The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is installing water meters at residences in Area D. This project will mean a switch to consumption-based water billing for Area D residents.
Provincial funding for the project was first announced in 2023, with installations beginning in January 2025. Installations are expected to continue until August 2026. The SRD anticipates switching to metered billing in late 2026.
The goal is to promote water conservation by tracking individual water use. By connecting billing to usage, residents can make informed decisions and identify leaks, helping to reduce overall water consumption.
The data collected will help the SRD identify water use trends, detect leaks, and better understand overall system demand. Individual usage data will remain confidential and only be used for billing and system maintenance purposes.
Edgett Excavation Ltd. is responsible for installing the new water meters. Installation is ongoing and expected to continue until August 2026. You will be contacted prior to a water meter being installed at your home.
Meters will be installed on public property, within the Ministry of Transportation Road allowance, near the boundary of your property. No installation work will occur on private property.
To prepare for the project, you may want to inspect your home’s plumbing to ensure it is in good condition.
With this system upgrade, older homes may need to update their plumbing to avoid any issues. Residents are recommended to check if their home requires the installation of:
It is each homeowner’s responsibility to assess your plumbing and take the necessary steps to prepare for the water meter installation. Consulting a licensed plumber is the best way to determine if your home is up to current standards.
If you have valued plants or landscaping near your water connection, consider relocating them ahead of time to avoid potential disruptions during the work. Taking these steps can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free process as the project moves forward.
You will receive a notification letter from the contractor one week before your scheduled installation date. The letter will include:
On the day of installation, the contractor will knock on your door one hour before starting and provide an additional copy of the notification if needed. If you have concerns about landscaping near the installation site on public land, you can contact the contractor directly.
The installation typically takes a few hours, with water service interruptions lasting up to three hours. The contractor will knock on your door one hour before the shutdown to notify you.
The installation team will monitor for any signs of leakage. If a leak is found on public property, it will be addressed by the Regional District. If a potential issue is identified on private property, you’ll be informed so it can be managed accordingly.
The meter installation process is designed to be hands-off for residents. The contractor will handle all installation steps and notify you if any follow-up is necessary.
If you notice any issues following installation, use the emergency contact information provided in the notification letter to reach the contractor.
Once metered billing begins, your charges will be based on the amount of water you use, rather than a flat rate. The cost per cubic meter will be determined to cover both the bulk water purchased from the City of Campbell River and the costs of maintaining and operating the water system.
During the transition period, you’ll have time to track your water usage and see how your habits affect your bill.
Low water users may see a decrease in their bills once metered rates take effect, while higher-volume users could see an increase. Generally, communities with metering see reduced consumption and may lower their bills. The average use in similar communities decreased by around 30 per cent.
You can expect your first metered bill once all meters are installed and fully integrated into the SRD’s billing system, which is currently anticipated for late 2026.
The SRD has decided to delay applying metered rates until all homes have a water meter installed. This decision is based on equity, helping residents prepare and ensuring the system works smoothly.
The new meters have a display panel that allows you to track your water use and help detect leaks. We’ll provide simple instructions on how to read it and track your consumption. A small, unnoticed leak can waste thousands of litres of water each year. Identifying and fixing leaks can lower both household and overall system costs.
Leak detection isn’t just good for the system—it’s good for your wallet.