FAQs

The Town of Gibsons was the first area on the Sunshine Coast to implement water metering. In 2014 and 2015, the SCRD installed its first water meters for properties in Pender Harbour. In 2017 and 2018, installations were completed in the rural Electoral Areas of Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, West Howe Sound (excluding Hopkins Landing), Egmont and Earls Cove.

Residential properties currently pay a flat rate for water user fees, while commercial properties pay a volumetric rate (pay per use). The SCRD initiated a rate water rate structure in early December 2022. Any recommendations will be shared with the community and the SCRD Board, likely in Fall 2023. Changes to the rates structure or service charges must be approved by the SCRD Board.

Sign up for a monthly update of average daily water use at your property by contacting infrastructure@scrd.ca and include: 

• First and Last Name
• Water Account Number
• Email Address

No, water meters would be part of an integrated approach to water with or without population growth. The SCRD continues to analyse and estimate future water demand in the region, and plan accordingly. There are several water supply projects underway to help expand the current system. In addition, the SCRD will review the relevant water bylaws and seek public input on ways to limit the impacts of growth on water demand, to ensure we can meet the needs of residents now and in the future.

The SCRD Board adopted the Comprehensive Regional Water Plan in 2013, which sets the direction and priorities for drinking water initiatives, including increasing water supply in combination with metering to manage demand. A public engagement process was held in 2013 leading up to the adoption of this plan. Residents were provided the opportunity to complete a survey or attend open houses to provide input, including water metering to manage water demand. Most respondents were in favour of water metering.

The SCRD is continuously improving water main monitoring to increase efficiency. There are a variety of tools to monitor and detect water main leaks, including notifications from residents and water meter data. However, small leaks can be difficult to detect if they are not visible, and for this reason some undetected leakage can be expected. A leak correlator will be piloted in 2021, to support further leak detection in water mains.

The SCRD charges the public for water use like any utility or service. There are costs associated with the treatment and supply of clean and safe drinking water, such as the:  Construction and capital investments in our drinking water system  Maintenance, repair and replacement of pipes, pumps, reservoirs and other infrastructure  Operations, including staffing and energy (electricity) costs 1 Environment Canada. (2011). 2011 Municipal water use report: Municipal water use 2009 statistics. Government of Canada.  Materials for the treatment process

For properties with water meters, the SCRD has installed a water meter at every service connection. In most cases, properties will have one service connection and one meter

The SCRD maintains water meters in the region. Customer water use data is reviewed monthly to ensure that SCRD water meters are recording information within the standard accuracy range and for potential leaks. SCRD Utility Services will respond to reported water meter problems and cover maintenance costs unless the meter has been tampered with.

Water meters have backflow preventers that protect the water system from potential contamination by ensuring that water from the household or other activities does not flow back into the distribution system. Your home should be equipped with a pressure relief system. Homeowners should ensure their hot water tank has a pressure relief valve that is properly maintained. If your plumbing is old, a certified plumber can help determine your needs.