Water & Wastewater
Oxford County owns and is responsible for the management, maintenance, and long-term capital planning for the County's water and wastewater systems. Oxford County operates all Water Treatment facilities and Wastewater Treatment Plants. The City of Woodstock and the Town of Tillsonburg operate portions of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Oxford County operates and maintains the water distribution and wastewater collection system in the remaining Area Municipalities and select portions of the City of Woodstock and Town of Tillsonburg systems.
If you have questions about water quality or meter issues, please contact your billing agent as shown on your utility bill. For after-hour emergency calls, find the numbers for your area listed on the Billing page.
Questions? Contact Public Works at 1-800-755-0394 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
What's new
Sanitary sewer fog testing in Woodstock, May 22 – June 16 |
Fog testing is happening in the northwest end of Woodstock this spring as part of Oxford County’s regular sanitary sewer maintenance. Fog testing uses a quick release of vapour through sewer manholes and pipes to identify sources of rainwater entering the sanitary sewers. During testing, the vapour may be seen leaving manholes, the sewer plumbing stack on top of houses, stormwater catch basins, or roof downspouts at the side of a house. The vapour has no odour, disappears in a few minutes, and is not harmful to people or pets. If your area is being tested, you will receive a direct notice mailed to your home. Testing will take from May 22 to June 16, 2023, on a rotating schedule by street from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Annual spring watermain flushing |
Starting on April 3, 2023, annual spring watermain flushing begins in Oxford County and is expected to be complete on May 22, 2023. For additional information and to find out when flushing will happen in your community, visit the watermain maintenance section. Sweaburg: An earlier schedule indicated flushing in Sweaburg would take place on Monday, May 22. This date has been changed to Tuesday, May 23. |
Drinking water system annual reports |
County Council received the 2022 Annual Water System Performance Summary reports in February. The reports show that the County treated and supplied approximately 10.9 million cubic metres of clean, safe and reliable drinking water to 21 communities through 17 drinking water systems last year. Approximately 13.6 million cubic metres of wastewater was treated in 2022. Four of the nine County municipal wastewater treatment plants achieved 100% compliance ratings: Ingersoll, Mount Elgin, Tavistock and Thamesford. The remaining ratings encompass Drumbo 94%, Norwich 99%, Plattsville 97%, Tillsonburg 98% and Woodstock 99%. Read the 2022 drinking water system annual reports online here. |
Annual wastewater system performance reports |
County Council received the 2022 Annual Wastewater Treatment Plant Summary Reports and the 2022 Annual Biosolids Summary Report at the March 8 Council meeting. Together, the reports show continued strong performance in managing wastewater generated by more than 70,000 residents and businesses in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Approximately 13.6 million cubic metres of wastewater was treated in 2022. Four of the nine County municipal wastewater treatment plants achieved 100% compliance ratings: Ingersoll, Mount Elgin, Tavistock and Thamesford. The remaining ratings encompass Drumbo 94%, Norwich 99%, Plattsville 97%, Tillsonburg 98% and Woodstock 99%. Read the 2022 wastewater system performance reports online here. |
Water and wastewater rate changes for 2023 |
Starting on January 1, 2023, new rates for water and wastewater come into effect. Rates for 2021-2024 were set in 2020 following public consultation and will vary depending on where you live in Oxford County. View the rates for your community in the Rates & By-Laws section Rate notices: Townships | Ingersoll | Tillsonburg | Woodstock Utility bill insert: New water and wastewater rates for 2023 |
Keep fats, oils and grease out of the drain |
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Estimate your water and wastewater bill |
Oxford County's online calculator lets you estimate the monthly and annual water bill for someone living in your community. Try the calculator here |
Need a locate? Call before you dig. |
Before you dig, you must contact On 1 Call for all water and sewer locates. On 1 Call offers a free, 24/7 locate service both online or by calling 1-800-400-2255. |