Universal residential water metering has been proven through national benchmarking and internal studies as an effective way to reduce overall water consumption. Metered customers pay for the water they use, which makes it fair for everyone. It gives customers the opportunity to be aware of the water they use and allows them to take steps toward better water management and conservation. Metering also provides the City with a tool to detect backflow, no flow, leaks and tampering. Consumption reports are used as a mechanism to manage water loss and maximize revenue generation.
The City of North Bay pays for the water meter and its installation.
It is beneficial because the customer pays for only the water they use, so it is fair for everyone. Also, the customer is more aware of how much water they are using and as a result, they become more conservative in their water use and implement water-conservation measures.
Water meters are read through a wireless Fixed Area Network and are read automatically. A Meter Interface Unit transmits readings from the water meter to Data Collector Units located throughout the City which in turn communicates with a central server. The only time anyone would need access to a home after installation would be to inspect, test, repair or replace the meter.
The RF technology that will be utilized for the reading of the water meters will be on a secure, encrypted and licensed radio frequency band that requires approval from Industry Canada prior to use. Utilizing this licensed radio frequency ensures that it will not interfere with any other licensed radio frequencies within the City or with any Industry Canada approved unlicensed radio frequency devices such as those commonly used in residential applications. Therefore, there will be no interference with any of the existing Industry Canada approved wireless devices in your home.
Monthly
Between 14 and 17 cubic meters per month approximately 0.47 to 0.57 cubic meters per day.
No. Property taxes are not linked to water billings or the installation of the water meters. Water and sewer services are funded on a user pay system therefore no portion of the water/sewer budgets are funded through the tax levy. All costs associated with water and sewer on collected from your water bills.
The City does offer a Low-Flow toilet rebate program for the replacement of existing less efficient toilets with WaterSense labelled low-flow units. At this stage, the City is not considering offering any rebates for the replacement of other existing plumbing fixtures to water efficient fixtures. Currently, the Federal Government through its EcoEnergy program does offer rebate incentives for certain water efficient plumbing fixtures.
The Water Filtration Charge.
Unlike most municipal services, which residents pay for through property taxes, sewer and water services are self-financing. This means residents are directly billed for the water they use, as well their share of the costs for transporting clean water to their homes and carrying wastewater away from their homes for treatment and release back into the environment.
The sewer component of your bill is based on a percentage of the water charges. That's because the more water used, the more wastewater the City must transport and ultimately treat before it can be released back into the environment. Therefore the amount of water residents consume is multiplied by a pre-determined rate to determine the sewer fee that appears on their water bill. The sewer rate is needed to cover the costs of operating and maintaining the sewer infrastructure.
“CHECK FOR LEAKS IN YOUR HOME”
A final reading must be requested in advance of the closing date.
Your solicitor will look after water adjustments on your behalf and advise us of the new owners after the closing date.
Yes. As the owner of a rental property you must complete an Owner Tenant Contract (OTC) application and return it to the City of North Bay. Follow the instructions on the application form. If the tenant does not pay the bill, it is the property owner’s responsibility.
Yes, monthly fixed charges will continue to be billed.
You can choose to have it paid through Pre-authorized payment, prepay in advance by post-dated cheque or cash or debit.
Water can be turned OFF at the curb stop by calling Public works 474-4340 and arranging a shut off time. There is a fee associated with the turn OFF and ON. A final bill will be issued and will resume once the water is turned back ON. You will continue to be responsible to pay the monthly flat charges whether the water is on or off.
You must contact Public Works Dispatch at 705-474-4340 and sign a Water Service Agreement. Your water bill will be adjusted to reflect a charge equal to an average unadjusted three month consumption period.
First contact Public Works Dispatch at 705-474-4340 - you will be asked to provide name / address / contact #. If Public Works is in your area doing work, they will provide direction on how long to run your water. If the brown water doesn't clear or water pressure changes then call back to Public Works Dispatch.