I need my water turned off/on.
How can I get my water shut raised, lowered, repaired or located? Who do I contact for sewer locates?
I have low water flow or poor water pressure. Who can I get to look at it?
Why does my drinking water taste or smell funny? Will this smelly water make me sick?
My Water Service line is frozen. What should I do?
My sewer has backed up, who do I contact?
If I have a concern about unusual taste, odour or colour of my drinking water, where can I have it tested?
When can I water my lawn?
I need my water turned off/on.
If there is an internal problem such as a broken water pipe in your home or building, you can shut the water off at the main shut-off valve usually located in the basement. If the shut-off valve is broken or you are unable to turn it off, contact our Sewer and Water Maintenance Department at (905) 546-4426 for an emergency shut-off.
To have the water turned back on, contact (905) 546-4426.
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How can I get my water shut raised, lowered, repaired or located? Who do I contact for sewer locates?
Information on water shutoff's and water line locates can be obtained by contacting the Sewer and Water Maintenance Department at (905) 546-4426.
Information on sewer locates should be requested from a Technical Services Assistant at 905-546-2424 x 4465.
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I have low water flow or poor water pressure. Who can I get to look at it?
Temporary low pressure can be caused by heavy water use in your area such as lawn watering, a water main break, a fire hydrant in use, etc. Permanent low pressure could be caused by the location of your home - on a hill or far from the pumping station. Your home could also have undersized pipes, or the pipes may have a lot of scale in them. To report any permanent drop in water pressure or to have your water pressure checked, contact the Sewer and Water Maintenance Department at (905) 546-4426.
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Why does my drinking water taste or smell funny? Will this smelly water make me sick?
Water may taste stale if it has been sitting in the incoming pipes for too long. Flushing out the pipes in your home by turning on all the faucets at the same time for a few minutes may get rid of the bad taste.
You may also experience episodes of taste and odour in your drinking water which generally occur in the late summer and/or early fall. This is usually the result of algae growth in the lake, partially caused by the change of season. Different types of algae can cause your water to taste and smell musty. Although the taste and odour can be objectionable to consumers it is not considered to be a public health problem. Refrigerating the water will help eliminate the odour, and adding some lemon slices will help remove any bitter taste.
The filtration process at the Woodward Avenue Water Treatment Facility is currently being upgraded by the addition of granulated activated carbon (GAC) in the filters to remove taste
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My Water Service line is frozen. What should I do?
Customers may make their own attempts to thaw out their private service using examples listed below or book an appointment with City forces to have the work done at a cost of $367.00. To book an appointment contact the Sewer and Water Maintenance Department at (905) 546-4426.
How to Reduce the Risk of Frozen Water Pipes:
-Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses
-Shut off and drain all outdoor faucets
-Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas of your home and garage
-Seal air leaks throughout your home and garage
-Let a cold water faucet run a minimal amount of water on nights when the temperature is below freezing to prevent service line freeze-up
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My sewer has backed up, who do I contact?
Please contact the water distribution section at (905)546-4426 for information.
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If I have a concern about unusual taste, odour or colour of my drinking water, where can I have it tested?
If the homeowner obtains their water from the municipal system and they wish to have their water tested, contact the Sewer and Water Maintenance Department at (905) 546-4426.
If the homeowner obtains their water from a private well:
Test bottles can be picked up and dropped off at Municipal Service Centres Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 4:30
contact the Public Health Laboratories at (905) 385-5379 for microbiological analysis. Their hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and a drop off box is available After Hours at 250 Fennell Avenue West.
contact the City of Hamilton's Environmental Laboratory at (905) 546-4432 for chemical analysis. Their hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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When can I water my lawn?
The Water Works By-Law restricts lawn and garden watering to every other day.
- Even-numbered municipal addresses are permitted to water on even-numbered days.
- Odd-numbered municipal addresses are permitted to water on odd-numbered days.
- Residents without a municipal address number are permitted to water on odd-numbered days if they are located on the west or north side of the street and on even-numbered days if they are located on the east or south side of the street.
While there are no time restrictions, it is best to water in the early morning or late evening when the water demand is lower. Also, it is best to water your lawn in the early morning because more of the water is absorbed.
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