The latest quarterly question sought to better understand the use of water Meters in local governments. The impetus for this topic came from the GFOABC Online forum. In May 2024, several members discussed policies related to user Fees for property owners refusing water meters.
Forty (40) percent of BC local governments responded to the Quarterly Question survey on water meters. The first question asked about water meter use by property type. The use of water meters varies significantly by property type, reflecting diverse approaches to water management.
When a residential property owner declines the installation of a water meter, local governments typically implement a base annual flat fee to charge for water usage. The fees charged for residential properties where water meter installation is declined are as follows:
- Average Fee: $676.13
- Median Fee: $500.95
According to the survey, local governments typically refuse water service for commercial and industrial properties unless the user is on a water meter.
Detailed results for this survey can be obtained by emailing surveys@civicinfo.bc.ca.
The Next Quarterly Question Will be on Local Government Fire Services
Please use this link to be a contributor. This short survey should only take 3-5 minutes to complete. If you would like to contribute topics for upcoming questions, please contact office@gfoabc.ca or call (250) 382-6871.
Visit past survey results.