Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content

Peterborough Utilities Group Logo version

Contact Us icon
Contact Us
Account Login
  • My Account
    • Apply for Service
    • Billing and Payments
    • Landlords and Owners
    • Rates and Fees
    • Report an Issue
    • Rentals
  • Services
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Construction and Development
    • Generation and Meter Services
    • Meters
    • Rentals
    • Service Area
    • Water
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Corporate Health and Safety
    • Safety Around Dams
    • Water Main Breaks
  • Who We Are
    • Accessibility
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Environment and Social Responsibilities
    • Our Profile
    • News and Notices
Back to homepageServicesWaterOperations
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email

water treatment plant

Operations

Water Distribution System

The water distribution system consists of approximately 463 kilometers of pipe (water mains), 2,299 hydrants and 27,229 individual water services. Hydrants are colour-coded according to the Ontario Fire Code requirements to indicate the available flow rate at a 20 psi residual pressure.

Water Treatment Plant

The water treatment plant is located on the west shore of the Otonabee River at 1230 Water Street North, Peterborough, adjacent the Riverview Park and Zoo. The plant was initially built in 1922 and expanded in 1952, 1965 and 1995. Dual intakes draw water from the Otonabee River (surface water) into the low lift pumping area where the raw water is coarse screened and pumped into the plant for full treatment. The conventional treatment process  includes coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and chlorine disinfection.

Aluminum sulphate is used as the primary coagulant. Chlorine is used for primary and secondary disinfection. Other chemicals used are sodium silicate (pH control), and fluoride (dental benefits).

The current rated capacity of the plant is 104 ML/day. The Permit to Take Water currently authorizes water taking at 190.68 ML/d (132,743 L/m).

Tour of the WTP

If you wish to book a tour of the water treatment plant please email us

Want to tour the water treatment plant

Water Street Pumphouse

The Water Street Pumphouse is located on the Otonabee River at North end of the City adjacent to the Riverview Park and Zoo and the Water Treatment Plant, The pumphouse was built in 1902.  Many citizen of Peterborough have most likely enjoyed the miniature train ride over the dam, during their visits to the Riverview Park and Zoo.

The goal of water management planning is to contribute to the environmental, social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario through the sustainable development of waterpower resources and to manage these resources in an ecologically sustainable way for the benefit of present and future  generations. 

The Water Street Pumphouse facility, and dam, consists of a pumphouse, hydraulic turbine driven water pumps, generators, seven stoplog bays and one log chute. The facility has five generators and water pumps all using the common forebay. Three generators have their own turbine pit, the other two using a common turbine pit. The facility is able to generate a maximum of 1.25 MW of electricity. The Water Management Plan was originally created in 2005, and last amended in 2018  The goal of the plan is to contribute included a requirement for the owner to prepare Implementation Reports every five years.

Long term master plan

The Peterborough Utilities Commission updated the utility master plan in 2019. View the master plan for additional details.

Source Water Protection

The source of raw (untreated) water for Peterborough's drinking water is the Otonabee River. The Otonabee River water is of good quality and can be described as a moderately coloured water of low turbidity. The river water temperature ranges from 0°C (winter) to approximately 27°C (summer). The raw river water is a surface water supply, which means that it is considered to be an unprotected source. Accordingly, we assume that raw water always requires full treatment at the Peterborough Water Treatment Plant to make it drinkable or potable.

The areas around the water plant are protected under the Trent Source Protection Plan  that was approved by the Ministry of Conservation and Parks. For more information on the program visit Otonabee Conservation.

Services
  • Bids and Tenders
  • Construction and Development
    Toggle Section Construction and Development Menu
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Development Requirements
    • Construction Standards
  • Generation and Meter Services
    Toggle Section Generation and Meter Services Menu
    • About Us
      Toggle Section About Us Menu
      • Company
        Toggle Section Company Menu
        • History
        • Management Team
        • Corporate Health and Safety
      • Contact Us
      • Join Our Team
    • In the Community
      Toggle Section In the Community Menu
      • Charging Stations
      • Helping the Environment
      • Learn More
      • Partnerships
      • Public Safety
      • Water Management
    • What We Do
      Toggle Section What We Do Menu
      • Equipment Rentals
      • Metering Services
      • Power Generation
        Toggle Section Power Generation Menu
        • Asset Management
        • Biogas
        • Solar
        • Waterpower
  • Meters
  • Rentals
    Toggle Section Rentals Menu
    • Lighting and Pole Rentals
    • Mobile Drinking Station
    • Water Heater Rentals
  • Service Area
  • Water
    Toggle Section Water Menu
    • Construction
    • Drinking Water Quality
      Toggle Section Drinking Water Quality Menu
      • Trust the Tap
    • Operations
      Toggle Section Operations Menu
      • Backflow Prevention
      • Hydrants
      • Water Distribution Flow Test
    • Sewer Backups
    • Water Conservation
    • Water Utility News

Contact Us

Subscribe to this page

Peterborough Utilities Group
PO Box 4125, Station Main
1867 Ashburnham Drive
Peterborough ON K9J 6Z5
Contact Us

CareersPoliciesGeneration and Meter ServicesRiverview Park and ZooSitemapWebsite Feedback

Connect With Us

View our Facebook Page @PeterboroughUtilitiesGroup View our PTBO Utilities twitter @ptbo_utilities
Account Login

Copyright 2020

Designed by eSolutionsGroup

Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.