Public Works Department - FAQ 1

Where does our water come from and how does it get to our homes?

All municipal water comes from underground sources through twenty production wells located throughout the City. Water is pumped through approximately 150 kilometres of water main in three separate systems, Newcastle, Douglastown and Chatham. In Newcastle the water passes through a treatment facility before entering the distribution system. The water treatment plant removes iron and manganese from the water.

Water in the Douglastown and Chatham systems is not treated, however, it is chlorinated at the wells to ensure the safety of the water provided. The City pumps approximately 2.5 million gallons of water each day. The water is tested regularly in accordance with government regulations and the City and the provincial Department of Health & Wellness review all test results.