Water Utility Rate Increase

Posted on:
March 21, 2024

On April 1st, 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 29th, 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.
Size of MeterBase Rate ($)
April 1, 2024		Consumption ($/m3)
April 1,2024
5/8”109.506.86
¾”161.766.86
1”266.296.86
1.5”527.606.86
2”841.176.86
3”1,677.356.86
4”2,618.076.86
6”5,231.156.86

How To Conserve Water

Detect Leaks, Save Money!

  • 90% of high water bills are caused by leaks.
  • Leaky toilets cause more water waste than any other fixture in the home. The cause of most toilet leaks is a worn out flapper or ballcock.

Indoor Tips

  • Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Leaks waste water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Do not let the faucet run while brushing your teeth. Just wet your toothbrush and fill a small glass with water for rinsing out your mouth.
  • Select the appropriate water level for the size of your load of laundry.

Outdoor Tips

  • Avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. when heat causes water to evaporate.
  • Water only when you need to. Just one inch of water over the week, including rainfall, is all your lawn needs to stay healthy. Use a rain gauge or place a Frisbee upside down on your lawn while you are watering to measure the one inch (2.5 cm) your lawn needs over the week.
  • Keep your grass three inches long and it will shade its own roots from the scorching sun and choke out those pesky weeds and dandelions. It also holds moisture better, reducing watering needs.

Who can I contact for more information?

For further information or if you have questions, please email or call Public Works at 902-295-3669.

Water flowing from a kitchen tap faucet with Water Rate Increase, April 1st text

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