Get a Locate Before You Dig

There is buried infrastructure all over Ontario. You must contact Ontario One Call to get buried cables, pipes, and wires located so you can dig safely. This includes when planting a tree or garden, building a fence, excavating for a pool, deck or new addition. 

Please visit the Ontario One Call website to request a locate or call them at 1-800-400-2255 before you dig.

If you have questions, concerns, or need more information, please call the municipal office at 705-724-2813, Monday to Friday (Wednesdays Closed), during business hours - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hydro (Electrical)

Hydro One delivers electricity to the town of Powassan and surrounding areas.

Water & Sewer

Both water and sewer services are available in the urban area of Powassan. This utility is charged to each user based on a flat rate for residential users and a metered rate for larger commercial users. 

WATER: To ensure safe drinking water, the urban drinking water system operates under a Quality Management System as legislated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. Water quality is tested regularly, as required, and the results of this testing is reported annually and can be found here. 

Public information on the Water System is available for review at the Municipal Office during normal business hours.

For more information on drinking water in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/drinkingwater

PRIVATE WELLS: Many rural residents rely on private wells and cisterns as their drinking water source. The condition of water wells and safety of its water is the responsibility of the well owner. Unacceptable levels of bacteria, such as E.coli can contaminate a private water supply and put the health of those who use it at risk. Even a very small change in the well's structure, such as crack or a change in the environment such as heavy rain can result in significant changes to water quality.  Public Health Services recommends private well and cistern owners do regular bacterial testing of their well and cistern water. For more information on Private Wells, please visit:  

Wells on your property | ontario.ca and Be Well Aware: Information for private well owners - Canada.ca

SEWER: Most homeowners may not realize they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house or sewer lateral (the pipeline between the municipal sewer main and the building).

Some of the most common causes of sewer backups are:

• aging sewer systems: older sewer lines and systems can contribute to increases in sanitary sewer backups, flooded basements, and overflows
• combined pipelines: some systems combine stormwater and raw sewage into the same pipeline, which means that during rain storms or spring melt, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle
• tree roots: small roots of trees and shrubs can make their way into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints - in this case, the cost of clean up may fall on the tree's owner
• sanitary main blockages: often blockages of this type occur slowly, and there are early indications of the problem - if you see seepage at the floor drains, call a licensed plumber to assess the situation

If water is entering your basement rapidly, call the Municipality Public Works Department and report the problem immediately.

SEPTIC: Septic systems are privately owned and are not connected to municipal sewer lines. Therefore, the owner of a septic system is responsible for the care or maintenance of their system as well ensuring that it is in compliance with all rules and regulations. By taking proper care of your septic system, you will ensure that it remains effective and efficient for the life of the system while optimizing its longevity.

The following sites provide some helpful hints for operating and maintaining your septic system.

• North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority
• Ministry of Environment - SepticSmart! Understanding Your Home's Septic System

Septic Inspections and Permits

For inspections and permits, the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority was designated under the Ontario Building Code (OBC-1997) to conduct inspections and issue sewage system permits across the Nipissing District and defined areas within the Parry Sound District. This includes the area surrounding Powassan.

In addition, building permits may be required from the Municipality of Powassan Building Department. To determine if you require a building permit contact the Chief Building Official at 705-724-2813 ext. 228

Gas

Enbridge Gas supplies natural gas to Powassan and surrounding areas.

High Speed Internet Connectivity

There are a number of internet providers offering service in Powassan, including: