Treatment & Distribution

The CBRM Water Utility operates and maintains a network that delivers safe, reliable drinking water to homes and businesses across the municipality.

Before water reaches your tap, it goes through a series of treatment steps. Treatment processes include pumping, filtering, treatment, clarification for colour, organics, iron, manganese, turbidity and other elements.

The Utility treats approximately 8,732,000 gallons of water per day and completes 12,000 individual recorded tests per year to meet or exceed national drinking water standards.

Water treatment plants:

• Sydney (serving Sydney, Coxheath, Westmount, Sydney River, Grand Lake Road, Mira Road, Membertou, South Bar, Prime Brook and Pine Tree Park)
• Glace Bay (serving Glace Bay, Dominion, Reserve Mines, Tower Road, Donkin, Port Caledonia, Birch Grove and Port Morien)
• Pottle Lake (serving North Sydney, Sydney Mines and the Northside rural area)
• New Waterford (serving New Waterford, Scotchtown, River Ryan, New Victoria and Lingan)
• Louisbourg (serving Louisbourg & Fortress of Louisbourg)

Once treated, water moves into the distribution system, which includes pumping stations, storage tanks and an extensive network of water mains, service lines, hydrants and control valves.

This system works together to provide reliable water service to communities throughout CBRM. The Utility regularly monitors and maintains the system to ensure high-quality water and uninterrupted service for all residents.

Learn more about how we protect our lakes, reservoirs and wellfields in Source Water Protection.