Orangeville Town Council is taking new steps to address significant water loss in the community after reports confirmed that leaks in the aging water system are costing the town over $1 million annually. During a meeting on March 23, 2026, officials highlighted that about 10 per cent of all treated water in Orangeville is being lost before it reaches residents, a challenge that has persisted as the town relies on water supply wells that are, in some cases, 45 years old.
The town has struggled to meet the efficiency targets set by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, which aims for unaccounted-for water to remain at 10 per cent or less. Between 2015 and 2019, Orangeville reported that between 19 per cent and 27 per cent of its treated water was lost within the system. These leaks can be small but costly; for example, a hole in a pipe found on Montgomery Street measuring just one-eighth of an inch could have leaked enough water to cost $19,000 in annual water and wastewater rates.
To combat these losses, the Orangeville Town Council recently approved $313,252 to purchase specialized acoustic leak detection equipment and software. Councillor Joe Andrews described this technology as an absolute requirement to better identify and fix leaks before they result in significant volume losses. This investment is part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure, supported by $8.1 million in funding announced in August 2025 through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.
While the town continues to work on long-term infrastructure capacity, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant. Reporting suspected leaks quickly helps municipal crews track down hidden issues and minimize waste, ensuring that the community’s water supply is managed as efficiently as possible.
