The Town of Newmarket's water meter replacement program aims to replace and upgrade all water meters in Newmarket so that the Town can improve wireless two-way communication between your water meter and the Town’s water meter infrastructure.
On this page
About the program
The program's goal is to replace or upgrade water meters for approximately 25,000 households and 1,000 businesses. Approximately 7,000 households will be eligible for a water meter upgrade.
The new/upgraded water meters will allow for wireless two-way communication between the Town and the water meter to:
- Help ensure increased accuracy when it comes to water meter readings
- Eliminate the need to have staff read water meters manually
- Assist the Town in analyzing trends in water usage
- Help the Town to better identify leaks and losses due to flow issues before they become a larger issue, which can lead to higher water bill costs
- Allow residents to track water usage through an alone portal, in the future
There is no cost to residents to participate in this project and the installations and upgrades will be done by the Town's contractor WAMCO. Please note that this is a mandatory program. Having a working water meter is mandatory under the Town's Water Meter By-law 2017-49. [PDF/1.5MB]
Current status
The Water Meter Replacement Program is now in the second phase. During this phase, approximately 18,000 household water metres will be replaced.
During the first phase in 2021, approximately 7,000 residential and business water meters were upgraded. All units less than 10 years old had a unit installed on the outside of the home or building.
Information for residents
Households will be selected on an area-by-area basis. Those selected will receive a letter in the mail and will be required to book an in-person appointment within seven days of receiving the letter with the Town’s contractor, WAMCO to replace their water meter.
WAMCO installers will need to access the water meter inside the home and install a water meter reader outside the home. There is no cost to residents to participate in this mandatory program, and an adult (18+ years old) is required to be at home for the duration of the appointment.
Residents are encouraged to review the water meter replacement booklet [PDF/241KB] to learn more about the program and how to prepare your home for the appointment.
During your appointment
WAMCO installers will be carrying photo ID with both WAMCO and the Town of Newmarket logos, be in uniform with the WAMCO logo (hat and shirt) and be travelling in a vehicle with both WAMCO and Town of Newmarket logos. Please see the image as reference.
All entry into homes is arranged is appointment only. The Town is aware of sales people going door-to-door to offer water, hydro or other in-home services. If you suspect fraud, please call York Regional Police's non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423.
For water meter replacements, please ensure the area where your water meter is located is clear. Water meters are generally located inside your home near the main shut-off valve where the water service lines enter your home – usually in the basement. The new water meter will require an area about 14 inches wide, 14 inches high and 6 inches deep. This allows space for the new water meter and any necessary plumbing fittings.
If you have a finished basement and the water meter is located behind drywall or a panel, the WAMCO installer will cut a small section to gain access to the main shut-off valve, or if you prefer, you can cut it yourself. After the water meter is installed, you can cover the hole yourself or the installer will use a carpentry box. The water meter may require maintenance in the future, therefore the hole cannot be permanently covered.
Water meter replacements will take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. Residents may experience water use disruption that can last between 10 and 30 minutes.
ICI properties
The Towns contractor WAMCO is working on water meter replacements for ICI accounts. ICI accounts eligible for a water meter replacement will receive a letter in the mail indicating their eligibility. WAMCO will contact ICI properties to schedule a time to replace the water meter. ICI properties can also proactively call WAMCO at 1-833-926-2626 or visit wamco.as.me to book an appointment based on your water meter size. Your water meter size is located on the notice.
Book an appointment
Only book an appointment with WAMCO if you have received a letter in the mail. Make sure to book an appointment that corresponds to the 'ZONE' number noted in the top right-hand corner of the letter.
If you did not receive a letter in the mail indicating your eligibility, please wait until you receive a letter in the mail before booking an appointment. Installers are working in certain areas of Town and are not able to deviate from the scheduled routes.
Appointment booking for residential properties
Appointment booking for ICI Properties
If you don't see what you are looking for above, you can call WAMCO at 1-833-926-2626 to book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about the water meter replacement program by viewing the frequently asked questions below. If you have any further questions, please reach out us by emailing info@newmarket.ca or calling 905-895-5193. Please note that having a working water meter is mandatory under the Town's Water Meter By-law 2017-49.