The City’s water sources are four deep wells and two reservoirs situated near the Cowichan River and extract water from a sub-river aquifer for water distribution. This “un-confined” aquifer is regenerated by water from the river adjacent watershed being filtered by layers of pervious soils.
What’s New – Multi-Phased Water Meter Program is almost complete
The objective of the multi-phased Water Meter Program is to install meters in all properties and to convert customers to the new Pay-Per-Use Water (PPU) Rates. The PPU water rates are designed to encourage conservation and bill customers based on their actual water consumption three times per year. The City continues to work diligently to install the remaining meters.
The table below shows the Pay-Per-Use Metered Water Rates Inside City Boundaries (Effective January 2024) – Accounts that start with 610 & 810
| i. Meter Service Charge: | ||
| For each four month period | ||
| Meter/Service Size | Rate | |
| 19 mm | $25.35 | |
| 25 mm | $68.06 | |
| 38 mm | $136.13 | |
| 50 mm | $217.70 | |
| 75 mm | $272.24 | |
| 100 mm | $544.50 | |
| 150 mm | $762.01 | |
| 200 mm | $1,089.01 | |
| ii. plus, Water Consumption Charge | $0.898 | |
| Per cubic metre for each metre consumed (Cubic metre = 1,000 litres) Please note, most single-family dwellings have a 19 mm meter |
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The table below shows the Pay-Per-Use Metered Water Rates Outside City Boundaries (Effective January 1, 2024 ) – Accounts that start with 620, 630, 650, 850 & 820
| i. Meter Service Charge: | ||
| For each four month period | ||
| Meter/Service Size | Rate | |
| 19 mm | $38.02 | |
| 25 mm | $102.09 | |
| 38 mm | $204.20 | |
| 50 mm | $326.55 | |
| 75 mm | $408.36 | |
| 100 mm | $816.75 | |
| 150 mm | $1,143.01 | |
| 200 mm | $1,633.52 | |
| ii. plus, Water Consumption Charge | $1.346 | |
| Per cubic metre for each metre consumed (Cubic metre = 1,000 litres) Please note, most single-family dwellings have a 19 mm meter |
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2024 Tri-Annual Billing Periods for all metered Customers
| Billing Period | Billing Date | Due Date |
| September to December (2023) | January | March 28, 2024 |
| January to April | May | July 31, 2024 |
| May to August | September | November 29, 2024 |
Summary of Water Rates and Billing Periods
Accounts starting with 100, 190, 200, 300 and 500
| Billing Period | Billing Date | Due Date |
| January to June | Mid-January | March 28, 2024 |
| July to December | Mid-July | September 27, 2024 |
2024 Rates for accounts starting with 100
| Semi-Annual flat water rate inside the City. Single Family Residence; 1/2 strata duplex; mobile home (1 dwelling unit) ii. Duplex (if on one registered title) $229.88249.80 iii. Single Family Residence with one accessory dwelling unit (suite) iv. Multiple Dwelling Units (buildings with 3 or more dwelling units) per unit |
$132.05 |
2024 Rates for accounts staring with 190, 200, 300 & 500
| Semi-Annual flat water rate outside the City. Single Family Residence; 1/2 strata duplex; mobile home (1 dwelling unit) ii. Duplex (if on one registered title) $229.88249.80 iii. Single Family Residence with one accessory dwelling unit (suite) iv. Multiple Dwelling Units (buildings with 3 or more dwelling units) per unit |
$199.30 |
Features of the Pay-Per-Use Metered Rate
Tri-Annual billing to encourage conservation
By increasing the billing frequency from two to three bills per year, you are now able to see how much water you are using three times a year. This should help reduce water consumption and therefore your bill.
Meter Service Charge
This collects funds to maintain and replace the meters. If you have a small meter size you pay less than a customer with a large meter. 96% of customers have a small 19 mm meter.
Water Consumption Charge
The Water Consumption Charge replaced the previous tiered rates. This provides an opportunity to reduce your bill if you use less water.
Large Multiple Dwelling Charge
This is a per unit charge, similar to the 19 mm meter charge, for large residential buildings with 10 or more units. This impacts about 1.5% of accounts.
Stratas & Duplexes with One Meter
Duplexes with two separate titles, and small stratas with four or less units that do not collect strata fees will have the water bill split equally among the owners unless the City is advised to alter the allocation. To request a change to this default billing please complete the Utilities Bill Allocation Form. For more information, please visit the shared meter information sheet.
Sewer Charges Outside the City Boundaries
For sewer customers outside the City boundaries there are currently no changes to the application of sewer rates as part of the water meter program.
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Benefits of the Water Meter Program
- Replacement of old technology
- Participation in water conservation practices aimed at increased water efficiency
- Less water waste comes with awareness and measured use
- Pay for what you use
- Detect leaks faster – helps save water and reduce your bill
