Water Concerns

UPDATE August 28th 2025:

In house sampling has shown improvements in the concentrations of the naturally occurring compounds responsible for the coloured water event experienced this week at the Tri-County Drinking Water System. At this time, operations Staff are beginning to work diligently to flush the system. Remote Storage facilities will also be overflowing.   Fire hydrants within the Municipality of West Elgin will be systematically flushed over the next few days to remove any colored...

Media Release - Funding Received for West Lorne Stormwater Improvement Project

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2025

It is my pleasure to announce that the Municipality has been approved for funding through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, to assist with the West Lorne Stormwater Improvement Project, in the amount of $2,898,964.

“On behalf of West Elgin Council, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Ontario Government for the funding received through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund. The funding will allow the municipality to start on...

Municipal Water Concerns

The Municipality is aware that some residents are experiencing earthy or musty smelling/tasting water. We have been advised by Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) that this could be caused by naturally occurring organic compounds, known as geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. While the smell and taste are undesirable, they are not harmful at levels found in drinking water. OCWA has initiated an oxidation process to remove the organic compounds, and are monitoring the process closely, while conducting...

2025 Fire Ban in Effect

FIRE BAN LIFTED – ELGIN COUNTY
(August 18, 2025) – Effective immediately, the fire ban has been lifted in the City of St. Thomas, Town of Aylmer, and the Townships and Municipalities within the County of Elgin.

Residents may now enjoy open-air and recreational fires in accordance with their local municipal Open-Air Burning By-Laws. This includes bonfires, campfires, burn barrels, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas, and other open-air fires.

All burn permits are now reinstated, and new permits may once...