Universal Water Meter program

Water Meter Install + Upgrade Program

APRIL 2025 – MARCH 2026

The City of Merritt is implementing a water meter program, with the endorsement of the Province of BC through a provincial grant. Water meters are proven to promote water conservation, help make utility bills more equitable, and help identify and address leaks in the system.

These water meters are FREE OF CHARGE to homeowners. There is also no charge for this basic installation. The last day for installations is March 20, 2026.  After this date, installations will be charged at a minimum cost of $900.

This is a mandatory program in accordance with Waterworks Bylaw No. 2392. Compliance is required.

UPDATE YOUR METER

The City has contracted Neptune Technology to install or upgrade the water meter at every residential property in the municipality. Even if your home already has a water meter, you still need to book an appointment to update your water meter.

Commercial properties already require meters that may be upgraded to communicate with the new system.

THE INSTALLATION PROCESS

The residential water meter install and upgrade procedure requires 30-90 minutes to complete, during which time the water will be shut off for a brief period.

Installations will be carried out on an area-by-area basis. When technicians commence work in your area, you will receive a notice containing information on how to book your appointment. If you are a tenant, please contact the building owner when you receive this information. Please do not contact Neptune until you receive the notice with your booking reference number.

QUICK AND CONVENIENT

Appointments can be made to fit your schedule. These upgrades will allow the Utility to read the water meter from outside of your house and eliminate the need for the meter reader to gain access to your property to read the meter.

PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION

Please ensure the area around the existing water meter or shut-off valve is clear and accessible and leave ample room for the technician to work. Your existing shut-off valve should be located where the water service comes into your house. Check your main water shut-off valve to make sure it is operable.

NO CHANGE IN PAYMENTS

At this time, there will be no changes to your utility invoices. Council has not made a decision to change the current payment structure, and residents will continue to pay the existing flat rate. The information collected from the water meters will be used to help educate residents about their true water usage.

If Council decides in the future to change the payment structure, the flat rate would be replaced with a lower base rate combined with actual water consumption. For homeowners who do not use excessive amounts of water, this could result in a reduction in their utility bill, as they would no longer be subsidizing higher water use at other residential properties.

At this time, the fee identified in the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw is a placeholder only and is not intended to be implemented.

Why is the City of Merritt Installing Water Meters?

Water meters are part of a broader initiative focused on water sustainability in the City of Merritt. Following the direction of the Province of British Columbia, the City is working to promote water conservation and support the long-term viability of our community. Water meters are just one element of a much larger conversation.

WATER METERS

Water meters will help ensure the accurate measurement of water usage and the responsible management of the City’s water system.  Water meters are being installed for information purposes only at this point. No changes to billing are planned at this time.

WATER METER FUNDING

The Province of BC offers grant funding to help municipalities invest in essential infrastructure. In 2023, the Province awarded the City of Merritt $3 million toward a $3.5 million project to implement water meters. While the Province is covering the majority of the cost, the City had to contribute a portion to qualify for the grant.

Changes to billing from the current flat rate model are not being initiated as part of this meter installation program.

HIGH WATER USE

Merritt water users consume 742 litres/person/day. That’s nearly 3.5 times larger than the national household average (223 litres/person/day (401 litres all sectors) (2021)), according to Statistics Canada.  That is also significantly higher than the provincial average (286 litres/person/day residential (or 465 litres in all sectors).

The reasons for Merritt’s high water usage are unclear, but could include water loss through leaks in aging infrastructure, landscaping demands unsuited to a semi-arid climate, and possible misuse or overuse.

Understanding the Water Situation in Merritt

WATER SOURCE

The City of Merritt draws water from three aquifers, which collectively provide ample supply for many years to come. Most of the City’s water is sourced from shallow aquifers that are hydraulically connected to the Coldwater River. During the summer months, naturally lower groundwater levels can influence river flows and fish habitat in the Coldwater River. To support long-term system resilience and reduce reliance on shallow aquifers, the City is working toward increased use of the deeper aquifer through the development of a treatment facility at the Kengard Well.

PUMP STATION WELL IMPROVEMENT: KENGARD

The City is working toward installing a water treatment facility at the Kengard Well, which accesses the deep aquifer. Currently, only 2% of this well’s capacity is being used due to high levels of manganese. While manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that is beneficial in small amounts, it must be filtered out when present in high concentrations. Thanks to a provincial grant, the City is undertaking Phase 1 of this improvement project. This phase includes engineering, environmental and archaeological assessments, preliminary planning and design, community engagement, and preparation for detailed design and tendering.

WATER LICENCE AND FUTURE GROWTH

The City currently uses about 75% of its water licence. This leaves enough capacity to support new industrial and residential developments, helping to reduce the tax burden on homeowners by attracting investment and expanding the tax base.

WATER COST

Water is not free. It costs money to build, maintain, and operate the infrastructure needed to treat and deliver water to every property. Currently, all property owners pay the same flat rate for water on their utility bills, regardless of how much water they use. Although no changes to the billing structure have been approved by Council, water meters can provide the data needed to explore a more equitable system where light users no longer subsidize heavy users. At present, water meters will allow property owners to monitor their own usage and detect issues such as leaking irrigation systems. The City will also use this data to identify inefficiencies or leaks in the municipal water system.

WATERING RESTRICTIONS

The City of Merritt, like many communities across British Columbia, implements seasonal watering restrictions during the dry summer months to manage peak demand on the water system. Although the City has sufficient year-round water supply, these restrictions help balance outdoor water use with essential needs, reduce strain on infrastructure, and support long-term system reliability during periods of higher summer demand. View Municipal Water Restrictions.

WATER SUSTAINABILITY

To protect Merritt’s future, the City must take steps to ensure long-term water sustainability. Managing our water supply is essential to the resilience and health of the community. To do this effectively, the City needs accurate data, and water meters are the best way to obtain it. Meters will be installed at no cost to property owners. This information will help the City understand how water is used, or wasted, within the community. It will also help educate residents about their own consumption habits and encourage more efficient use of water resources.

WORKING TOGETHER

Together, we can take meaningful steps toward securing Merritt’s water future. By learning how we use and conserve water, we can ensure a sustainable and thriving community for generations to come.

Water Conservation Study + Policy

In 2021, the City updated its Water Conservation Policy which sets out a long-term plan for future water conservation efforts within the City of Merritt. The Outdoor Watering Conservation policy is a part of the overall strategy to reduce peak water demands during the summer months and authorizes staff to adjust watering restrictions in accordance with the BC Drought Response Plan. ALSO SEE WATER CONSERVATION STUDY.

Community Water System

Merritt’s aquifer system provides a safe , reliable, and consistent supply of potable water capable of supporting current and future growth within the City’s existing five wells and three reservoirs. During hot, dry summer months, water demand peaks and the City’s shallow aquifers, which are connected to the Coldwater River, can influence river flows and fish habitat. As climate change increases variability in both seasonal demand and hydrologic conditions, responsible water use becomes increasingly important. The City encourages all residents to practice water conservation to support long-term system resilience and environmental protection. For more information, please refer to the Community Water System Report and the Water Utility Master Plan.