The County of Lambton is comprised of an "upper-tier" and a "lower-tier". The upper-tier is the County government itself, while the lower-tier is comprised of eleven "lower tier" or "local" municipalities.

The local municipalities are responsible for areas such as tax collection, recreation (arenas, parks, etc.), fire protection, policing, animal control, garbage & recycling collection, water, sewers, municipal drains and parking enforcement among others. Members of local municipal councils are elected every four years by the eligible voters of each municipality.

The County government or upper-tier is responsible for Provincial Offences Court administration, land use planning, long-term care facilities, community health protection, social services, housing services, landfills, libraries and museums among others. Both the upper-tier and lower-tier governments share responsibilities for the care and maintenance of roads, bridges and building inspection/zoning administration.

L.A.W.S.S.

The L.A.W.S.S. (Lambton Area Water Supply System) is a collection of six municipalities united in the delivery of safe, clean water at an affordable price.