Water and Sewer Rate Calculators Live on City Website
By City of Castlegar
Curious about how the proposed water and sewer rate structure might affect your utility bill? Check out the new rate calculator on the City of Castlegar website at www.castlegar.ca/waterandsewer
There are five rate calculators, one for each customer type: residential, residential with suite, residential without sewer service, multi-family, and industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI).
Simply download the Excel spreadsheet and enter the water consumption information from your 2017 utility bills, and you’ll see instantly what the consumption rate would be. If you don’t have Excel, you can print off a copy with instructions to complete the calculations manually, or pick up a copy at City Hall.
“You can also find out what the rate structure means for your utility bill at our November 1st Open House,” said city CAO Chris Barlow. “Our staff will be on hand to enter your water use into the appropriate rate calculator to determine what the difference would be.”
The Water and Sewer Rates Update Open House is Nov. 1, from 3-8 p.m. at the Castlegar and District Community Complex, where you can learn about and provide feedback on the City of Castlegar’s proposed water and sewer rate structure.
View the displays, and share your questions and thoughts with our staff and technical water expert from Urban Systems. There will also be short presentations at 4, 5, 6 and 7p.m., to outline the proposed structure and what it means to residential, multi-family, and industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI) customers.
You can provide your feedback on the proposed rate structure by filling in our feedback form at the open house. Or, if you can’t make it, simply go to our website at www.castlegar.ca/waterandsewerto read the newsletter, review answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and fill in the Online Feedback Form.
“You’ll find more information in the October utility bill that has been mailed directly to all of our customers,” Barlow added.
In keeping with council’s commitment to water conservation and equitable rates for all water and sewer customers, most Castlegar homes now have water meters. Local businesses are moving toward installing them. The proposed water and sewer rate structure is the next step in creating more sustainable utility services for years to come.
“While water and sewer services and the related costs are a big part of our City budget, moving away from a flat rate where everyone pays the same regardless of how much they use has many proven benefits,” Barlow said. “In addition to encouraging water conservation, consumption-based rate structures (also known as user-pay rates) extend the lifespan of water and sewer systems by reducing peak demand, saving all taxpayers in the long run.”
For more information on the open house and water conservation measures for your home, backyard, or business please, visit our website at www.castlegar.ca/waterandsewer
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