The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and Corix Water Products have completed the installation of water meters for customers on the Balfour water system. T
This work is part of a larger upgrade project to improve water system infrastructure, and provide Balfour with an enhanced water system.
“I would like to thank Balfour homeowners for taking the time to book their installations and participate in this important project,” RDCK Area E director Ramona Faust said in a news release. “I am committed to this project because it means a better water system for Balfour. I am pleased to see that same commitment from members of the community.”
The RDCK has begun to monitor water usage in the system. Once they have collected commercial, household and irrigation data, they will be able to start the process to develop metered rates, with metered billing to commence in 2020. Balfour water users will be consulted regarding metered rate setting, and can expect to receive a letter with more information about this process in March.
“In addition to the expected reduction in consumption, metering has already allowed us to find several leaks that were addressed immediately, and we’ll be contacting other residents who may have issues with unwanted water usage or leakage,” said Uli Wolf, general manager of environmental services.
Universal water metering was initiated in 2018 as part of the Balfour water system upgrades project. Residents overwhelmingly approved the project in a referendum. The RDCK said metering was key to obtaining provincial and federal funding to pay for 83 per cent of the project.
The RDCK says with universal metering in place, the water system expects reduced consumption that will less the need to issue other water conservation measures.