Low Water Pressure - Problems of low water pressure should be reported to Public Works at 223-2367, and they will investigate and advise you as to what should be done.   If you get dirty water from a tap, it probably indicates a disturbance in the system, such as a fire or fire hydrants being flushed.  Let the cold water run until it runs clear, if this takes longer than an hour, call Public Works at 223-2367. Sewer Odours in Your House - Sewer odours in your house are almost always caused by a dry trap.  Look for a drain or sink or appliance which is used very little or not at all, and run some water in it to fill the trap and stop the sewer gas.  If the problem persists, call Public Works at 223-2367 and the City will try to help you. Sewer Backing Up - Sewers backing up are rarely a problem in our system.  It is almost always within your house, or the line leading from the house to the main.   This line is the homeowners responsibility.  In all cases, call a plumber, and he will advise what the problem is, and what must be done.  If the problem turns out to be in the City's system, the City will reimburse you the plumbers bill. The most common problem is tree roots, and if you have a large willow or maple in the front yard, that is the likely suspect.   Foreign objects, such as children's toys flushed and lodged in the pipe are occasionally found, and often the problem is the pipe itself, broken or collapsed.   If the plumber advises that the line must be dug up, call in at Public Works at 159 King Street to sign a request, and the City will do this work.  The City does not permit private parties to get involved except in unusual circumstances, as the City often pays part of the bill.  If you want to have others do the work, call the City Engineer at 223-2367.  If the problem is structural collapse of the part of the pipe on the street allowance, the City pays for the repair.  If not, the householder pays the first $1000, and the City pays all costs over $1000.  The householder pays all costs for work on their property.  The City will rough grade private property after finishing the job, but will not do any landscaping; that is left to the householder. Report Sewer and Water Trouble - To report watermain or sewermain breaks or unusual flows, floods, or odours in the street, call Public Works at 223-2367 during office hours.  Large breaks, that is where water is bubbling up in the street and/or where a safety hazard exists should be reported immediately, during off hours, call 223-5391.

Home Flood Protection, Sump Pumps and Weeping Tile System