Water Utility Rate Increase

On April 1^st, 2024, Victoria County water customers will see an increase on their water bill for both the residential water rate from $98.62 to $109.50 and the consumption rate from $6.22/m³ to 6.86/m³. This increase was approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSURB) at a public hearing held on November 29^th, 2022.

The approved increase in water utility rates was spread over two years (2023-24).

More information:

• Water service is provided on a cost-of-service basis and with new water meters installed, the customer’s consumption rate (the amount of water used) now accurately monitors and reflects their water usage.
• The money collected for water usage are the funds needed to operate and pay for residents’ direct needs for water. In other words, water costs charged to residents represent the services used.
• There is no profit to the municipality as funding is based solely on providing high quality water service and protecting the health of all water customers.
• Water service is provided on a cost-of-service basis and with new water meters installed, the customer’s consumption rate (the amount of water used) now accurately monitors and reflects their water usage.
• The money collected for water usage are the funds needed to operate and pay for residents’ direct needs for water. In other words, water costs charged to residents represent the services used.
• There is no profit to the municipality as funding is based solely on providing high quality water service and protecting the health of all water customers.
• In November 2022, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) held a public rate hearing to consider a rate increase for residents of Victoria County. The request was reviewed by the Board and in January 2023, the Board approved a water rate increase to meet resident and regulatory needs.
• The water rate increase was spread over a two-year period beginning April 1, 2023.
• Information on NSUARB decision can be found by visiting nsuarb.novascotia.ca and searching M10683.