Drinking Water

Cold temperatures can cause water pipes and service lines to freeze, resulting in reduced water flow or no water.

Help prevent frozen pipes:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces and garages.
• Seal areas where cold air can reach water pipes.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and taps.
• Consider approved heat tape or heat cables for pipes at risk of freezing.

If you have no water:

1. Check other taps in your home to determine whether the issue affects your entire water supply.
2. Locate your main water shut-off valve in case a pipe leaks or bursts as it thaws.
3. If you can safely access a frozen pipe, gradually warm it using a hair dryer, approved portable heater or warm towels.

Never use a torch or open flame to thaw frozen pipes.

If your water does not return, contact a licensed plumber. The plumber should confirm that your internal plumbing is not frozen and determine whether the water service line may be frozen.

During prolonged periods of cold weather, properties at risk of freezing may benefit from running a very small, continuous stream of cold water. Any additional water use is the responsibility of the property owner.

Changes in water colour can sometimes occur due to construction, watermain flushing, hydrant use or other activity that changes the flow of water through the distribution system.

If your water appears discoloured:

• Run the cold water tap until the water runs clear.
• Avoid doing laundry until the water is clear to prevent possible staining.
• Do not use hot water while flushing, as this can draw discoloured water into your hot water tank.

If the water does not clear after flushing your cold water tap, call 905-835-2900. 

Changes in the taste or smell of tap water can sometimes be caused by plumbing, seasonal conditions or normal drinking water treatment processes.

If you notice an unusual taste or odour:

• Run your cold water tap for a few minutes.
• Try another tap in your home to determine whether the issue is isolated to one fixture.
• Check whether the issue is present in cold water, hot water or both. An issue affecting only hot water may be related to your hot water tank or internal plumbing.

If the taste or odour continues or you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, call 905-835-2900.

Standards for drinking water are set and enforced by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The City of Port Colborne's drinking water consistently meets all Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards. 

Water samples are collected weekly by the City's certified water operators. They are analyzed for free chlorine levels and microbiological parameters. Additional chemical sampling and analysis for lead, trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids are completed as required in the Drinking Water Systems regulation (Ontario Regulation 170/03).

Each year by February 28^th, drinking water systems must prepare an annual report on their drinking water systems. 

Port Colborne Distribution System drinking water reports for the past five years are available below, or hard copies of the latest report can be picked up at the Engineering and Operations Centre, 1 Killaly Street West.

• 2025 Water Quality Report [PDF/238KB]
• 2024 Water Quality Report [PDF/208KB]
• 2023 Water Quality Report [PDF/289KB]
• 2022 Water Quality Report [PDF/263KB]
• 2021 Water Quality Report [PDF/271KB]