FAQs

Several factors led to the modernization of billing practices.

Use of a levy to assign costs for wastewater service doesn't reflect actual consumption by customers.

The old system which assigned a fixed water charge to each unit in a property with one shared meter has been replaced with a meter-size ratio system. Now, properties with larger meters which place a higher demand on the system, will pay more than those with smaller meters. This approach makes the cost of service fairer for everyone.

The existing billing system was often confusing and difficult to reconcile with collection on both the water and tax bill. The new, streamlined billing method ensures customers are billed fairly and efficiently having all charges in one place.

Billing timeline changes allow customers to receive a water bill every two months, rather than every four. This means that bills will be more frequently available and easier to budget for. It also means that leaks can be detected earlier, preventing large bills and loss of water.

There are currently 6 different types of levies on the tax bill. Some are charged by the Town, some by Niagara Region and the Education levy is charged by the Province.

• Town – General
• Wastewater
• Niagara Region – General
• Niagara Region - Transit 
• Niagara Region - Waste
• Education

With the elimination of the wastewater levy from the tax bill, there will be no wastewater budget amounts collected on the tax bill in the future. Changes on the tax bill will vary based on the assessed value of each property and other potential tax increases resulting from the 2026 operating budget. 

You can estimate how much you will save from the elimination of the wastewater levy by reviewing your 2025 Tax bill.  Look for "Wastewater Levy" under Municipal Levies.

Some customers may pay more or less than under the current system because the fixed wastewater charge has historically been based on property assessment. 

Going forward, all properties will pay the same amount according to the size of their water meter and the amount of water they use, keeping it fair and consistent and easy-to-understand for everyone moving forward.

The majority of residential meters are less than 1” and will be billed based at the lowest fixed rates. For larger meters, or to determine actual size, you can contact us at water@grimsby.ca to request your meter size information.

Enrolling in a PAP plan is the best way to ensure that your water bill is paid on time without risk of penalties or transfers to tax roll and additional fees. If you’ve already signed up to have your water bill automatically withdrawn from your bank account, there’s nothing you need to do when billing timelines change. Currently, amounts are withdrawn when due every 4 months. Under the new timeline, payments will be withdrawn every other month on the due date.   

Unless you wish to change your banking information or cancel your payment plan, there’s nothing that you need to do. You can reach out to us at water@grimsby.ca for more information.

Customers can make a difference in the amount of their water bill by making changes in the way that they use water, reducing consumption and keeping a close watch for potential leaks.  

Saving water is also good for the environment, reducing water loss and making best use of precious resources. Visit https://www.grimsby.ca/living-in/water-services/water-billing/water-conservation-and-leak-detection/ for more information.

2026 rates are pending, subject to budget approval.

You can use our Online Calculator to see what your new water bill will look like. This tool has been prepared using 2025 rates for estimates only.

The Town is divided into four areas for billing purposes. You can locate your billing area by the first three numbers of your water account.

Billing maps are also outlined on the map below.

In January, all billing areas will receive a bill for final 2025 consumption under the old rate structure. Areas B, C and D will have reduced fixed water charges based on their consumption periods. Beginning in March 2026, all areas will be billed at the same time every other month. Estimated bill and due dates are outlined below.