When the municipality began to make the move to water metering, no one could have imagined the complexity of this task.
At present, residential users are charged a flat rate for water consumption. Those who use little pay the same as those who use much. Under this model, there is no financial incentive to conserve and the water wasters are not penalized for their actions.
In an ideal world, a billing system would target those who overwater while also offering savings to those who have found ways to use less water.
Finding a workable billing formula has proved difficult as there are numerous billing models in use.
The latest model considered had a flat rate for modest water use, with three levels of additional charges for those who exceeded the base amount. Under this model, those who used excessive amounts of water had an incentive to cut back, but those who were already managing well within the base water use amount had no financial incentive to conserve any more.
The billing policy also affected those with lawns or gardens differently than those who live in townhouses and condominiums and do not have to water outside.
As municipal council and municipal staff ponder additional billing options, Summerlanders will be on a flat rate water billing system for another year.
Still, the move to metered water is coming and it is necessary. At the best of times, Summerland has a dry climate and in drought years, conservation efforts are needed to ensure the community has enough water to get through the year.
During the review of the billing process, please consider the options presented and offer any comments or suggestions.
It is important to have a fair water billing system — and it is important to get it right the first time.
