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Why does Richmond have
a Voluntary Water Meter Program?
In the face of rising water rates, Richmond residents wanted a more equitable way of paying for their water use. In response to these requests, the City of Richmond and Neptune Technology Group Canada developed the community-based Volunteer Water
Meter Program.
How much should you expect to save with a water meter?
Without a water meter, you will pay $1022 for water and sewer in 2012.
Environment Canada stated in 2007 that the average Canadian with a water meter uses 266 L/day. Using water saving devices also reduces water consumption by 8%. The 2012 metered rate for both water and sewer is $2.04/m3. The table above was developed using this information and includes the $10 quarterly meter maintenance fee.
What do you get if you sign up?
- FREE Water Meter and Installation: Until the end of 2012, if you volunteer for a water meter it will be completely free. All material and installation costs are paid by the City of Richmond.
- FREE Water Saving Devices: To help promote water conservation, all water meter volunteers can request low flow adapters for showers, toilets and sinks. Neptune Technology Group provides and installs these devices in your home by appointment for FREE. These devices can save up to an additional 8% on your water and sewer bill!
- FREE Water Leak Audit: If you make an appointment to have water saving devices installed, a Neptune representative can come to your house and check for leaks. Leaks are the number one cause of a high water bill, so identifying them as soon as possible is the key to having a low water bill.
- 1 Year Guarantee: If the total water and sewer charges on your first 4 quarterly bills with a water meter are higher than the 2012 flat rate ($1022.43) the difference will be deducted from your subsequent quarterly bills. You must make the application for adjustment as soon as you receive the 4th billing. This gives you a year to find and fix any water leaks that may result in a water bill that is higher than normal. It is your responsibility to repair any water leaks as soon as possible in order to save water.
- Take Control of your Bill: With a water meter you can control how high your water and sewer bills are by the amount of water you use. Therefore, you will see the savings whenever you lower your water use, whether it is from going on vacation or installing low flow toilets. You will see the difference.
- Quarterly Payments: When you switch to a water meter your bill is divided over 4 smaller payments, 1 every 3 months, instead of paying everything at the beginning of the year. There is a $20 minimum charge for water and sewer usage and a $10 meter maintenance fee on each quarterly bill. Some Richmond home owners only use the minimum amount of water which results in an annual bill as low as $120. That’s an 88% savings from the 2012 flat rate!
Why are water rates rising?
In the Lower Mainland, the cost of potable water is rising significantly due to increasing water treatment costs and new infrastructure costs to service increasing water demands. There are significant costs associated with keeping our fresh water clean and safe to drink.
Drinkable water is a scarce resource in the Lower Mainland and it is everyone’s responsibility to do their part to conserve water and help preserve our environment and live sustainably.
Case Study #1
As part of an intensive water conservation program in 1991, the town of Port Elgin, Ontario (pop. 6500) avoided a $5.5 million expansion of its water treatment plant by installing 2400 residential water meters for a cost of $550,000. This reduced the summer water use by 50% and use for all of 1993 by 25%. It also dropped the waste water flow by 30%. The town
also saved $12,000 in water and sewage treatment operating costs (chemicals and energy).
Case Study #2
In Alberta, Edmonton households are metered, while most Calgary households pay a flat rate. A study that compared use in both cities showed that the unmetered houses used 50% more water. The study also showed that metered users in both cities used about the same amount.
Case Study #3
A leak detection/correction program is Silery, Quebec in 1977 uncovered daily losses of 3.8 million litres of treated potable water – 35% of their treatment plant’s total production.
Case Study #4
The town of Elmira, Ontario,estimated that replacing all toilets with ultra-low flow devices would result in a 30% flow reduction, and defer construction of a $33.5 million sewage treatment plant. This would save them up to $9.3 million over a
5-year period.
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