.
| Service Lateral Condition | Cost of Auger | Cost of Camera | Cost of Construction |
| Blockage on Town property | Town | Town | Town |
| Blockage on Town property due to inappropriate material (i.e. toys) or other objects/issues originating from private property | Owner | Town | Owner |
| Blockage on private property | Owner | Town | Owner |
| Root blockage on Town property with tree on private property | Owner | Town | Owner |
| Root blockage on private property with tree on private property | Owner | Town | Owner |
| Root blockage on private property with tree on property line | Town | Town | Owner |
| Root blockage on Town property with tree on property line | Town | Town | Town |
| Root blockage on Town property with tree on Town property | Town | Town | Town |
Watermain breaks usually result from external corrosion of the pipe and typically occur in the winter season as the surrounding soil expands and contracts with extreme weather changes.
A watermain break can have the appearance of a flooded roadway. Residents in the area can also experience a significant reduction in water pressure.
If you have a concern about a watermain, report it to the Customer Service Centre.
Connections
Residents who wish to connect to the municipal water system are permitted provided there are services available at the property line and there are no outstanding servicing fees.
If no connection is available at the property line, then you will need to contact the Customer Service Centre and a connection fee will apply.
Reminders for residents
Call before you dig
Planting a tree, building a deck or a fence? Contact OntarioOneCall.ca first to get a free locate of underground lines and pipes so you can dig safely. Remember you are liable for any damage or injury caused by interfering with any buried infrastructure.
Request your free locate online or call 1-800-400-2255. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Keep hydrants clear
To ensure fire hydrants can be accessed in an emergency, please keep hydrants clear of snow, brush, garbage and vehicles at all times.
Prevent sewer backups
- place a strainer in the sink to catch food scraps and other solids for disposal
- scrape solidified grease and food scraps from cookware and plates into the garbage
- do not pour grease down the sink drain or toilet. It will cling to the sides of your pipe and build up over time
- do not use your sink as a garbage disposal
- do not flush foreign objects down the toilet or let them fall into the drain