Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Thunder Bay bills water quarterly.

Key information

Thunder Bay bills water quarterly. Use the eight-digit water account number, submit readings when required and allow bank processing time before the bill deadline.

On this page

How the service works

The fixed daily charge pays for availability of the water network; the volume charge changes with the amount used. Sewer is calculated from both, not from water volume alone. A vacant property continues to be billed unless the city removes the meter and turns off the service at the street. Ask Revenue before assuming no usage means no bill.

Watch actual consumption rather than comparing only total dollars between bills. Different billing-period lengths affect fixed charges, while an estimated read can delay recognition of a leak or usage change. Final readings and address changes belong with Revenue, not solely with the automated regular-reading line.

Sources: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Compare the options

Illustration using published 2026 rates, not a bill quote
Example input or calculationAmount
90 days × $0.97 fixed daily charge$87.30
50 m³ × $2.124 volume rate$106.20
Combined water amount$193.50
Sewer:90% of $193.50$174.15
Illustrated water and sewer total$367.65

Sources: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Compare the numbers

Components of the existing 90-day, 50 m³ example, using published 2026 rates. Total $367.65. This is an illustration, not a bill quote.
  • Fixed water charge87.3 CAD
  • Water usage106.2 CAD
  • Sewer charge174.15 CAD

Sources: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What to prepare

  • The example assumes a single-family property connected to sewer,90 billed days and 50 m³ actual use. It excludes other fees or adjustments.
  • Bank payments can take several business days.
  • A final sale reading goes to Revenue at 807-625-2255 or taxandwater@thunderbay.ca.
  • Water certificate requests use a separate application and posted $60 charge.
  • Address changes require the city’s change form; a bank-payment edit alone does not change city records.

Sources: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Steps to use the service

Steps to use the service
  1. Read the bill notice

    Find the account number, required reading month and due date.

  2. Submit actual consumption

    Use the correct reading route and include all required digits.

  3. Pay and update details

    Allow processing time and tell Revenue about a move, sale or missing bill.

Sources: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Eligibility and local rules

How often will I receive a water bill?

The city issues four bills a year, about every three months. Read your own bill’s important notice for the next meter-reading month; different areas use different cycles.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Who must submit a reading?

Customers without an outside remote device must submit readings. The city attempts remote/business reads, but a submitted actual read can help avoid an estimate when a remote read is unavailable.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

When and how can I submit it?

Submit between the 1 st and 21 st of the required month. Call the 24-hour reading line at 807-625-3160 or text “Hello” to 807-788-1227. Have the eight-digit water account number ready.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Using the service

Which digits should I read?

The city says to read left to right and enter all digits, including zeros and decimal numbers. Ask the water office for help if the display or account instructions are unclear.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What if no actual reading is received?

The city estimates consumption. A later actual reading can create a correction charged at the rates in effect when billed. Estimates can be too high or too low.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What are the 2026 single-family rates?

The posted water charge is $2.124 per cubic metre plus 97 cents per day. For properties connected to sewer, sewer charges are 90% of the combined fixed and volume water charge.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

How do I pay?

Use bank online/telephone banking, a bank branch, mailed cheque, the Cumberland Street drop box or PaySimply. The third-party route supports additional payment types and adds a fee. Payment must reach the city by the deadline.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Exceptions and help

What happens if I pay late or lose the bill?

The city states a 5% penalty on the current bill when payment is not received by the due date. Not receiving the bill does not remove the charge. Contact Revenue if your address or bill is wrong.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What must happen when a property is sold?

Previous and new owners should contact Revenue with the final reading, possession details and billing information. The water account remains tied to the property address, so update bank-payment details when moving.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

How do I use e-billing or get counter help?

E-billing signup needs the eight-digit account number and owner name exactly as on the bill. Revenue’s office at 501,34 Cumberland Street North is appointment-only; call 807-625-2255 or email taxandwater@thunderbay.ca.

Source: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Local service locations

Thunder Bay Revenue Division

Suite 501,34 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Water-billing and property-tax enquiries are handled by appointment. The payment drop box is at the building’s St.Paul Street-side entrance.

Appointments
807-625-2255
Email
taxandwater@thunderbay.ca
Mailing address
POBox 800, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C5K4

Sources: Thunder Bay water readings and billing

Google Maps uses the named destination and recorded address. The map is not proof of an accessible entrance, current opening or available service.

Sources: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Official contacts and forms

Sources: Water meter readings, bills and payments in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information