KAMSTRUP WATER METERING RATE SUSPENSION – FAQS
1. What is the rationale for holding the rates for 2025/26?
The decision to delay applying metered rates is based on equity, helping residents prepare, and ensuring the system works smoothly.
- Equitable Billing: Installing water meters for all unmetered connections is expected to take up to two years. To ensure consistency, all newly metered customers will start being billed based on consumption at the same time. If metered billing were applied as soon as each meter was installed, some customers would have an earlier opportunity to adjust their usage and save money before others, through no fault of their own.
- Consumer Awareness: In other communities, universal water metering has led to consumption reductions of up to 45%. In Area D, we are hoping for a reduction of about 30%, but this will take time to confirm. The transition period allows residents to identify and repair leaks before metered rates take effect. This also provides the SRD with valuable data to set sustainable rates based on data collected from the new meters.
2. Will my water bill go down?
Your bill will depend on how much water you use, but there are opportunities to save.
- Low water users may see a decrease in their bills once metered rates take effect, while higher-volume users could see an increase.
- The new meters have a display panel that allows you to track your water use and help detect leaks. A small, unnoticed leak—like a worn-out toilet seal—can waste thousands of litres of water each year. Identifying and fixing leaks can lower both household and overall system costs.
3. How will my bill be calculated once metered rates are applied?
Once metered billing begins, your charges will be based on the amount of water you use, rather than a flat rate. The cost per cubic meter will be determined to cover both the bulk water purchased from the City of Campbell River and the costs of maintaining and operating the water system.
During the transition period, you’ll have time to track your water usage and see how your habits affect your bill.
4. When will I receive my first metered bill?
You can expect your first metered bill once all meters are installed and fully integrated into the SRD’s billing system, which is currently anticipated for late 2026.
This gives you plenty of time to monitor your usage, make adjustments, and prepare for the switch to metered billing.
5. How can I check my water consumption?
Each meter has a built-in display that allows you to easily monitor your water use. We’ll provide simple instructions on how to read it and track your consumption.
6. How will I know if I have a leak?
The new meters can detect continuous water flow even when you’re not using water, which can signal a leak. If your meter shows unexpected usage, it’s a good idea to check your home for leaks.
7. Why are leak detection and infrastructure upgrades important?
Leak detection isn’t just good for the system—it’s good for your wallet.
- Find and Fix Leaks Early: The new meters have built-in acoustic leak detection to help spot leaks in both the SRD’s system and on your property. Fixing leaks quickly can save you money on your bill.
- Protecting Your Home and Community: Early leak detection helps prevent bigger issues, like water damage or major pipe failures, reducing costly repairs.
- Long-Term Savings: While we expect more leaks to be found in the first year, fixing them early helps lower future repair costs and makes the entire system more efficient.
8. What is the difference between the Campbell River bulk water rate and the rate I pay on my bills?
The SRD buys treated water from the City of Campbell River—this is called bulk water. The City charges SRD a set rate per cubic meter.
The rate you pay covers more than just the bulk water. It also includes:
- Operations & Maintenance: Ensuring the system stays reliable and safe.
- Service Delivery Costs: Supporting services like meter reading, billing, and customer support.
- Future Planning: Building reserves to fund future upgrades and prevent sudden rate increases.
Currently, about two-thirds of the cost of providing water is covered by user fees, with the rest coming from property taxes. As we move to metered billing, this cost distribution will be reviewed.
The good news? With the new meters helping detect leaks and promote water-saving habits, there’s potential to reduce overall water costs over time.
9. What do the Kamstrup Water Meters look like?
