Is the City planning to install water meters in local residences/businesses?

Water meters are currently required on all properties except single family and duplex properties. Installing water meters on single family residential and duplex property is not currently being planned by the City. 

Why does the City require the installation of water service boxes in new home construction? 

While many people refer to these boxes as water meter boxes, they currently contain back flow prevention devices (protects the water quality within the distribution system) and shut-off valves. These boxes also make it easier for property owners and the City’s water department to locate water services as they are less likely to be buried than a shut-off that is not contained within a box. Also, installing the boxes in new construction is a cost-effective way to plan for the potential that water meters might be inserted at some point in the future. 

What will the cost be per household to retrofit with meters? 

The City’s 2004 Water Conservation Options report estimated the costs of installing meters to all residential properties to be $5 million. The estimated cost to increase water supply to meet increasing water demand is $35 million to develop a second water supply from Lower Campbell Lake.  

Will the homeowner have to bear the burden of the cost to retrofit with meters?

Because there are no plans to install water meters, no funding strategy has been developed.  

What would be the justification for spending that money on water meters?

In communities that have chosen to install meters, there is a proven benefit for many demographic groups that tend to use less – especially seniors and singles. Water meters offer the ability for people to control the cost of their water bill, which is a benefit for low income families. Water meters are also a proven method for deferring costly capital upgrades. 

Could the money be spent elsewhere to achieve similar results?

The City funds water conservation education and enforcement. Research indicates these methods can reduce consumption only so far – and water meters can encourage people to further reduce consumption. 

Is any money already put aside for water meter installation in City or in the surrounding region?

No. 

Are there other examples where new construction is required to accommodate a potential technological advancement?

Yes, Campbell River has signed on as a BC Solar Community, and new homes are now required to be solar-ready to allow for cost-effective conversion to solar hot-water heating. New homes are also commonly built with additional wiring and networking to avoid costly retrofits to accommodate additional electronics.