Council repeals Sewer User Rate By-law changes

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council has reversed recent changes, related to the limits of responsibility for repairs on private property related to sanitary sewer service connections within the Sewer User Rate By-law, which came into effect on July 1, 2022.

Effective immediately, the Region of Durham will continue to carry out repairs to sanitary sewer service connections, on private residential property to within one metre of the structure, in accordance with By-law #90-2003.

Sanitary sewer and water service connection repairs
For sanitary sewer service connections, the Region provides repair services for residential customers up to one metre (three feet) outside the house foundation. The homeowner is responsible to repair the sanitary sewer service connection if it is damaged within one metre (three feet) from the house foundation or within the house.

No changes have been made to the limits of responsibility for water service connection repairs. The Region continues to provide repair services for residential customer’s water service connection within the public right of way.

Homeowner insurance and warranty programs
Since the homeowner continues to be responsible for any repairs to the water service connections on private property or (internal plumbing) within the house; the Region encourages all homeowners to consult with their individual home insurance or warranty program provider to confirm coverage and potential exceptions for water service connection repairs.

Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) customers
Current customers of SLWC, who purchased service warranties, will be contacted by SLWC directly to advise of service changes related to sanitary sewer connection repair coverage and options for refunds and cancellations. 

Reimbursement program
As a result of this decision to repeal the Sewer User Rate By-law changes, the Region will also establish a reimbursement program for residents who were affected by sanitary sewer service connections repairs conducted on private property—except those within one metre of the structure—after the July 1, 2022 By-law change came into effect.

To learn more—including how to contact the Region for information on upcoming reimbursement programs for Durham homeowners who experienced sanitary sewer service connection breaks and repairs after July 1, 2022—please visit durham.ca/SewerServiceRepairs. Additional information will be coming soon on the reimbursement program. Note: proper documentation will be required.

For more information about the Sewer User Rate By-law, please visit durham.ca/BasementFlooding.

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