These two signs are part of the North Bay-Mattawa Drinking Water Source Protection program to protect municipal drinking water sources and raise awareness that certain activities in specific areas may impact a municipal water supply.

We need to ensure that the wells that provide Mattawa with our municipal drinking water are protected. It’s important for the health of our community. These signs let residents, visitors and contractors coming into town know where the vulnerable areas are so that in the event of a spill in this area, we can act quickly to protect our drinking water.

Two bilingual signs have been posted in Mattawa on Bissett Street and Brydges Street to mark the entrance to the vulnerable areas.

In total, 15 signs have been installed throughout the region on roads in Callander, North Bay, South River and Machar to mark the Drinking Water Protection Zones in those municipalities. “The vulnerability of each municipal drinking water source varies as does the activities which
could put them at risk of contamination. What’s most important is for the public to be sensitive to the fact that some activities in these areas can have an impact,” said Jeff Celentano, Chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Source Protection Committee which developed the Source Protection Plan for this region.

If a spill occurs within a vulnerable area, the public should call the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 and indicate that the spill is within a vulnerable area.

Installation of the Drinking Water Protection Zone signs is one of the initiatives in the North Bay-Mattawa Source Protection Plan to help reduce the threat of contamination of municipal drinking water supplies. A full copy of the plan, and maps of the vulnerable areas, can be found at www.actforcleanwater.ca. Property owners can check to see if their homes fall within a vulnerable area.

Drinking Water Source Protection Program is overseen by a multi-stakeholder Source Protection Committee, administered by North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and funded by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) provides drinking water source protection, watershed management, septic approval and stewardship programs throughout the region. Its mission is to balance human needs with the needs of the natural environmental through integrated watershed management. www.nbmca.ca.

Water and Sewer Service Lines

Did you know?

As a homeowner you are responsible for the water and sewer service lines buried on your private property. A breakdown to these lines could happen without warning resulting in an unexpected and costly emergency repair. The lifespan of a service line depends on many factors including construction material, soil conditions and use and the location, number and species of nearby trees. While not typically covered by basic homeowners’ insurance, residents are encouraged to check with their current provider to find out what their coverage is in this area, and to arm themselves with information such as deductible amounts and exclusions if the coverage is offered as an add on. Residents may also consider coverage from an external service plan provider.

Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC)

The Town of Mattawa has partnered with Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) to offer eligible homeowners optional repair plans to help protect residents against potentially expensive emergency repairs to water service lines or well and sewer/septic lines on their private property.

Participation is optional and voluntary for homeowners. The program is solely managed by SLWC and uses no public funds. Residents will not be solicited in person or by phone. A homeowner who chooses to enroll in this program should do so with the knowledge that the Town of Mattawa in no way warrants or is liable for the work or performance of SLWC.

Residents who choose to sign up for a plan have access to these benefits:

• A repair hotline available 24/7, 365 days a year
• Pay $0 for covered repairs up to a benefit amount
• Repairs performed by an insured and licensed plumber
• One-year guarantee on covered repairs
• Plans Available in the Town of Mattawa:
• Exterior Water Service Line coverage – $5.33 + any applicable taxes
• Exterior Sewer/Septic Line coverage – $6.08 + any applicable taxes

For more information

• Click here: SLWC PLANSThis link opens in a new window (or) visit  www.slwofc.caThis link opens in a new window
• Toll-free phone number: 1-844-616-8444

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Who is SLWC?

SLWC is an independent company, separate from your local utility or community. SLWC is partnered with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. SLWC Plans are available in over 65 municipalities across Ontario.

Why did Mattawa partner with SLWC?

There are several benefits the voluntary SLWC program brings to Mattawa and its residents, including:

• Educating residential property owners about their responsibilities for the maintenance, repair and replacement of water service and sewer lines (portion from their homes to the property line) – at no cost to the Town of Mattawa.
• Assuring the Town of Mattawa that all repairs are performed to code and that all appropriate permitting is pulled.
• Reducing expense to property owners and the Town of Mattawa because the service plans encourage residents to report exterior water service and sewer/septic leaks in a timely manner. Timely exterior water service line repairs conserve water and reduce water loss for the Town. Timely sewer/septic line repairs also minimize wastewater pollution, helping the environment.
• Resulting in fewer calls and involvement of Town of Mattawa personnel regarding infrastructure that is the responsibility of property owners saves overall taxpayers money.

Doesn’t my homeowners insurance already cover these repairs?

Typically, no. Most homeowners are surprised to learn that they are responsible for the repair and replacement of broken or leaking utility lines on their property. While most basic homeowners policies will pay to repair the damage created by failed utility lines, they typically do not cover the cost of the repair of the line itself. SLWC encourages residents to call their insurance company to determine their actual coverage.

Does this coverage include well lines?

Yes, coverage provides for repair or replacement of either water service or well lines.

Why does SLWC use the Town of Mattawa logo in its marketing materials?

The Town of Mattawa allows SLWC to use its logo in communications to indicate that there is a formal relationship in place and to let residents know that the offering is legitimate, it is for the residents’ benefit and has the approval of the Town of Mattawa. All the mailings SLWC sends to Mattawa residents are first reviewed and approved by Town staff prior to use.

SLWC is committed to transparency in all its communications. All SLWC materials clearly state that the services the company offers are voluntary and that they are offered by SLWC, a private company that is separate from the Town of Mattawa.

How can I stop getting mail from SLWC

To be removed from future mailings, contact SLWC by calling 1-844-616-8444