Water

Newmarket's water is safe to drink and use from the tap as a result of the extensive testing and sampling it undergoes. In fact, Newmarket received a 100 per cent inspection score from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks 5 years in a row. 

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Common water concerns

Discoloured and dirty water 

To determine why your water is discoloured or dirty, you will need to know if the discolouration is in the hot water or cold water. Tip: If it is in the cold water, it will be in the toilets.

If discoloured hot water, you will need will to flush your hot water tank. This process does not require a plumber or gas company. If you have access to the internet, you can search “how to flush a water heater” and there are detailed instructions as well as videos to assist. The Town does not look after hot water tanks.

If you have discoloured cold water, let the water run from the highest point of the house (upstairs bathroom) until it runs clear. If this does not clear the water, please contact the Town of Newmarket Customer Service Department at 905-895-5193 to see if there is work being done in your area. The Town has hard water with minerals (iron) which causes discolouration, but please be rest assured it is still safe to use.

Cloudy water

Cloudy water generally indicates that there is air in the pipes, usually more prevalent in cold weather. Cloudiness does eventually clear (approximately 10 seconds) and is not harmful; it's a side effect of hard water. If it does not clear, please contact the Town of Newmarket Customer Service Department at 905-895-5193.

Sewage smell

Please be assured that the water lines and sewage lines are separate. Water lines cannot be contaminated by sewage. First, try to flush your hot water tank. If this does not help, please contact the Town of Newmarket Customer Service Department at 905-895-5193. The water department will flush the closest hydrant to your property.

Low water pressure 

There could be a number of reasons for low water pressure:

  • If you have a water softener, put it on bypass and see if you have received your full water pressure back. If so, this is an indication that the water softener filter needs to be replaced or the softener needs maintenance. You may search online for your softener make and model to see where the bypass button is and what maintenance is required. Please note, even if your softener is not on or being used, water will still go through unless it is on bypass.
  • If there was a water valve repair or replacement recently, the valves may not be fully open or turned all the way. Please check all the valves inside the home. If there is no change, please call the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193 to book an appointment for staff to investigate.
  • There may be aerators (the screen located at the end of the faucet) that are blocked or clogged. You will need to unscrew the aerator on the faucet and clean the aerator.

If none of the above applies to you, please call the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193 to book an appointment for staff to come out and investigate. Please ensure someone the age of 18 is home to allow staff access.

Water locate information

When making improvements to your home, such as the installation of fences, pools, decks, or landscaping, it is important to locate all your utility lines and make arrangements for water and sewer locates before digging.

Contact Ontario One Call (ON1Call) - 1-800-400-2255 or visit the Ontario One Call website for information on getting a water locate. 

ON1Call will notify and request from all utility companies (Bell, Enbridge, Hydro, Rogers, the Municipality, etc.) to provide a “locate” clearance to the requestor within five business days. ON1Call will request from the Town locates for the town's infrastructure systems for water, wastewater and storm water on public property. This ensures that all underground infrastructure is identified and located before digging occurs.

For locate updates, please visit the Ontario One Call website and have your ticket number ready.

You may also contact the Town at 905-895-5193 for a locate update but please note, the Town will only be able to provide Town infrastructure locate information. Please have your ticket number ready.

Galvanized pipes

If you have galvanized pipes in your home, it is recommended that you replace them as soon as possible.

Two rusted, corroded pipes with visible internal buildup.

Galvanized pipes were commonly used in houses built before 1969. These pipes are dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. However, after decades of exposure to water, galvanized pipes will corrode and rust on the inside. There is no harm to human health by having galvanized pipes.

Having galvanized pipes can cause the following issues in your home:

  • Cause low water flow.
  • Produce uneven distribution of water due to corrosion that has built up unevenly.
  • Cause discolouration of water from iron built up in the pipes.
  • Cause leaks due to rusting and these leaks can damage your home.

It is recommended that homeowners replace the all galvanized pipes in their home to PEX, Copper or PVC as soon as possible to prevent future damage that galvanized pipes can cause to your property. Piping from the property line to the first water valve or water meter is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Additionally, if the Town is required to do any future work on your water meter (faulty water meter, broken wire, replacement etc.), they may not be able to do so due to the galvanized pipes in your home. Having a working water meter is mandatory under the Town's Water Meter By-law 2017-49. [PDF/1.5MB]

Please can contact a local certified plumber to help you conduct this work as soon as possible. A list of plumbers in York Region can be found on York Region's Business Directory. [PDF/1.5MB]

Frequently asked questions