Written By David Gomez
WEST ELGIN — Residents had the opportunity to see firsthand how their drinking water is produced as the Tri-County Water Treatment Plant opened its doors to the public on Canada Day for a community open house focused on education, transparency and public engagement.
Operated by the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), the facility serves West Elgin, Dutton Dunwich, Southwest Middlesex, Newbury and the community of Bothwell. Throughout the day, visitors toured the plant with local operators, explored the Water Science on Wheels education trailer, learned about careers in the water industry and spoke directly with staff about water treatment and safety.
Welcoming attendees, OCWA Regional Hub Manager Sam Smith said the event was designed to help residents better understand the system behind one of their most essential services.
“We hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to come through our doors and learn more about where their drinking water comes from,” Smith said.
Since entering service in 2009, the facility has remained one of the most advanced water treatment plants along the north shore of Lake Erie, he noted, adding that ongoing improvements continue to ensure “safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water” for the communities it serves.
Smith also emphasized that many of the people operating the plant are local residents themselves.
“The water produced here is consumed not only by the residents of our member municipalities, but also by our friends, relatives, neighbours, and our own families,” he said. “Ensuring the highest standards of water quality is something we take very personally.”
Alongside the tours, OCWA presented the Tri-County Water Board with its first cheque through participation in the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Energy Demand Response Program. The payment of $8,191 reflects the facility’s participation during the 2025 summer season, when the plant operated on onsite generation for 17 hours during periods of peak electricity demand, reducing pressure on the provincial grid while generating additional revenue for the system.
Calling the initiative “an excellent example of innovation and partnership,” Smith said the program allows the facility to maintain reliable service while creating additional revenue that ultimately benefits the municipalities it serves.
The open house concluded with visitors touring treatment areas and speaking with staff about the technology, science and people responsible for delivering safe drinking water every day.
