Water

Water Service Ownership

Every residential and commercial property in the city that is serviced by the water distribution system will have their own individual water service suppling water to the property. 

The water service is the single pipe servicing the property that comes from the common watermain that supplies water to the street. 

The city owns and is responsible for all maintenance and repairs of the water service stub up to the property line as well as the curb stop which is the valve and box that is used to isolate the water supply to the dwelling. The property owner owns and is responsible for the water service beyond the property line called the water service extension or often times referred to as the “private side”. 

If a water leak is determined to be on the water service extension or “private side”, the property owner will be responsible for all costs associated with correcting the issue.  

For more information on water service ownership, please refer to City of Stratford Policy W.1.1. Water Service Ownership or by calling the City of Stratford Environmental Services Department at 519-271-0250 ext. 5222.

Hydration Station

In an effort to further promote municipal drinking water, and to cut down on single-use plastic water bottles, the City of Stratford has a mobile water station available for local community events, at no cost.

The Hydration Station is a portable unit that can be used at outdoor functions in Stratford where there are no water fountains. It is simply hooked up to a municipal water connection, and fresh, clean water is made available through drinking fountains and water bottle fill taps on the front. 

The requirements for use of the Hydration Station:

• The event must take place in Stratford, within City limits
• Minimum event attendance of 100 people
• The event must be open to the public
• The event must be at least four hours in length
• Hydration Station must be placed in a prominent location, approved by City staff
• A suitable water connection must be available
• The unit will be available from May 1 until the Thanksgiving weekend

The Hydration Station is booked on a first-come, first-serve basis by contacting the City of Stratford Water Division. With the exception of sporting events, outdoor events taking place on municipal property will request the unit through the Special Event Application.

Drinking Water Source Protection

Source water is the raw, untreated water that we take from lakes, rivers and underground aquifers to supply people with drinking water. “Drinking Water Source Protection” or “Source Water Protection” means protecting these sources of drinking water from contamination and overuse. 

For more information, visit our Drinking Water Source Protection page.

Fluoride Fact Sheet

The Resident Letter regarding Fluoride in the City's drinking water was prepared the Huron Perth Public Health Department. For any additional questions or concerns, please contact Huron Perth Public Health at 1-888-221-2133 for more information.

Sodium Notice - 03-27-2023

The Resident Letter regarding Sodium in the City’s drinking water and the accompanying Sodium Fact Sheet were prepared the Huron Perth Public Health Department.  For any additional questions or concerns, please contact Huron Perth Public Health at 1-888-221-2133 for more information.

Driveway Replacement Planning - Locating Water Boxes

If a property owner is planning to have a driveway installed or replaced, we ask that they book an appointment with water services division so that the water curb box can be located before work on the driveway begins. 

It is important to have these boxes located and checked for operation before driveway work is scheduled to ensure they are visible and working properly. Failure to do so may result in a new driveway being compromised if the curb box needs to be repaired or replaced at a later date. 

The curb box is located in either the driveway or lawn of your property. The top of the curb box has a round cap that may be visible. 

It is important to have these boxes located and checked for operation before driveway work is scheduled to ensure they are visible and working properly. Failure to do so may result in a new driveway being compromised if the curb box needs to be repaired or replaced at a later date. 

Access and operation of the curb box is critical as it serves as the water shut off between the street and the property. Occasionally property owners need the water shut off, but the City is unable to do so as the valve box is bent or broken. The curb box repair or replacement will be done at the City’s expense. However, the City is only responsible for the curb box, not the driveway. 

We recommend that homeowners contact the City to schedule an inspection of the curb box before driveway work is done so that repairs will not need to be made after the driveway is completed. There is no cost to the homeowner for this curb box inspection.

To book an appointment, please call the City of Stratford Water Division at (519)-271-0250 ext. 222 during regular business hours.

Frozen Water Services

In the past, the City of Stratford has experienced deeper than normal frost levels. As frost reaches deeper depths, this can result in an increase in the freezing of water services.

For more information, visit our Frozen Water Services page.

Discoloured Water

Occasionally, the water coming from the taps in your home may appear yellowish or rusty coloured.

See our Frequently Asked Questions about Discoloured Water for typical causes of discoloured water, tips for clearing discoloured water, and how to contact the Water Division.

 

Annual Reports

Water and Sewer Rates