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  Last updated Nov 5, 2008

Waterworks - What We Do

The Waterworks Department is responsible for the provision of safe water for domestic and commercial use throughout Markham. This responsibility includes the maintenance and repair of watermains up to the property line as well as the water meters inside the house. We are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of sanitary sewers and all appurtenances up to the property line.

Note: Underlined services have user fees  Click here for schedule of fees

 Customer Services

Waterworks Information 905-475-4862

Complaint and Service Requests
Odour from floor drains, poor water quality, low water pressure, leaking water meters and water shut-off and turn-on.

Investigations, Repairs and Replacements
Frozen meters, water services and hydrants, broken curb stops and water valves, no water supply, excessive height of curb boxes, noisy water meters and high water consumption.

Inquiry Response
Water hardness, bylaws governing effluent discharge into the sanitary sewer system, sanitary sewer and water service queries.

New and Existing Construction
Support services to builders/contractors for new & existing construction.

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 Water Bills

Water Billing 1-877-963-6900 (PowerStream)

Hydro bills and water bills are combined on the same invoice and billed by PowerStream. Residential water bills are issued every two months and commercial water bills are issued monthly. All bills are based on the amount of water consumed. This is determined by comparing the current meter reading to the previous meter reading. The water rate is reviewed annually in conjunction with the approval of the Town's annual budget for Waterworks.

The supply of water and the treatment of waste water is the responsibility of the Region of York. The Region of York invoices the Town for the supply of water and the treatment of waste water. The cost of this service is the responsibility of the benefiting ratepayers.

Water Pressure (low or no water pressure)
If you experience a sudden drop in water flow or water pressure, please check for possible causes:

  • Ensure that the incoming valveat the water meter was not closed or partially closed by accident. Check for other closed valves or restrictions in the plumbing system such as water softeners or filters.
  • Look for water pipes that may have frozen and thaw them with a hair dryer or by increasing the heat in the area (do not use a torch or open flame).

If the problem cannot be resolved, call 905-475-4862. Waterworks staff will investigate the nature of the problem and work with you to improve the situation.

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 Regularly Scheduled Maintenance

Waterworks Information 905-475-4862

Water Quality Assurance
Water samples taken from various points and laboratory quality testing to assure safe & quality drinking water.

Adequate Supply Assurance
Pressure testing and monitoring to assure adequate supply and pressure for domestic and firefighting purposes.

Repair and Maintenance
Unscheduled repair and preventative maintenance of the water and sanitary sewer distribution systems.

Utility Locates
Locate, identify and mark watermains and sanitary sewers for construction purposes.

Hydrants
Seconds count when responding to an emergency and emergency personnel need to find your hydrants quickly. Make sure any hydrants around or neer your business or home are visible and accessible. Do not plant any trees or bushes within six feet by hydrants and in winter months please ensure they are completely clear of snow. If you see anyone, other than Town employees, operating or using hydrants, please call 905-475-4862. After hours call 905-477-7000.

Maintenance of Fire Hydrants within the Town of Markham three to four times a year to ensure proper operation for emergency purposes. 

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 Emergency Services

Waterworks Information 905-475-4862 (from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) 
or 905-477-7000 after hours

The Waterworks Department addresses emergencies concerning the water and sanitary sewer distribution systems:

  • Water supply shut-off and turn-on
  • Watermain break repairs
  • Sewer/sewage problems:
    The Waterworks Department protects against basement flooding due to sanitary sewer back-up by cleaning and inspecting main line (street) sanitary sewers and maintaining them on a regular basis.

    Flooding problems caused by sewer blockage or blocked drains should be reported to the Waterworks Department. Problems with sewers located on the street's right-of-way will be repaired or cleared. Homeowners are responsible for problems located on private property. To help prevent drain blockage, please do not pour grease into sanitary drains or use food waste disposal unit. Waterworks will investigate sewer back-ups and advise the homewoners how to proceed.

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 Other Activities

Waterworks Information 905-475-4862

The Waterworks Department has several long term projects in operation:

Corrosion Protection
Cathodic protection of iron water mains to reduce watermain breaks and prolong service life.

Water Efficiency Strategy (W.E.S.)
Promoting "wise use" of water to reduce wasteful usage and encouraging use of water saving devices. Reducing mainline losses and providing adequate supply through system management. Visit "Tips & Information" for more details

Meter Conversions
Replacement of water meters to reduce operating and maintenance cost and improve reading & billing efficiency. Visit " Water Meter Facts" for useful information about your water meter

Sewer Inspections
Sanitary sewer lines and laterals are inspected with remote video equipment to determine their existing structural and service conditions.

Infrastructure Renewal, Repair and Maintenance

Upgrading and rehabilitation of existing water and sanitary sewer distribution systems to assure optimum service delivery and minimize interruption of services in a cost effective manner.

 

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