Toronto's Water Supply Bylaw – FAQs
Frequently asked questions
- Why did the City create a new Water Supply Bylaw?
- What is different about the new Water Supply Bylaw?
- What are the benefits of the new bylaw?
- Will my water rate increase because of the new bylaw?
- Will my services be improved?
- Will I experience any service disruption?
- Do I need to do anything as a result of the new bylaw?
Why did the City create a new Water Supply Bylaw?
Before amalgamation in 1998, each of the local municipalities provided water connections, water billing and water service from the local watermains. The new Water Supply Bylaw harmonizes those former bylaws into one overarching set of regulations to ensure consistency in service level to all City of Toronto residents.
What is different about the new Water Supply Bylaw?
The new bylaw does better job of defining the roles and responsibilities of both property owners and the City. It also includes specific measures regarding the installation and maintenance of backflow prevention devices for some industrial, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use multi-residential properties (more information about backflow prevention devices will be available on this website in early January 2008).
What are the benefits of the new bylaw?
The new bylaw provides equitable and stream-lined service to all Toronto Water customers. Additionally, it updates and modernizes bylaws that are over 10 years old.
For example, the new bylaw includes a water efficiency component, allowing customers to track and monitor they water consumption through the installation of new water meters.
The new bylaw also sets guidelines that will help protect the environment, and the health and safety of all residents and persons using water in the City of Toronto. It allows the City to administer water-related services more effectively and efficiently by harmonizing procedures, customer forms, applications and water resources across the City.
Will my water rate increase because of the new bylaw?
No. Rates will not increase as a result of this bylaw. The new Water Supply Bylaw deals with water supply, not rates or billing.
Will my services be improved?
Yes. All Toronto Water customers will benefit from more consistent and centralized service from one provider – the City of Toronto.
Will I experience any service disruption?
No. The implementation of the new bylaw will be seamless for water customers.
Do I need to do anything as a result of the new bylaw?
No, most customers will not need to do anything as a result of the new Water Supply Bylaw but everyone should learn about the new bylaw and how they will benefit from it. In early 2008 the City will post more information on this site about the benefits of the new bylaw. You can read about backflow prevention devices here.