Water Consumption Rates
Water utility bills included a quarterly flat fee that does not change based on water consumption and includes the first 14 cubic metres of water used. If a customer uses more than 14 cubic metres of water in a billing period, a consumption charge applies to each additional full or partial cubic metre.
The current water and wastewater rates have been in place since July 1, 2022.
| Year | Quarterly Minimum Charge | Water Rate (cubic metre) | Sewer Rate (cubic metre) |
2024 | $100.60 | $3.81 | $1.79 |
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see Frequently Asked Questions about water bills.
Water Breaks
As many as 4 - 7 water breaks occur in Thompson weekly. Water breaks are not necessarily repaired in the order they happen, but according to the risk they pose to health and the environment, the volume of water flowing through the break, and potential for further property damage. Read more about the way the City of Thompson prioritizes water break repairs in the Water Break Priority Information Sheet
Prevention: Starting in 2022, the City of Thompson began investing over $40 million into its water and sewer systems over five years with the help of federal and provincial government funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. In 2022 and 2023, more than three kilometres of water mains and nearly two kilometres of wastewater mains were replaced.
Lawn Repairs: Public Works repairs lawns that are damaged by excavations for water main and service line breaks. These repairs include adding or removing material following a water break excavation, putting down topsoil and seed, and fertilizing the damaged portion of the lawn.
The soil filling the excavated area needs to settle before it can be properly repaired. The cutoff for summer repairs is May 1 of every year.
When a lawn repair will occur is also influenced by the year's curb and sidewalk repair schedule.
If your lawn was dug up between September and May, it's worth checking in to ensure you're on the repair list. Call 204-677-7970, or send an email to publicworks@thompson.ca
Water Main Cleaning
City of Thompson water mains are flushed every year by running water through them and out through fire hydrants at high pressure. This clears sediment and build-up. You may see fire hydrants running open and notice that your water is discoloured for short periods while water main flushing occurs in your area. See the Water Main Cleaning PDF for more information!
Annual Water Reports
The City of Thompson is committed to maintaining water quality, and being transparent about water treatment and testing. Below are the results of our most recent annual water quality report, compiled from data collected by an independent testing facility and reviewed by the Province of Manitoba, as well as results of random lead content testing.
City of Thompson Annual Water Report 2023
City of Thompson Lead Testing Results 2022
Print copies of the results are kept at our Public Works building. Reports are available for viewing upon request. Please contact Public Works at 204-677-7970, or visit us at 120 Seal Road.
Water Bill Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my water bill?
Water bills can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall's front desk, or by mailing a cheque.
You can also make payments through online banking, or send an e-transfer using the following information:
1. Add a new contact or payee using the email payments@thompson.ca
2. Select "Notify Contact by Email" (or otherwise ensure your payment notification will be sent by email)
3. Under "Messages," include your name and utility account number
4. The answer for your security question should always be "Thompson"
How do I open or close a water utility account?
If you are moving into a new home, fill out the Residential Customer Information Form and drop it off at City Hall or fax it to 204-677-7936.
If you are moving out, call us at 204-677-7950 and let us know the date you will be moving and a forwarding address to send the final bill to. We do final readings every Friday.
How do I start a water utility account for a tenant?
If a tenant is responsible for paying the water bill as part of their rental agreement, landlords must ensure that the tenant completes the Residential Customer Information Form and drops it off at City Hall.
What is the bleeder rebate program?
During the winter, the City of Thompson offers a rebate to properties that must run their water to keep their lines from freezing (mainly homes located in the Burntwood trailer court). The rebate applies to the quarters of October 1-December 31 and January 1–March 31. The rebates are based on your average monthly use from April 1 to September 30. Running your water after March 31 will affect your rebate.
The Bleeder Rebate must be pre-approved and no rebate will be applied by the City of Thompson prior to receiving the application.
To register for the Bleeder Rebate please send a letter, including your name, address, contact number and reason for the request to:
Utility Clerk
226 Mystery Lake Road
Thompson, MB R8N 1S6
Email: utility@thompson.ca
Fax: 204-677-7936
Why does my water bill seem unusually high?
Make sure you are not running any water. Shine a flashlight on your meter (the meter will look blank until you do this). There are three screens which will come up: the one you are looking for will be the reading. Initially it will be the third screen, then the screens will alternate between rate and reading. If the numbers are changing, water is running.
If the meter shows a faucet symbol with a drip, this means it detects a leak. If the icon is flashing, the leak is intermittent. If it is not flashing, it is continuous.
The majority of leaks resulting in higher-than-usual bills have been linked to toilets. To check your toilet, follow the instructions below.
1. Pour several drops of food colouring into the tank of your toilet.
2. Do not flush for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Look at your toilet bowl: if the water has changed colour, your toilet is leaking.
The City of Thompson does not provide discounts for higher-than-usual water bills resulting from leaks. Property owners are 100% responsible for ensuring that plumbing and fixtures are in good working order.
