Water Service Options in Ottawa

Unlike electricity or internet providers, water service in Ottawa is municipally operated with one provider serving all connected homes.

Who Provides Water in Ottawa?

The City of Ottawa Water Utility provides:

• Drinking water supply

• Wastewater treatment

• Stormwater services

All urban residential properties connected to city infrastructure receive service through this system.

Where Does Ottawa’s Water Come From

Ottawa’s drinking water comes primarily from the Ottawa River.

Water is treated at advanced municipal plants before distribution throughout the city.

Why this matters to homeowners

• Reliable freshwater supply

• Continuous water quality monitoring

• Seasonal river conditions managed through treatment processes

How Water Gets to Your Home

Every serviced home typically has:

• A water service line connecting to city mains

• A smart water meter inside the property

• Shut-off valves for emergency use

Automated meter technology allows remote readings.

How Water Billing Works

Water is fully metered, meaning homeowners pay based on usage.

Bills are typically issued every two months.

Charges included

Your bill generally combines:

• Water consumption

• Wastewater treatment charges

• Stormwater fees

• Fixed service charges

Wastewater costs are calculated based on incoming water usage.

What Happens When You Buy and Move Into a Home

When ownership changes:

• Lawyers notify the City of Ottawa.

• Utility accounts transfer to the new owner.

• Final meter readings determine cost adjustments.

• New billing cycle begins under the homeowner.

Water charges are attached to the property and settled during closing.

Homeowner Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Interior plumbing and leaks

• Frozen pipe prevention

• Private service line maintenance on your property

• Maintaining access to the water meter

• Paying all utility charges associated with the home