Why is the City of North Bay implementing universal residential water metering?

Universal residential water metering has been proven through national benchmarking and internal studies as an effective way to reduce overall water consumption. Metered customers pay only for the water they use, which makes it fair for everyone. It gives customers the opportunity to be aware of the water they use and allows them to take steps toward better water management and conservation. Metering also provides the City with a tool to detect backflow, no flow, leaks and tampering. Consumption reports are used as a mechanism to manage water loss and maximize revenue generation.

Who will be installing the water meters?

Neptune Technology Group has been awarded the contract to supply and install the water meters. Customers will be notified in writing well in advance of the commencement of the meter installation program.

Where are the water meters installed?

Water meters will be installed inside the home at the point where the water service enters the home as close as possible to the water shut off valve. The meter is unobtrusive once installed and no one will need to enter your home to read the meter.

How are the water meters read?

Water meters are read through a wireless Fixed Area Network and are read automatically. A Meter Interface Unit transmits readings from the water meter to Data Collector Units located throughout the City which in turn communicates with a central server. The only time anyone would need access to a home after installation would be to inspect, test, repair or replace the meter.

Who pays for the water meter?

The City of North Bay pays for the water meter and its installation. The City has secured both Federal and Provincial grant funding under the Build Canada program to cover 66% of the overall $6.1M capital cost of the program.

What are the benefits to the customer of being on a water meter?

It is beneficial because the customer pays for only the water they use, so it is fair for everyone. Also, the customer is more aware of how much water they are using and as a result, they become more conservative in their water use and implement water-conservation measures. The system will also have the ability to detect plumbing leaks which the City can report back to homeowners for their attention.

Does being on a meter make your water bills higher?

Being on a meter means that you pay for the water you use. If you use water wisely, repair leaking fixtures, and adopt other water saving behaviours, you may be able to reduce your water bill. A water meter allows you to better manage your water consumption.

Customers become more conscientious of their water use when they have a meter, but they do not need to drastically alter their lifestyles. Customers can read their water meter regularly to get an idea of how much water has been used and then choose to incorporate water-saving behaviours and technologies. For example, they might take shorter showers, or install a low-flow showerhead. Or they might make sure they wash a full load of laundry rather then just washing one or two items.

What is the City of North Bay currently doing to encourage water conservation?

In 2002 the City passed By-law 2002-52 to restrict summertime outdoor watering. During the months of June, July, and August of each year, residents serviced by the North Bay water system are restricted to only outdoor-water on even calendar days if their addresses are even and odd calendar days if the addresses are odd. Residents are also restricted to only water for a total of 3 hours in any 48-hour period. A two-week exemption is given for newly planted sod, seed and turf as well as trees, plants and shrubs.

Washing of sidewalks, driveways, patios or parking areas is permitted only if there is a specific public health hazard being dealt with.

I am on a flat rate. What will change for me?

The City will not be billing on the metered consumption until all of the water meters are installed.

What will the new metered water rates be?

We are unable to calculate new metered water rates until all of the water meters have been installed and we have collected between 3-6 months of consumption data. A Request for Proposal will be issued for a Water Rates Study.

Are there any costs associated with water metering on my property tax bill?

No. Property taxes are not linked to water billings or the installation of the water meters. Water and sewer services are funded on a user pay system therefore no portion of the water/sewer budgets are funded through the tax levy. All costs associated with water and sewer on collected from your water bills.

Is it mandatory to install meters?

Yes, all customers in the urban service boundary connected to the City services are required to be metered.

I'm already metered; will it have to be changed?

In all likelihood the meter is too old and will require replacement. Even if the meter is not replaced, it will need to be retrofitted to communicate with the new automatic meter reading system. Therefore an appointment will be booked regardless.

Will my property taxes increase because of water metering?

No.

Does the City offer incentives?

At this stage, the City is not considering offering any rebates for the replacement of existing plumbing fixtures to water efficient fixtures. Currently, the Federal Government through its EcoEnergy program does offer rebate incentives for certain water efficient plumbing fixtures.

I’ve had to run my water over the winter so my pipes don’t freeze. Will the process remain the same when we go to water meters?

Yes. Property owners will be required to contact the Public Works Department and seek approval to have the water continually run for a specific time frame. A Water Service Agreement is signed by the Managing Director of Public Works. This Agreement consents to leave the water service running and approves the water bill to be calculated on the average consumption for the previous three months.

Since the new water meter will be read automatically by radio frequency (RF) transmission, will the RF transmission interfere with any of my wireless devices in my home such as my cell phone, wireless modem or portable telephone?

The RF technology that will be utilized for the reading of the water meters will be on a secure, encrypted and licensed radio frequency band that requires approval from Industry Canada prior to use. Utilizing this licensed radio frequency ensures that it will not interfere with any other licensed radio frequencies within the City or with any Industry Canada approved unlicensed radio frequency devices such as those commonly used in residential applications. Therefore, there will be no interference with any of the existing Industry Canada approved wireless devices in your home.

I have a finished basement. What is the process for installing the water meter behind drywall or paneling and who is responsible for covering the hole?

If you have a finished basement, a water service located behind drywall or paneling does not present a problem. After consulting with you, the installer will cut out a small section of drywall or paneling to gain access to the main shut-off valve. Once the installation is complete you can cover the hole yourself, or the installer will cover the hole with a carpentry access box. The hole must not be permanently covered in the event that your meter requires future maintenance.

With respect to the following Meter Installation Process Questions:

Who can I contact for more information on the Universal Water Metering Program?

Alan Korell,
P. Eng., Managing Director
Engineering, Environmental Services & Works
705-474-0626 ext. 2308
Alan.Korell@cityofnorthbay.ca