Changes to Water & Wastewater Rates (effective Oct 1, 2025; Bylaw 2025-10)
St. Paul, Alberta
· No. 2025-10
· adopted 2025-08-11
· summary & facts
This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot d0b8d6654afc · verified 2026-10-18 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Back to all news
## Changes to Water & Wastewater Rates
September 11 2025
**Effective October 1, 2025**
Your November 2025 utility bill will reflect the new water and wastewater rates.
> *1st Reading of Bylaw 2025-10: Water and Sewer was carried at the July 28th Regular Council Meeting.*
>
> *2nd and 3rd/Final Reading of this bylaw was carried at the August 11th Regular Council Meeting.*
**Example: Monthly Bill for a Household Using 10m³ of Water**
| **Charges** | **2025/2026 Rates** | **2024/2025 Rates** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Water Service | $17.91 | $17.00 |
| Water Consumption | 10m³ × $1.37 = $13.70 | 10m³ × $1.31 = $13.10 |
| Water Replacement | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| Wastewater Service | $36.77 | $36.10 |
| Wastewater (based on water used) | 10m³ × $1.01 = $10.10 | 10m³ × $1.00 = $10.00 |
| Wastewater Replacement | $3.50 (2025), $5.00 (2026) | $3.50 |
| **Total Bill** | $88.98 (2025) / $90.48 (2026) | $86.70 |
**How does the Town's water and wastewater system work?**
* **Water**: Our water comes from Lac St. Cyr. It's pumped to the Water Treatment Plant, cleaned and treated, then distributed through underground pipes to your home.
* **Wastewater**: Used water from your home flows through the sewer system to the Wastewater Treatment Facility. After treatment, it is safely released back into the environment.
**What are the costs of running the water and wastewater systems?**
The cost of running the system includes:
* Insurance for facilities, vehicles, and equipment
* Staff wages to operate and maintain the system
* Power, gas, and fuel
* Debt payments for past upgrades
* Materials and supplies needed for day-to-day operations
**The Town switched to "User Pay - Full Operating Cost Recovery" Utility Rates in 2024. What does it mean?**
* **Full Cost Recovery:** All water and wastewater costs are covered by utility fees (in the past, it was partially covered by property taxes)
* **User Pay:** You pay based on how much water you use, heavy users pay more, while those who conserve water can lower their bills
* **Annual Review**: Rates are reviewed annually to stay fair and keep the system properly funded.
**Why did the Town switch?**
* More *transparent* method to track costs and funding that ensures there are enough funds to operate our systems properly
* It ensures *fairness* to residents as all costs are covered by utility fees (as opposed to partially funded by general taxes)
* It provides residents with an opportunity to control their utility costs by managing their usage
**What is included in my Utility Rate?**
* **Service Charges**: Cover the costs that don't change with how much water flows through the system (like insurance)
* **Usage Charges**: Cover the costs that depend on how much water flows through the system (like power and fuel)
* **Replacement Charges**: Cover the partial cost of future replacement of the water and wastewater systems
**Why did the Town add the Replacement Charges to our utility bill?**
Just like furnaces or hot water tanks, our water and wastewater systems wear out and eventually need replacement.
* In the past, these upgrades were funded mostly through provincial grants and borrowing.
* With less provincial funding available, Council created a **Reserve Fund** to be better prepared for future replacements.
* The Reserve Fund acts as a "Savings Account" for funding part of the future replacement and improvements.
* Replacement charges on your bill are your contribution into this "Savings Account" to help pay for part of the upgrades.
**Are the new rates different from the last year?**
The 2025/2026 rates are slightly higher than last year because:
* Insurance costs have risen.
* A major maintenance project was completed at the Water Treatment Plant.
**QUESTIONS? Please call 780-645-4481 or email at [email protected]**
Prev
Next
## Recent News
View all news
October 2, 2026
## Pumpkins in the Park
Join us on Saturday, October 31 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lagasse Park (east end by the white gazebo) for an evening of Halloween fun for the whole family....
October 1, 2026
## Curbside Recycling | October 1, 2026
Beginning October 1, 2026, Alberta's enhanced recycling system will bring a new residential recycling program to the Town of St. Paul, allowing residents...
September 29, 2026
## Public Notice for Bylaw 2026-05
A public hearing on proposed Bylaw 2026-05 will be held as noted above, or as soon as practical thereafter, in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall,...