Drinking water

The City of Thunder Bay sits on the shore of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake. We strive to protect our drinking water, and to provide you with high-quality water.

We promote wise water use through discounts and rebates. Visit our Discounts and Rebates webpage.

Learn more about:

Lead in drinking water

Visit our Lead in Drinking Water webpage for safety information and to learn about the City's Lead Water Service Replacement Loan Program, launched in 2020.

Water meter readings and billing

Learn how to check your water meter, and what your payment options are, on our Water Meter Readings and Billing webpage.

Sewer and wastewater

Thunder Bay's sewer and wastewater system provides an essential service and protects the integrity of Lake Superior. Visit our Sewers and Wastewater webpage for more information.

Curious about your sewer connection? See Your Sewer Connection, an informative PDF that will answer your questions.

Learn how to best manage your household sewer which collects wastewater from your toilet, sink, shower, drains and other sources in your home. Water entering the sanitary sewers is routed to the City of Thunder Bay’s Water Pollution Control Plant, where it is treated and then returned to Lake Superior.

The City also conducts smoke testing, which is a safe, quick way to find areas of the sewer system that need updating.

Reporting Sewer Problems

You may report a problem using the tool on our Sewers and Wastewater webpage.

Stormwater

Stormwater is the rain and melted snow that flows over land into our lakes and rivers. Learn more about it on our Stormwater Management Plan webpage.

Also, check our Flood Prevention Measures webpage to learn how we track stormwater runoff.

 Rain barrels

Benefits of a rain barrel

A rain barrel will catch some of the rain runoff from your roof via a downspout, conserving the fresh, soft water for use in your garden, and reducing your need to water with for tap water. This benefits your plants and saves you money. It also helps the environment by reducing rain runoff travelling to the City's storm sewer system. 

Reducing rain runoff

As rain runoff moves across the ground/pavement, it picks up soil from the ground and contaminants from pavements. This puts a strain on the storm sewer system and eventually reaches Lake Superior. Reducing runoff reduces soil leaching and surface damage, and contamination of Lake Superior and its contributing creeks and rivers. Let's keep our water clean!

How do I purchase a rain barrel?

Rain barrels can be purchased for $90 from EcoSuperior at 562 Red River Road. 

Call ahead

Please check online or call EcoSuperior at 807-624-2140 before visiting, to confirm available stock.

Clean Water Wastewater Fund (CWWF)

The Clean Water Wastewater Fund (CWWF) is a federal program designed to accelerate short-term community investments  while supporting the rehabilitation and modernization of drinking water, wastewater & stormwater infrastructure, and the planning and design of future facilities and upgrades to existing systems.

Contact Us