| Item | Fee |
| Base Rate (Fixed Fee) | $43.05 |
| Block 1 Volume 0-50 m3 | $2.35 |
| Block 2 Volume over 50 m3 | $3.19 |
| Fire Protection, un-serviced properties only (Fixed Fee) | $17.23 |
| Life Cycle Charge (Fixed Fee) | $24.65 |
Water and Wastewater Services
For all after hours water emergencies call 519-930-8118
Water bills are mailed on a bi-monthly basis.
Thames Centre offers several payment options to residents. To find more information regarding payment options please visit our Payments for Water Bills page.
Rates and Services
Thames Centre owns and operates two municipal drinking water systems supplied by groundwater wells, producing safe, high-quality drinking water for our residents. The costs for operating and replacing this water infrastructure are factored into the rates.
New Accounts
Welcome to our municipality! If you're a new resident, you'll need to set up your water account. Here's what to expect:
- Water Account Set-Up Fee: A one-time fee of $20 applies to all new water accounts.
- Other Utilities: Gas and hydro services are managed by external providers. Please contact them directly to arrange your service.
To set up your water account please contact: 519-268-7334 x 229
Connecting to Water Services
If you'd like to connect to municipal watermains, sanitary, or storm, fill out the Service Connection Application form.
Moving Out?
If you're moving, please inform us at least 48 hours in advance to arrange your final water meter reading. You will be responsible for any charges incurred up until the account is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the municipality test well water?
Middlesex London Health Unit provides well water testing for private residences (homes). Water sample bottles can be picked up at the front desk of the Municipal Office.
For more information please see the Middlesex London Health Unit Webpage
What do I do?
- Check water softener, bypass water softener for up to 48 hours, monitor for pressure changes, and leaks, then turn softener back into service.
- Check your hot water tank. If low pressure only occurs on hot water, the issue could be related to your hot water tank or internal plumbing.
- Check with neighbours to see if others have similar issues.
- Check for water in front of your house, or near the road. If excessive water is found, and weather conditions are dry, please contact the Environmental Services Department as this may be a service leak.
- If problem persists, please contact the Environmental Services Superintendent, Kevin Willson 519-268-7334 ext 745.
What could be the issue?
- Faulty water softener and internal plumbing issues are the most common problem
- Possible internal plumbing issue
- Possible water service line leak
- Possible water main break
Does the municipality have water restrictions?
Non-essential water use is limited to the odd/even system during the months of May, June, July, August and September. Non-essential water use refers to lawn watering, filling pools, washing vehicles etc. If your street address is an even number, you may use non-essential water on calendar days that are even. If it's an odd number, odd number calendar days apply.
Lawn and New Sod Watering Notice
Please note that the odd/even watering schedule has been in use for several years and is a common method used by municipalities to better manage water resources. It should not be confused with the total ban on non-essential water usage that was imposed in 1998.
How is the municipality and water use regulated?
We are regulated by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, which sets the maximum volume we can pump each day. In fall, winter and early spring we do not have a problem with over pumping and rarely exceed half of the allowed volume. However, during periods of heavy non-essential water usage, the system must be monitored carefully to avoid exceeding the permissible volumes.
Why is non-essential water use important?
As an example of non-essential use, 2007 was a very dry year. The volume of water pumped by the Dorchester well fields during the month of February 2007 was 31,664 cubic metres. The volume for June 2007 was dramatically higher at 69,992 cubic metres. The increased pumping was primarily due to non-essential water usage, such as watering lawns and gardens, washing cars and filling pools.
What is the hardness of my water?
Periodically we receive calls from residents with questions as to the level of 'hardness' of their municipal drinking water. This information is needed in order to set-up a residential water softener. The MECP aesthetic objective for water hardness is 80-100mg/L. Both the Dorchester and Thorndale water systems are supplied from groundwater wells, and the water is considered 'hard'.
The water hardness (CACO3) in the distribution system is as follows:
- Dorchester Water Distribution System - 267mg/L or 15.61 grains of hardness
- Thorndale Water Distribution System - 262mg/L or 15.32 grains of hardness
Contact Us
Municipality of Thames Centre
4305 Hamilton Rd
Dorchester, ON, Canada, N0L 1G3
Ph (519)268-7334
Fax (519)268-3928
Kevin Willson
Environmental Services Superintendent
Ph (519)268-7334 x745
kwillson@thamescentre.on.ca
Sherri Ridsdale
Accounts Receivable/Revenue Coordinator
Ph (519)268-7334 x229
sridsdale@thamescentre.on.ca
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