Mock Water Billing
Volumetric Billing has begun in North and South Pender Harbour! Learn more here.
Residents on the Eastbourne, Langdale, Chapman, Egmont, Cove Cay Water Systems can expect mock bills to land in late August, 2026.
A timeline for billing on the Regional Water Service is below. Not sure which water system serves your property? Enter your address on this map to find out.

Project Background
Since 2013, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has been working to install water meters at all properties within SCRD Water Service Areas.
In late 2026, the SCRD is anticipated to complete water meter installations in the Sechelt area.
The next step following metering is the introduction of a new way of billing for water known as volumetric billing.
Up until now, SCRD regional water service customers have paid a flat rate for water. The volumetric billing project will introduce a new way of billing for SCRD water customers that will result in some charges on your bill based on your water use. This method of billing can help encourage conservation, ensure fair pricing and cover the costs of maintaining and upgrading SCRD water systems.
This is your space to learn more about your mock volumetric bill.
On this page you can:
- Check out the timeline on the project (on the right on desktop, or below if accessing on mobile phone)
- Read the most common questions asked about the project
- See an explainer of content on your mock bill.
Below
Ask questions about the project. Please check out the common questions first as the answer to your question could be there!
Volumetric Billing has begun in North and South Pender Harbour! Learn more here.
Residents on the Eastbourne, Langdale, Chapman, Egmont, Cove Cay Water Systems can expect mock bills to land in late August, 2026.
A timeline for billing on the Regional Water Service is below. Not sure which water system serves your property? Enter your address on this map to find out.

Project Background
Since 2013, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has been working to install water meters at all properties within SCRD Water Service Areas.
In late 2026, the SCRD is anticipated to complete water meter installations in the Sechelt area.
The next step following metering is the introduction of a new way of billing for water known as volumetric billing.
Up until now, SCRD regional water service customers have paid a flat rate for water. The volumetric billing project will introduce a new way of billing for SCRD water customers that will result in some charges on your bill based on your water use. This method of billing can help encourage conservation, ensure fair pricing and cover the costs of maintaining and upgrading SCRD water systems.
This is your space to learn more about your mock volumetric bill.
On this page you can:
- Check out the timeline on the project (on the right on desktop, or below if accessing on mobile phone)
- Read the most common questions asked about the project
- See an explainer of content on your mock bill.
Below
Ask questions about the project. Please check out the common questions first as the answer to your question could be there!
Ask a Question about Volumetric Billing.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions. If you still have a question, ask it below!
-
Share What does the portion of our provincial property parcel tax identified on our annual property tax notice as “Sunshine Coast Reg Water Authority” pay for? There is a reference in a previous question to it being for larger capital projects related to water but no detail provided on what that would be? It appears that we are paying for water related capital projects and infrastructure via the SCRD metered billing. on Facebook Share What does the portion of our provincial property parcel tax identified on our annual property tax notice as “Sunshine Coast Reg Water Authority” pay for? There is a reference in a previous question to it being for larger capital projects related to water but no detail provided on what that would be? It appears that we are paying for water related capital projects and infrastructure via the SCRD metered billing. on X (formerly Twitter) Share What does the portion of our provincial property parcel tax identified on our annual property tax notice as “Sunshine Coast Reg Water Authority” pay for? There is a reference in a previous question to it being for larger capital projects related to water but no detail provided on what that would be? It appears that we are paying for water related capital projects and infrastructure via the SCRD metered billing. on Linkedin Email What does the portion of our provincial property parcel tax identified on our annual property tax notice as “Sunshine Coast Reg Water Authority” pay for? There is a reference in a previous question to it being for larger capital projects related to water but no detail provided on what that would be? It appears that we are paying for water related capital projects and infrastructure via the SCRD metered billing. link
What does the portion of our provincial property parcel tax identified on our annual property tax notice as “Sunshine Coast Reg Water Authority” pay for? There is a reference in a previous question to it being for larger capital projects related to water but no detail provided on what that would be? It appears that we are paying for water related capital projects and infrastructure via the SCRD metered billing.
SMR asked 7 days agoHello, thanks for the question.
The user fee (utility bill) is intended to cover operating costs associated with delivering water to your property (this includes things like water treatment equipment, well pumping costs or staffing). Parcel tax (land charge on property tax notice) is to offset more major capital projects, for example, building a new well, or replacing large sections of aging waterlines.
The capital projects the SCRD is working on each year change and are directed by the SCRD Board through the budget process and 2026-2030 Financial Plan
The budget process for 2027 will begin in December 2026. The SCRD shares information throughout the process to keep the public informed.
-
Share If I use less than 46 cm in a quarter is the unused volume carried over to the next quarter? on Facebook Share If I use less than 46 cm in a quarter is the unused volume carried over to the next quarter? on X (formerly Twitter) Share If I use less than 46 cm in a quarter is the unused volume carried over to the next quarter? on Linkedin Email If I use less than 46 cm in a quarter is the unused volume carried over to the next quarter? link
If I use less than 46 cm in a quarter is the unused volume carried over to the next quarter?
Curious asked 10 days agoHello,
The Base Charge use allowance of 46 cubic metres of water is per quarter and does not ‘roll over’ to the next quarter.
Major drivers of volumetric billing is to more fairly distribute costs among users, encourage water conservation during the dry seasons and support the long-term sustainability of local water sources.
-
Share Will the quarterly water billings be replacing the water portion currently charged on our annual utility bill? I sure hope the answer is yes. on Facebook Share Will the quarterly water billings be replacing the water portion currently charged on our annual utility bill? I sure hope the answer is yes. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Will the quarterly water billings be replacing the water portion currently charged on our annual utility bill? I sure hope the answer is yes. on Linkedin Email Will the quarterly water billings be replacing the water portion currently charged on our annual utility bill? I sure hope the answer is yes. link
Will the quarterly water billings be replacing the water portion currently charged on our annual utility bill? I sure hope the answer is yes.
Jean O'Connor asked 11 days agoHi, thanks for the question. You are correct.
The new Volumetric Billing rate structure will replace the existing flat rate method. It is not in-addition to. Once implemented, property owners can anticipate receiving a bill every three months, with the bill calculated by taking into account water usage.
-
Share What happened to the meters being to find leaks only? on Facebook Share What happened to the meters being to find leaks only? on X (formerly Twitter) Share What happened to the meters being to find leaks only? on Linkedin Email What happened to the meters being to find leaks only? link
What happened to the meters being to find leaks only?
Sarah asked 16 days agoHello, thanks for the question.
Water meters began being installed on the Sunshine Coast in 2014, and their purpose was always for connecting residents with their water use, finding leaks and for the eventual transition to volumetric billing. Now that all water services on the Coast are metered, the SCRD is bringing those aspects to reality in 2027 across all SCRD water service areas.
-
Share Why is it that as a single person with low volume usage in Halfmoon Bay, next year my bill will actually increase with the new rates, essentially subsidizing high volume users. This is not encouraging conservation as described. on Facebook Share Why is it that as a single person with low volume usage in Halfmoon Bay, next year my bill will actually increase with the new rates, essentially subsidizing high volume users. This is not encouraging conservation as described. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why is it that as a single person with low volume usage in Halfmoon Bay, next year my bill will actually increase with the new rates, essentially subsidizing high volume users. This is not encouraging conservation as described. on Linkedin Email Why is it that as a single person with low volume usage in Halfmoon Bay, next year my bill will actually increase with the new rates, essentially subsidizing high volume users. This is not encouraging conservation as described. link
Why is it that as a single person with low volume usage in Halfmoon Bay, next year my bill will actually increase with the new rates, essentially subsidizing high volume users. This is not encouraging conservation as described.
Bil asked about 1 month agoHi, thanks for the question.
You can read more about the rate structure for the Regional Water System, and the proposed mock billing rates here. These mock rates will be used in the mock bills later this year. Based on the mock rates, residents who use lower volumes of water would see a savings compared to the 2026 flat rate.
Actual rates for the Regional Water System for 2027 have not been set yet. Rates will be set as part of the annual rate review which occurs in November/December of every year.
For the Pender Harbour Water Service Areas, the new volumetric rate structure did see cost savings for residents who consistently use low volumes of water compared to the previous flat rate structure. North and South Pender Harbour Water Services each have their own operating budgets and thus have different rates than the Regional Water Service.
I hope this information helps!
-
Share which months will I get a bill and which months will the payment be due? Can I be billed by email? on Facebook Share which months will I get a bill and which months will the payment be due? Can I be billed by email? on X (formerly Twitter) Share which months will I get a bill and which months will the payment be due? Can I be billed by email? on Linkedin Email which months will I get a bill and which months will the payment be due? Can I be billed by email? link
which months will I get a bill and which months will the payment be due? Can I be billed by email?
bdf asked 2 months agoHi, thanks for the question.
Residents will receive mock bills in Summer and Fall of 2026, that they do not have to pay. More detailed information on what to expect in 2027 will be provided at that time.
Real volumetric billing will begin in 2027, with bills being send every 3 months. Residents can expect bills in April, July and October of 2027, and January of 2028. Payment will be due 30 days after the bills are issued. Residents in Pender Harbour have the same schedule, and are already receiving real volumetric bills.
Property owners can sign up to mySCRD and opt-in to receive bills by email. mySCRD also allows for owners to see previous bills, make payments online, and soon, water use data will be available. You can find mySCRD here.
-
Share Is there a standard amour and more incrementally beyond this amount or do we pay for every drop ? on Facebook Share Is there a standard amour and more incrementally beyond this amount or do we pay for every drop ? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Is there a standard amour and more incrementally beyond this amount or do we pay for every drop ? on Linkedin Email Is there a standard amour and more incrementally beyond this amount or do we pay for every drop ? link
Is there a standard amour and more incrementally beyond this amount or do we pay for every drop ?
None asked 4 months agoThanks for the question. The SCRD Committee of the Whole will be discussing the new rate structure for the Regional Water System on the May 28, 2026 meeting. You can read more about how the proposed mock billing rates have been developed, here.
The new user fee for those in Pender Harbour is made up of a Base Charge and a Volumetric Rate.
Base Charge: Is a flat rate that covers a portion of the costs of operating the water system and includes a quarterly Consumption Allowance of 46m3 of water (about 500L per day). There will be one Base Charge per water meter. Base Charges amounts are related to the size of the water meter servicing your property.
Volumetric Rate: Is a consumption-based charge applied to water use that exceeds the quarterly allowance of 46 cubic meters (m³), that is included in the Base Charge. If you use more than 46 cubic meters of water over a three-month period (approximately 500 litres a day) you’ll pay a charge based on how much water you used over that amount.
-
Share Will volumetric billing reduce the charge for low volume users ? on Facebook Share Will volumetric billing reduce the charge for low volume users ? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Will volumetric billing reduce the charge for low volume users ? on Linkedin Email Will volumetric billing reduce the charge for low volume users ? link
Will volumetric billing reduce the charge for low volume users ?
Ronald Bedford asked 4 months agoThe SCRD Committee of the Whole will be considering a volumetric rate structure for the Regional Water System on May 28, 2026. You can read the staff report here.
Note that the above staff report looks to set mock billing rates. Actual rates for 2027 will be set as part of the annual rate review which occurs in November/December of every year.
For the Pender Harbour Water Service Areas, the new volumetric rate structure did see cost savings for residents who consistently use low volumes of water compared to the previous flat rate structure.
-
Share Will qarterly billing happen automatically or do we have to apply for it? on Facebook Share Will qarterly billing happen automatically or do we have to apply for it? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Will qarterly billing happen automatically or do we have to apply for it? on Linkedin Email Will qarterly billing happen automatically or do we have to apply for it? link
Will qarterly billing happen automatically or do we have to apply for it?
LNugent asked 3 months agoHello,
Quarterly billing will start automatically in 2027 for all Regional Water Service customers. More information on the transition will be provided to residents later this summer.
Residents in North and South Pender Harbour have already transitioned to quarterly billing.
-
Share At $4 per cubic metre and a base rate of 46 cubic metres per quarter, that works out to $736 per year for the base rate when our current annual bill in Sechelt is $750. How does that encourage conservation? For people who never use more than 46 cubic meters per quarter, what incentive will there be to save water? You should just charge per cubic meter. on Facebook Share At $4 per cubic metre and a base rate of 46 cubic metres per quarter, that works out to $736 per year for the base rate when our current annual bill in Sechelt is $750. How does that encourage conservation? For people who never use more than 46 cubic meters per quarter, what incentive will there be to save water? You should just charge per cubic meter. on X (formerly Twitter) Share At $4 per cubic metre and a base rate of 46 cubic metres per quarter, that works out to $736 per year for the base rate when our current annual bill in Sechelt is $750. How does that encourage conservation? For people who never use more than 46 cubic meters per quarter, what incentive will there be to save water? You should just charge per cubic meter. on Linkedin Email At $4 per cubic metre and a base rate of 46 cubic metres per quarter, that works out to $736 per year for the base rate when our current annual bill in Sechelt is $750. How does that encourage conservation? For people who never use more than 46 cubic meters per quarter, what incentive will there be to save water? You should just charge per cubic meter. link
At $4 per cubic metre and a base rate of 46 cubic metres per quarter, that works out to $736 per year for the base rate when our current annual bill in Sechelt is $750. How does that encourage conservation? For people who never use more than 46 cubic meters per quarter, what incentive will there be to save water? You should just charge per cubic meter.
Robin asked 4 months agoHello,
The base rate you are referencing ($4 per cubic meter) is the rate established for the North and South Pender Water Systems, which have different budgets and user fee amounts. The actual rates for the Regional Water Service (Halfmoon Bay, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, Langdale, Egmont, Cove Cay and Eastbourne) have not been set yet.
A staff report going forward to the SCRD Committee of the Whole on May 28, 2026 will include more information on potential rates for the Regional Water Service. Actual rates will be set in November of 2026.
The volumetric billing structure is being designed to:
- More fairly distribute costs among users
- Encourage water conservation during dry seasons
- Support the long-term sustainability of local water systems
-
August 29 2026
-
September 26 2026
-
Mock Bills
- Why did I receive this mock bill?
- Do I need to pay the mock bill?
- How are the bills calculated?
- What is a cubic meter (m³)?
- Why is my water usage so much higher in Q2?
- What does “continuous flow detected” mean?
- I have a secondary suite; how will my bill work?
- Why does the Regional District not meter and bill individual strata units?
- Can the Regional District send the Utility Bill to the tenant of the property instead?
-
Volumetric Billing
- When does volumetric billing start?
- When will my water bill change?
- How will my water use be measured?
- How accurate are water meters used for volumetric billing?
- How will the volumetric user fees be structured?
- What are Base Charges and the Volumetric Rate?
- Will there be a minimum charge under the new rate structure?
- How can I conserve water to lower my bill?
- My property is already charged a metered rate; how will my bill change?
- How often are meters read and bills issued?
- My leak is now resolved – am I eligible to receive an adjustment on my utility bill?
-
General Questions
- What is a water service area?
- What is volumetric billing?
- Why is the SCRD transitioning to volumetric billing?
- What factors impact the cost of water?
- Does this billing method apply to both residential and commercial users?
- I own a vacation home and am only here a few months of the year, does this apply to me?
-
Planning for introduction of volumetric billing
Mock Water Billing has finished this stageSCRD staff are meeting weekly to put a plan in place for volumetric billing in the North Pender, South Pender and Regional Water Service Areas.
This work includes setting the structure of the rates and developing a plan to communicate significant changes in billing to the community.
-
SCRD Board adopts the new rate structure
Mock Water Billing has finished this stageSpring 2025
-
2025 Mock Billing - North and South Pender Water Services
Mock Water Billing has finished this stageResidents in the North Pender and South Pender water service areas will receive mock volumetric bills. This 'mock bill' will show water use and what the water charges could be when a real bill is sent out.
2025
-
2026 Volumetric Billing Introduced in North and South Pender Water Services
Mock Water Billing has finished this stage2026
-
2026 Mock Billing - Regional Water Service
Mock Water Billing is currently at this stageResidents in the Regional Water Service will receive a mock volumetric bill. This 'mock bill' will show water use and what the charges could be when a real bill is sent out.
These mock bills will land with residents in August and later in fall in 2026.
-
April, 2027 Volumetric Billing introduced in Regional Water Service
this is an upcoming stage for Mock Water Billing2027

Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends