Water Metering

On September 15, 2008 Council initiated a Universal Water Metering program where all businesses and residences will be metered by December 31, 2011.

In July 2010 the Water Metering contract was awarded to Master Meter. They are conducting an education program  and will supply & install water meters and refinish areas where the meter is placed.  The Mayor was the first to get a residential water meter on November 29, 2010.

The meters will typically be installed inside the home (basement), not in the lawn, as is done in warmer climates. This process will take time to implement and meter installation must be scheduled by the homeowner.  

The cost of installing the meters will be paid for by the District of Sparwood through the Federal Gas Tax funding.  Metered billing rates have not been established however it is expected that residential rates will be set for an average family and scaled for higher water use.  

Once the meter installation program is complete, mock billing with the amount used will be provided.  Once consumption is known, actual billing rates will be calculated and implemented in 2012.

UNIVERSAL WATER METERING DEADLINE HAS PASSED

ATTENTION: All Sparwood homeowners and businesses connected to the community water supply. You should either have a meter or have an appointment booked to install a water meter by now. If you do not have a meter and have not booked an appointment, call 250-425-5379 to book your appointment, book online at: www.universalwatermetering.ca or email the installer at: sparwoodwater@live.ca. It is your responsibility to contact the installer and set up a convenient time to have your water meter installed. The deadline has passed and we cannot guarantee an appointment however the installer will endeavour to fit you in by the end of July.

What happens if you do not have a meter?

After August 1st, 2011 un-metered water rates can be charged as per the amendment to the Utility Rates Bylaw 1014, adopted by Council on December 6th, 2010. The un-metered water rate for residential homes is $457.60 per month and ranges between $891.50 - $41,728.80 per month for commercial properties. The Bylaw can be found online at: www.sparwood.ca/bylaws. 

After August 1, 2011, you may be billed the unmetered rate. To avoid billing at the un-metered rate, you will have to obtain a meter from the District of Sparwood and pay to have it installed and inspected.

For more information call the municipal office at 250-425-6271.