Water & Sewer

Water and wastewater services are available within Callander's urban service area. The Municipality is committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water and effective wastewater treatment for residents.

Quick Links:

• Report a Problem/Emergency
• Billing and Payment Information
• Sewer System Care
• Septic Pump-Outs

🚨Report a Problem/Emergency

Immediate concerns (i.e. flooding, rapid water entry):

Contact the Operations Department right away at 705-752-1410 x300.

General Inquiries:

Finance: 705-752-1410 x. 222

finance@callander.ca

💳Billing & Rates (2026)

Water Rate:

• $5.291618 per cubic metre

Wastewater Rate:

• $4.966317 per cubic metre
• Calculated at 93.86% of water usage

Minimum Quarterly Charge:

• $80.11

🧾Billing Schedule & Due Dates

Water bills are issued quarterly based on meter readings:

Want to keep an eye on your water consumption so you aren't surprised by huge bills? Learn How to Read Your Water Meter. 

💻Billing & Payment Options

• Want to recieve your bill by email? Fill out the Consent to Receive Bills by Email form and send it to finance@callander.ca to receive future bills by email.
• We recommend setting up pre-authorized payments to keep your bills regular and worry-free. Fill out the Pre-Authorized Payment form and return to finance@callander.ca 
• Pay in-person or by mail at 280 Main St N, by cash, cheque, or debit
• Online or telephone banking:
  • Search: "Callander" (may appear as "Municipality of..." or "Corporation of..."
  • Select "Water"
• Enter your 12-digit water account number

🔁Moving or Selling Your Property?

Contact Finance to request a final meter reading when:

• selling a property
• changing tenants

📞 705-752-1410 ext. 222
📧 finance@callander.ca

🧪Water Quality & Reporting

• Bacterial sampling results and quarterly reports are available at the Municipal Office
• The Municipality works with certified operators to ensure compliance with provincial standards

🏠Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their private sewer lateral (pipe from your home to the municipal main).

This is not typically covered by basic homeowners' insurance, though residents are encouraged to check with their provider. Residents can also consider coverage from an external service plan provider. Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) provides optional additional coverage for residents to protect against emergency repairs to water service lines or well and sewer lines on their private property. For additional information about SLWC, visit their website, or call 1-844-616-8444.

⚠️Common Causes of Sewer Backups

• Aging sewer systems
• Combined stormwater and sanitary systems
• Tree root intrusion
• Blockages in sanitary mains

Watch for early warning signs like floor drain seepage and contact a licensed plumber if needed.

✅Preventing Sewer Issues

Protect your home and the municipal system:

• Do not pour grease or oil down drains
• Dispose of wipes and hygiene products in the garbage
• Maintain your sewer lateral
• Monitor for slow drains or unusual backups

🚽Septic System Pump-Outs (Rural Properties)

If your property is not connected to municipal sewer, you likely have a private sepctic system that requires regular maintenance. 

⏱️When to Pump Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks should typically be pumped out: 

• Every 3-5 years
  • 3 years for permanent residents
  • 5 years for seasonal residents
• More often if you notice issues

⚠️Signs Your System May Need Service More Often Than This

• Slow drains or gurgling pipes
• Sewage odours indoors or outdoors
• Wet or soggy areas near your septic bed
• Backups in toilets or drains

✅Why Regular Pump-Outs Matter

Routine maintenance helps:

• Prevent costly system failures
• Protect your property and groundwater
• Extend the life of your septic system

📋Your Responsibility

Septic systems are privately owned and maintained. Homeowners are responsible for:

• Hiring a licences septic hauler
• Scheduling regular pump-outs
• Maintaining their system in good working condition
• Providing the Proof of Pump-Out Form and a copy of the septic company receipt to the Municipality via info@callander.ca or in person to the Main Office
• Requesting a Certificate of Compliance when selling your property, if necessary, by contacting planning@callander.ca 

If you require an inspection, permit, or assistance locating your septic system, you must contact the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority at 705-474-5420 or nbmca@nbmca.ca .

🌊Wastewater Treatment in Callander

Callander treats wastewater using aerobic sewage lagoons, where natural processes (sunlight, oxygen, and bacteria) break down waste.

• Two lagoons are located near Cranberry Road
• Operated by the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA)
• Treated water is safely discharged under regulated conditions

Learn more about our sewage lagoons. 

🔧Maintenance & Service Notices

Watermain Swabbing
The Municipality periodically cleans watermains to maintain water quality. Learn more about watermain swabbing.

During swabbing:

• Do not use water
• Store water in advance
• Expect temporary discolouration afterward

If water remains discoloured, run cold water until clear or contact the Municipality.