Curb box 101
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Get a free inspection before doing outdoor renovations to avoid unnecessary future repairs
In the spirit of World Water Day earlier this week, the City of Vaughan is bringing a small but very important piece of water equipment into the spotlight – the curb box!
Every property in Vaughan has a curb box, also known as a water service valve, at the property line that controls the water running to a home or building from the City's watermain. This is an outdoor shut-off in addition to the one you have in your home. It is a round metal plate, approximately 10 centimetres in diameter, located on the front lawn, driveway or sidewalk of a property. The curb box is owned and operated by the City; however, it is the homeowner's responsibility to keep it accessible.
When doing renovations outside your home, it is important to locate the curb box and make sure it remains accessible at all times. If you are paving, resurfacing, excavating or landscaping your driveway or front lawn, never touch or cover your curb box. Contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca to arrange a free inspection to locate the curb box a minimum of two weeks before any work is set to start. Taking these steps ensures it remains operational, undamaged and potentially avoids additional costs associated with repairs. Private contractors are prohibited from touching or operating curb boxes under Water By-law 177-16 (PDF). If it is damaged due to outside contractors, the City will repair and charge back the homeowner.
Access Vaughan should also be contacted when:
- the curb box height needs to be adjusted to avoid a tripping hazard.
- the cap is missing or damaged.
- the curb box is leaking.
The City is responsible for managing water distribution and wastewater collection services to nearly 335,000 people and more than 19,000 businesses. Vaughan's drinking water comes from Lake Ontario and is treated by the City of Toronto and Peel Region. York Region supplies clean, treated water to the City of Vaughan.
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