This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot c87a6519f60d · verified 2026-06-08 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF KENT
BYLAW NO. 1679
"A bylaw to impose fees and other charges for the supply and use of water."
WHEREAS Section 8(2) of the Community Charier authorizes the District of Kent to
provide any service that Council considers necessary or desirable;
AND WHEREAS Council may, by bylaw, regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in
relation to municipal services;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the District of Kent in open meeting assembled enacts
as follows:
1.
CITATION
This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Water Regulation and Rates Bylaw No. 1679,
2021" and comes into effect on the date of adoption.
2.
DEFINITIONS
In this bylaw:
"Approved Backflow Prevention Device" means a Backflow Prevention Device that
has been approved by the District in accordance with the British Columbia Building
Code 1998, Part 7, Plumbing Services, Section 7.6.2., and subsequent amendments,
"Protection from Contamination" for preventing backflow and which meets the standards
adopted by the American Water Works Association;
"Backflow" means the flow of water or other liquids, gases, or solids from any source
in the direction opposite to normal or intended flow;
"Backflow Prevention Device" means a mechanical apparatus installed in a water
system to prevent the occurrence of backflow that is designed to be inline, tested and
repaired and to meet the head loss and flow requirement of the water supply system;
"Backflow Prevention Device Tester" means an individual who is certified by the
British Columbia Water and Waste Association and who is included in the District's list
of approved Testers of Backflow Prevention Devices;
"Commercial and Institutional" means a use of a parcel defined as Commercial or
Institutional in the District of Kent Zoning Bylaw No. 1219,2001 and subsequent
amendments;
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 2
"Contaminant" means any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or
matter which if present may render the water non-potable, according to the Water
Protection Act, R.S.B.C.;
"Council" means the Council of the District of Kent;
"Cross-Connection" means any actual or potential physical connection between the
Water Supply System's potable water line and any source containing a non-potable fluid
or where it is possible for the non-potable fluid to enter the water system by backflow. A
cross connection includes connection to an unapproved water supply system, sewer,
drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or any other device which
contains, or may contain, contaminated water, liquid, gases, sewage, or any other
waste, of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination
to the District's Waterworks potable water supply as a result of backflow;
"Developer" means an Owner or Owners of land or the holder(s) of a bona fide interim
agreement or option to purchase land, or an applicant who has made application to the
District for Subdivision, or building permit, or is engaged in undertaking the
Development of such land, and shall include a duly authorized representative;
"District" means the Corporation of the District of Kent;
"Drinking Water" means all water within the Water Supply System that meets the
bacteriological quality parameters as defined in the Water Protection Act, R.S.B.C.;
"Dwelling" means one or more habitable rooms used or intended to be used for
residential accommodation when such room or rooms together contain or provide for
only one set of cooking facilities;
"Engineer" means the Director of Engineering Services or designate for the District of
Kent;
"Engineering Department" means the Engineering Department of the District of Kent;
"Fire Hydrant Permit" means a permit issued by the District authorizing the use of a
District owned fire hydrant;
"Fire Service" means any installation on a Parcel or premises used to supply water
solely for fire fighting or fire control purposes;
"Highway" means a street, road, lane, bridge, viaduct and any other way open to the
use of the public, and includes any adjacent allowance, boulevard or right-of-way;
"Industrial" means a use of a parcel defined as Industrial in the District of Kent Zoning
Bylaw No. 1219,2001 and subsequent amendments;
"Irrigation" means the sprinkling or pouring of water by means of any pipe, hose,
irrigation ditch or any irrigation system upon or under the surface of the ground which is
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 3
immediately adjacent to the District owned fire hydrant or any other non-approved water
main connection;
"Metered Service" means a water service having a meter or other measuring device
attached to it for determining the quantity of water used or supplied through the service;
"Non-residential" means use of a parcel defined as Commercial, Institutional or
Industrial in the District of Kent Zoning Bylaw No. 1219, 2001, and subsequent
amendments;
"Owner" means the person or persons, including a corporation or company, registered
in the records of a Land Title Office as owner in fee simple of a Parcel;
"Parcel" means privately owned property which has a legal description registered with
the Land Titles Office of British Columbia;
"Person" means as defined in the Interpretation Act, R. S.B. C. 1996, c. 238 and any
amendments thereto;
"Personal Care Residential Unit" means a dwelling unit within a building with four or
more sleeping units where permanent residential accommodation is provided and must
have common living area, kitchen and dining area where meals are provided; and,
where health care, cultural and social services may be provided;
"Premise" means a Building, an area of Property, including a lot or parcel of Property
with or without Buildings;
"Property" means a piece of real estate, a lot defined by Property lines;
"Residential" means a use of a parcel defined as Residential in the District of Kent
Zoning Bylaw No. 1219,2001 and subsequent amendments;
"Service Area" means all parcels where a water main forming part of the Water Supply
System is located in the Highway in front of the property;
"Service Line" means the privately owned pipes and fittings used for the transmission
of water from the property line of the property concerned or from the easement line
where the water main is located in an easement, to a building or other improvement
upon the parcel;
"Survey" means an on-site review of the water use, facilities, meters, piping,
equipment, operating conditions and maintenance records for the purpose of evaluating
conformance with the terms and conditions of this Bylaw;
"Temporary Service Connection" means the connecting pipe between the District
Waterworks and the property line of a Parcel which has been approved by the Engineer
and a Temporary Water Service Permit has been issued. A Temporary Service
Connection includes the corporation stop, curb stop and water meter assembly;
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 4
"Unit" means:
a)
a dwelling unit with its own separate cooking, washing and bathroom
facilities for residential properties;
b)
a commercial or institutional unit conducting activities separate from any
other use or occupancy for commercial or institutional properties;
c)
an industrial unit conducting activities separate from any other use or
occupancy for industrial purposes;
"Water Main" means a principal pipe used for distributing water through the District's
Water Supply System;
"Water Meter" means meters and other equipment or instruments used by the District
or authorized by the District to be used to measure the amount of water consumed;
"Water Service Connection" means the connecting pipe between the District
Waterworks and the property line of the premises it serves and includes the corporation
stop, curb stop and water meter assembly;
"Water Supply System" means any of the water and distribution systems of the
District including Agassiz, Rockwell Bay Estates and Mount Woodside areas as shown
in Schedule "A".
3.
OWNERSHIP OF WATERWORKS
a) Every Water Service Connection, pipe and facility, in, on, or under a Highway or
statutory right of way, which carries or is designated to carry water from a District
Water Main to the boundary of a Parcel, is the Property of the District.
4.
CONNECTION TO THE DISTRICT WATERWORKS
a) All subdivisions, development, or new construction in or close to the Service Area
will be required to connect to the District's Water Supply System, where a
Service Line or Water Main, as determined by the Engineer can be extended
through a Highway and the Owner is responsible for all costs associated with the
extension or connection.
b) Every Owner requesting the District to provide installation of a Water Service
Connection must first make application for and obtain a Permit from the District
and must pay the fee as shown in Schedule "B", attached to and forming part of
this Bylaw.
c) Every Owner connected to the District's Water Supply System must pay the
applicable user rates as shown in Schedules "C" to "E" respectively, attached to
and forming part of this Bylaw.
d) Every Water Service Connection which is to be connected to the District's Water
Supply System must be approved by the District and must (unless otherwise
approved by the Engineer) be installed by the Owner at the Owner's sole cost
subject to the following provisions:
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 5
(1)
The pipe must be of sufficient size, type, length, and capacity to provide
adequate service, as determined by the Engineer, but in no case shall it
be less than 20 mm in diameter.
(2)
The installation of the service must include a stop cock and drain
approved by the Engineer which must be placed on the installation as
directed by the Engineer.
(3)
At the request of the Engineer, the Owner must provide a pressure
reducing valve (PRV) for each connection to the Parcel. This is in addition
to any PRV required by the British Columbia Plumbing Code 1998, Part 7,
Plumbing Services and subsequent amendments.
(4)
No Water Service Connection, Service Line or fitting shall be covered until
the installation has been inspected and accepted by the Engineer.
(5)
The District shall not connect the Service Line until the installation has
been fully inspected and accepted by the Engineer.
(6)
The Service Line must comply with all requirements of Section 13 of this
Bylaw.
e) Where water supply to a Parcel may be accessible from two or more Water
Mains, the Engineer shall determine the main from which service shall be given.
f) Where an Owner requires the installation of a Service Line across or through
another Parcel, the Owner must, in addition to the requirements set out in
Sections 4 b) and c), obtain at the Owner's cost, any easement or other required
authorization, permission or approval for the installation and must deliver to the
District, at the time of application, written documentation of the registration in the
Land Title Office.
g) No connection shall serve more than one Parcel, and for the purpose of this
section a condominium or townhouse complex, mobile home park, or strata title
consisting of more than two Parcels, shall be considered one Parcel.
h) No Person shall obstruct or prevent the Engineer from carrying out all or any of
the provisions of this Bylaw, with respect to private Property, nor shall any
Person refuse to grant the Engineer, permission to enter onto private Property to
inspect pursuant to this Bylaw at any reasonable time and without prior notice.
5.
WATER SUPPLY AND PRESSURE
a) In case the supply of the water shall fail, whether from natural causes, routine
maintenance or accident in any way, the District shall not be liable for damage by
reason of such failure, whether the same arises from the negligence of any
Person in the employment of the District, or from any other cause Whatsoever,
nor shall the District be liable in any event for damages to Person or Property,
arising, accruing or resulting from the use of water supplied as per the terms and
conditions of this Bylaw.
b) The District does not guarantee pressure or continuous supply of water, or
accept responsibility at any time for the maintenance of pressure in its Water
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 6
Mains or for increases or decreases in pressure. The District reserves the right
at any and all times, without notice, to change operating water pressure and to
shut off the water supply for the purposes of making repairs, extensions,
alterations or improvements to the Water Supply System.
6.
WATER METERS
a) The District may, on any Parcel, install a Water Meter to measure the
consumption of water upon that Parcel, and the location of that Water Meter shall
be determined by the Engineer and all Water Meters shall remain the Property of
the District.
b) At the time of subdivision or building permit, the Developer or Owner is financially
responsible for the provision of a Water Meter and radio transceiver that meet the
standards of the Engineer.
c) Where, in the opinion of the Engineer, replacement or repair of any Water Meter
is required due to the negligence, carelessness or wilful damage of the Owner or
Occupier of the Parcel, the cost of repair or replacement shall be charged to the
Owner or Occupier.
d) Where the District determines that a Water Meter has for any reason failed to
correctly indicate the quantity of water passing through it, the District shall charge
for the water according to the average consumption for the six (6) months
preceding the current billing period, and may repair or replace the Water Meter at
its discretion.
e) An Owner, in writing to the Engineer, may request the District to test a Water
Meter for a Parcel and must pay a deposit as set out in Schedule "F" of this
Bylaw, and the Engineer shall have the Water Meter removed and tested and
provide another temporary Water Meter in its place.
f)
Where a Water Meter is tested pursuant to Section 6 e) and where the test
indicates:
(1)
an error in the measurement of water passing through the meter of over
five percent (5%) in favour of the District, the deposit shall be refunded to
the owner, a correct registering Water Meter shall be installed and the
Owner's account shall be adjusted accordingly; or
(2)
an accurate measurement of water or an error in favour of the Owner, the
deposit shall be retained by the District to cover the cost of the testing.
g) Where owners of a bare land strata or townhouse complex with an existing bulk
meter wish to have each unit individually metered, an application must be
submitted to the Engineer. If, in the opinion of the Engineer, it is feasible to install
individual meters, all costs associated with the installation will be the
responsibility of the owners. All individual meters must be installed in a meter pit
at a location that is readily accessible to District staff. The owner shall hire a
contractor to install the meter pit and setter, and purchase a meter from the
District. Purchase of the meter includes installation and programming of the
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 7
meter and endpoint, once the contractor has completed installation of the pit and
meter setter to the satisfaction of District staff. The meter and endpoint are
property of the District.
7.
TEMPORARY SERVICE
a) Every Owner requiring the installation of a Temporary Service Connection from a
Parcel to the District's Water Supply System must first make application for and
obtain a Permit from the District and pay the fee set out in Schedule "B" of this
Bylaw.
b) Every Temporary Service Connection must be approved by the Engineer and
shall be installed by the Owner subject to the following provisions:
(1)
The pipe must be of a size, type, length and capacity as approved by the
Engineer.
(2)
Installation details must be provided prior to the connection being required
for approval by the Engineer.
(3)
The Engineer shall determine the location of the Water Main and where
the service must be connected to the Water Main.
(4)
The Owner must be responsible for maintenance of the pipe from the point
of connection at property line, to the premises which it services.
(5)
The Engineer may refuse a Temporary Service Connection if, in the
Engineer's opinion, the connection would have a detrimental effect on the
District's Water Supply System.
(6)
The District shall discontinue temporary service where application is made
for, or the District proceeds with, construction or extension of a Water
Main upon a Highway on which the Parcel served by a Temporary Service
Connection fronts.
c) Temporary use of a Water Service Connection for construction purposes may be
permitted subject to issuance of a Temporary Water Service Permit and payment
of the applicable fee as shown in Schedule "B", attached to and forming part of
this Bylaw.
d) Prior to the use of water for residential construction purposes the Owner must
ensure adequate protection be made to prevent Backflow into the District's Water
Supply System by installing a dual check backflow preventer. For temporary use
of a water service connection for construction purposes an approved double
check valve assembly shall be the minimum protection required for all
applications. The Water Service Connection shall be turned on only after the
District has inspected the service and confirmed that the required Backflow
Prevention Device has been correctly installed.
e) An Owner, before beginning installation of a Fire Service, must make application
for and obtain a building permit from the District and pay the fee set out in
Schedule "B" of this Bylaw.
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 8
f)
Every Fire Service connected to the District's Water Supply System must be
approved by the Engineer and shall be installed by the Owner subject to the
following provisions:
(1)
The Fire Service must be installed so that any water which can be used
for other than fire fighting purposes is metered.
(2)
Every Fire Service which is designed to supply water solely to an
automatic building sprinkler system may be connected to the District's
Water Supply System subject to the installation of a detector check valve
assembly, complete with bypass fitted with a 19 mm Water Meter. The
detector check valve and bypass assembly must be located at the
property line in a suitable chamber. The installation of this assembly is in
addition to all British Columbia Plumbing Code 1998, and subsequent
amendments, requirements for plumbing works internal to the building and
is also in addition to the requirement for a separate and suitably sized
Water Meter to be installed on the Water Service Connection.
(3)
If, in the opinion of the Engineer, the water from any Fire Service could be
used for other than fire fighting purposes, the Engineer may seal the
outlets from the Fire Service connection and the seal must not be broken
except in case of a fire.
(4)
The Engineer may enter upon any Parcel at reasonable times subject to
reasonable notice in respect of a Fire Service for the purposes of
inspecting, sealing or resealing the connection.
(5)
Where the seal on any Fire Service has been broken for any reason, the
Owner or Occupier of the Parcel must immediately report it to the
Engineer.
8.
OWNER TO MAINTAIN SERVICE PIPES
a) Where any Parcel is connected to the District's Water Supply System, the Owner
of the Parcel must ensure that:
(1)
The pipes, stop cocks, taps, fittings and other fixtures connected with the
Service Line are installed and connected pursuant to the Plumbing Code
and the Building Bylaw, in force from time to time, and are maintained in
good working order.
(2)
The Service Line is equipped with a proper stop and waste cock and that
a separate stop and waste cock is placed at the foot of every outdoor
stand-pipe or other fixture.
(3)
The stop cock on the inside of the building is turned off when the premise
is vacated for an extended period of time.
(4)
All underground pipes are placed not less than one (1) metre below the
surface of the ground and that all other pipes are sufficiently protected
from frost.
b) An Owner of any Parcel legally connected to the District's Water Supply System
must operate and maintain the Service Line, valves and fixtures in good working
condition, so as to prevent leakage and waste of water and to prevent possible
Contamination Backflow and any other threat to public health.
Bylaw No. 1679
c) The Owner of any Parcel legally connected to the District's Water
Supply System on which a fire hydrant(s) is installed will:
(1)
Identify clearly the location of the fire hydrant(s).
(2)
Maintain the fire hydrant(s) in proper working condition at all times.
Page 9
(3)
Have the inspection and maintenance done in accordance with the B.C. Fire
code.
(4)
Have the inspections, servicing and testing of the fire hydrant conducted by a
person who is qualified and certified to carry out these types of services.
(5)
At least once a year, provide to the Fire Chief and Director of Engineering
Services a written report of inspection, servicing and testing of all fire
hydrants installed on the property.
(6)
Keep the fire hydrant clear of ice, snow, shrubbery, trees, structures, vehicles
and other obstructions.
(7)
Notify the Fire Department whenever a fire hydrant is out of service for repair
and mark such fire hydrant as "out of service" in a visible manner.
9.
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
a) Every Owner of a Parcel must permit, and no Owner or Occupier shall obstruct,
the Engineer and other representatives and authorized agents of the District,
including contractors retained or appointed by the Engineer, to have access to
the Owner's Parcel served with a Water Service Connection at any reasonable
time subject to reasonable notice to enter, for the purpose of:
(1)
inspecting the Service Line and any connection thereto;
(2)
inspecting, maintaining, repairing and reading water meters, and/or
Backflow Prevention Devices;
(3)
enforcing this Bylaw; and,
(4)
preventing leaking of water or to prevent potential contamination of the
water within the District's Water Supply System.
b) An Owner of a Parcel must at all times keep all installed water system control
devices, such as valves, hydrants, pressure reducing devices, Water Meters, and
Backflow Prevention Devices, accessible for use, inspection, maintenance, repair
and reading. If at any time the Engineer determines that insufficient access is
available over and on the Parcel then the Owner must, on 72 hours written notice
from the District, do work as required by the Engineer to provide such access. If
the Owner fails to do such work within the time specified then the Engineer or his
designate may enter the Parcel to do such work, or retain others to do the work.
The Owner must pay for all costs of doing such work, including costs incurred by
the District, plus administration costs (see Schedule "B") as a charge under this
Bylaw.
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 10
c) The District may at any time shut off the water supply to any Parcel in order to
make such repairs, alterations or extensions to the District's Water Supply
System as, in the opinion of the Engineer, are necessary.
d) Where any pipe or fixture leaks, or requires maintenance or repair, and, in the
opinion of the Engineer, is capable of causing a significant waste of water or
property damage, the Engineer may by written notice require the Owner of the
Parcel to remedy the deficiency within five (5) working days.
e) Where notice is given to remedy a deficiency pursuant to Section 9 d) of this
Bylaw and the Owner of the Parcel fails to take the action requested within the
time or in the manner specified in the notice, the District may by its workers or
others, repair or replace the fixtures or pipes as it deems necessary, including
discontinuing water service until the repairs have been completed, and may
charge the Owner for the cost of the work.
f)
Every Owner of a Parcel shall not make any significant changes to the volumes
of water demanded, or the use, without the prior approval of the Engineer. A
significant change in volumes of water used shall be defined as any water
demand which is in excess of double the normal daily demand. The Engineer
may require the Owner to provide full design and construction details, prepared
and sealed by a Professional Engineer, as a condition of approval.
g) If a failure occurs on a Parcel caused by a failure of the District's Water Supply
System, the Owner must take all reasonable steps to mitigate losses of water
including shutting off Owner owned valves, diverting water flow run off and
installed reasonable works to mitigate damage and loss.
h) In the event of an escape of water from the District's Water Supply System or the
section of a Water Service Connection within a municipal right of way or road
allowance, all Owners of Parcels adjacent to the escape of water must perform
all reasonable actions to minimize damage and must immediately notify the
District of such failure without delay.
10.
FIRE HYDRANT USE PERMIT
a) No person, except employees of the District in the course of their employment,
shall open any hydrant, standpipe or valve, or use water therefrom, without first
obtaining a Hydrant Use Permit. Where a Hydrant Use Permit has been issued,
the District reserves the right to terminate such permit and the use of the hydrant,
standpipe or valve, at any time, for any reason, without liability for damages of
any kind which may arise as a result of such termination.
b) Any Person requiring the use of a District fire hydrant, stand-pipe or valve must:
(1)
Make application to the District for and obtain a Fire Hydrant Use Permit
and pay the applicable permit fees as set out in Schedule "F" of this
Bylaw; and,
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 11
(2)
Pay the applicable Water Fees and Charges as prescribed in Schedule "c"
of this Bylaw for the full volume of water used, as measured by the
attached water meter. Separate fees are applicable for the Mount
Woodside and Agassiz Water Systems.
Where an extension of the duration of the Hydrant Use Permit is required,
application must be made before 4:00pm of the permit expiry date and the
applicable daily rate prescribed by Schedule "F" must be paid.
c) The Engineer shall specify as a condition of approval of a Fire Hydrant Permit
that:
(1 )
(2)
a Backflow Prevention Device be installed; and,
a Water Meter be installed prior to the temporary use of a fire hydrant to
measure the volume of water used.
d) Every Person issued a Fire Hydrant Permit must coordinate their requirements
with the District which will supply and install an Approved Backflow Prevention
Device, Water Meter assembly and will turn on and off the applicable hydrant.
Fire Hydrant Permit holder shall supply their own hose. Any unauthorized valves
or other equipment attached to the hydrant will be confiscated and shall become
property of the District. Permit holders are responsible for any costs incurred due
to damage of the hydrant or adaptor.
e) Where the District is required to provide water flow in respect of a Fire Hydrant
Permit after normal business hours, the permit holder must pay the Outside of
District Office Hours' charge prescribed in Schedule "F" of this Bylaw.
11.
FIRE HYDRANT USE RESTRICTIONS
a) Without limitations a fire hydrant may not be used, under any circumstances, for
the following purposes:
(1)
Irrigation of agricultural land.
(2)
Filling of truck mounted water tanks unless the Fire Hydrant Use Permit is
specifically endorsed as allowing such use.
12.
AUTHORITY
a) The Engineer may at all reasonable times enter on a Parcel that is directly or
indirectly connected to the District's Water Supply System to ascertain whether
the requirements and provisions of this Bylaw are being followed and met.
13.
CONTAMINATION, CROSS·CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION
a) If the Engineer determines that there exists a Water Service Connection or Cross
Connection prohibited by this Bylaw, which is a risk to the District's Water Supply
System or to public health, the Engineer may:
(1)
Give written notice to the Owner to correct the Water Service Connection
or Cross Connection at the expense of the Owner within the time specified
in the notice.
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 12
(2)
Disconnect the Water Service Connection in accordance with the enabling
provisions of the Community Charter.
(3)
Direct the Owner to correct the fault within a time period specified by the
Engineer.
(4)
Direct the Owner to install an Approved Backflow Prevention Device on
any Service Line or internal plumbing within a time period specified by the
Engineer.
b) Where the Engineer determines that a Water Service Connection or Cross
Connection prohibited by this Bylaw places any person at immediate risk, or if the
Owner fails to correct the Water Service Connection or Cross Connection as
required by this Bylaw, the Engineer may order the immediate disconnection of
the supply of water, without prior notice, until such time the connection or cross-
connection is corrected to the satisfaction of the Engineer. The Owner must also
pay any fees as shown in Schedule "B", attached to and forming part of this
Bylaw.
c) No person shall connect, cause to be connected or allow to remain connected,
any private well, piping, fixture, fitting, container or appliance. This is to ensure
that there are no circumstances that may allow water, waste water, or any
harmful liquid, gas or substance to enter the District's Water Supply System.
d) Where, in the opinion of the Engineer, a risk or potential risk to public health
exists, water service to a customer shall be provided only on the provision that
the Owner install, on the Owner's side of the property line, an Approved Backflow
Prevention Device which has been approved, inspected and accepted by the
Engineer.
e) Where an Approved Backflow Prevention Device is required to be installed, it
must be installed in accordance with the standards prescribed in the Canadian
Standards Association Manual for the Selection and Installation of Backflow
Prevention Devices, CSA B64.1 0-01, (2001) (referenced in the British Columbia
Building Code 1998, Part 7, Plumbing Services and subsequent amendments).
f) The Owner of any Parcel on which an Approved Backflow Prevention Device
exists or is installed pursuant to the requirements of this Bylaw, must:
(1)
maintain the Approved Backflow Prevention Device in proper working
order at all times.
(2)
have the Approved Backflow Prevention Device tested upon installation
and thereafter periodically if required by the Engineer by a Backflow
Prevention Device Tester or by personnel approved by the Engineer in
compliance with the Canadian Standards Association, Manual for the
Maintenance and Field Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices, CSA
B64.1 0-01, (2001) (referenced in the British Columbia Building Code
1998, Part 7, Plumbing Services and subsequent amendments) to
demonstrate that the device is in good working condition.
(3)
submit a report on a form approved by the Engineer from a Backflow
Prevention Device Tester upon installation of the Backflow Prevention
Device and thereafter annually within thirty (30) days of such test on any
or all tests performed complete with a copy of the Tester's certificate.
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 13
g) A District Backflow Prevention Device testing record tag must be attached to all
Backflow Prevention Devices for documentation of the device's inspections and
tests. The tag must not be removed from the device.
h) If any test of a Backflow Prevention Device shows that such a Backflow
Prevention Device is not in good working condition, the Engineer shall give notice
to the Owner to make the necessary repairs or replace the device within ninety-
six (96) hours, or other specified period. If the Owner fails to comply with the
notice, the Engineer may shut off the Water Service without further notice.
i)
The Water Service shall not be activated for residential use until the private
plumbing system has been approved by the Engineer or has been inspected for
Cross Connections by the Engineer; this shall not prohibit the use of a Water
Service Connection for construction purposes provided the Engineer is satisfied
that adequate provision is made to prevent Backflow into the District's Water
Supply System.
j)
No temporary water piping shall be installed or operated on District Highways to
carry potable water or wastewater without the approval of the Engineer.
.
k) The Engineer or authorized agent may enter upon any Parcel at all reasonable
times in order to carry out inspections and Surveys of the Parcel to:
(1)
ascertain whether there exists any condition mentioned in Section 13. d);
(2)
ascertain whether any direction made under Section 13. h) has been
complied with; or,
(3)
inspect any Backflow Prevention Device. Despite section 13. k), a new
Water Service Connection shall not be turned on until the Owner's Service
Line has been inspected and approved by the Engineer or authorized
agent for Water Service Connections and Cross Connections prohibited
by this section.
I)
No Water Meter billing deductions will be made for water wastage due to device
testing and maintenance or Backflow Prevention Device failure.
14.
ENGINEER MAY LIMIT SERVICE
a) Where the Engineer shall deem it to be in the public interest, the Engineer may
direct that:
(1)
the supply of water be reduced or discontinued until, in the Engineer's
opinion, it is advisable to restore full service;
(2)
no person may use water to irrigate a lawn or garden, or to wash a vehicle
or building, except as permitted by the Engineer;
(3)
the supply of water to any Parcel may be refused where, in the opinion of
the Engineer, the facilities are not properly constructed or protected.
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 14
15.
FEES AND CHARGES
a) The Owner of every Property located within the Water System area shall pay to
the District the applicable rates set forth in Schedules "B", "C", "0", "E", and "F" of
this bylaw.
b) Bills shall be rendered and payable in accordance with respective schedules.
c) Despite Sections 15. a) and b) of the Bylaw, the Chief Administrative Officer or
the Engineer may ascertain whether an unusual circumstance exists whereby
structural or physical damage substantiates undue financial hardship, then
Council may by resolution apply a reduction of fees listed in the respective
schedule for that specific Property.
d) Where the Engineer has authority to direct that matter or thing be done by a
Person, the Engineer may also direct that, if the Person fails to take the required
action, the matter or thing will be done by the District at the expense of the
Person in default and the costs recovered from that Person as debt.
e) Not for profit Community Gardens, approved by the District, shall be exempt from
paying applicable water usage fees.
16.
BILLING METHOD AND PAYMENTS
All Utility bills are due thirty (30) days after the billing date.
The prepayment of any fees and charges to a Parcel shall not prevent the amount of
any rate or fee increase applicable to the prepayment being charged.
Preauthorized payment plans will collect the year's (estimated) billings in twelve (12)
equal instalments. Payments will be made by preauthorized direct debit from a bank
account designated by the user.
Monthly instalments will be made on the 2nd of each month. Payments will be prorated
for users who join the plan throughout the billing period and the first payment may be
required upon application.
If a payment fails to be honoured, a returned payment fee, as outlined in the current
Fees and Charges Bylaw, will be applied. If two payments fail to be made, the plan
application will be cancelled, and payments will be due as set out in Sections 15 a) to c)
above with all applicable penalties.
16.1 Non-metered Accounts
a) Non-metered utilities are billed semi-annually. Billing periods are January 1 to
June 30, and July 1 to December 31. Bills shall be rendered in February and
August, respectively.
b) Charges shall be assessed commencing on the first day of the month following
the month in which the Service Line and Water Service Connection has been
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 15
made and the building either has been occupied or received an occupancy
permit.
Bills for periods of less than six (6) months may be rendered at any suitable time
c) Where a building or parcel served by a single Water Service Connection is
occupied by more than one non-metered property type, fees will be applied for
each property type as set out in Schedule "C".
16.2 Metered Accounts
a) Metered utilities are billed quarterly in the month following the billing period.
Billing periods for metered accounts are January 1 to March 31; April 1 to June
30; July 1 to September 30; and October 1 to December 31.
b) Charges for newly metered accounts shall be assessed and prorated within the
appropriate billing period once the Service Line and Water Service Connection
has been made and the building either has been occupied or received an
occupancy permit.
17.
UNPAID FEES OR CHARGES
a) The Owner of a Parcel is responsible for the payment of all accounts in arrears,
and the District may refuse to provide water service to an Owner or Occupier
until such arrears have been paid in full.
b) A penalty of 10% will be added to any outstanding balance not received at the
District office by the close of business of the applicable due day. Balances
outstanding from pre-payment plans exclusive of those with payments(s) not
honoured are not subject to this 10%.
c) Rates imposed under this Bylaw which remain unpaid on the thirty-first (31st) day
of December of the year in which the rate was levied, charged or imposed, shall
be deemed to be taxes in arrears in respect of the property and shall forthwith be
entered on the real-property tax roll by the Collector as taxes in arrears, and
provisions under the Community Charler shall apply.
18.
PROHIBITIONS
No person shall:
(1)
perform any work whatsoever on any component of the District's Water
Supply System, except an authorized employee, agent or contractor of the
District;
(2)
interfere, adjust or tamper with any component of the District's Water
Supply System or any water service, except as provided for in this Bylaw;
(3)
destroy or damage in any manner any component of the District's Water
Supply System or any water service; or
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 16
(4)
where a Water Meter has been installed, access or take water in any
manner as to avoid or alter the measurement or reading of the Water
Meter;
(5)
connect to the District's Water Supply System in any manner or in any
way access or take water from the Water Main or any fixture or property of
the District;
(6)
make any addition or alteration to the District's Water Supply System,
Water Service Connection or Service Line;
(7)
open any hydrant, stand-pipe or valve or use any water from it;
(8)
turn on or off any stop-cock or valve; or
(9)
access or use water from any Water Service Connection or Water Main for
any construction purpose unless all fees have been paid as set out in
Schedule "B" of this Bylaw and all provisions for the protection of the
supply pipe, as directed by the Engineer, have been met.
19.
REQUEST TO DISCONTINUE SERVICE
Where an Owner requests that the supply of water be discontinued to the Parcel,
the Owner must:
(1)
give a minimum ten (10) working days notice in writing to the Engineer;
(2)
be liable for payment of all water consumed until such notice has been
received and the service is discontinued; and
(3)
pay a disconnection fee as set out in Schedule "B" attached to and
forming part of this Bylaw.
(4)
water services in individual strata, townhouse, or apartment complex
cannot be disconnected unless individual meter pits with a setter and shut
offs valves have been installed.
20.
NO OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE SERVICE
a) Nothing in this Bylaw shall obligate the District to supply water to any Parcel
where, in the opinion of the Engineer, the cost of laying Water Mains or Water
Service Connections to the property would be prohibitive or create an excessive
burden upon the resources of the system.
b) Where the District determines not to provide the supply of water to a Parcel
pursuant to section 20. a) of this Bylaw due to cost alone, and sufficient capacity
exists to provide service to the property, the Owner of the Property may, subject
to the approval of the Engineer, pay the District for the cost of the installation.
21.
DISTRICT NOT LIABLE FOR FAILURE OF WATER SUPPLY
The District shall not be liable to any Person for the failure of the water supply including,
but not limited to, a failure to provide adequate or any Service, excessive pressure or
lack of pressure, temporary reductions or stoppages in the water supply, whether
caused by alterations, repairs, accident or damage to the works or by any other reason
whatsoever, and whether such failure arises from the negligence of any Person in the
employ of the District, or other Person whomsoever, or through natural deterioration or
obsolescence of the works, or otherwise.
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 17
22.
WATER RESTRICTION
In the event of a water supply shortage due to any reason whatsoever, the Council may
issue a notice prohibiting, restricting or limiting the use of water by any or all of the
consumers. Such notice shall be sufficiently given if delivered in writing, broadcast by
local radio or advertised in the local newspaper. In the event that water restrictions are
implemented, the following stages shall be applicable:
Stage One
a) There are no watering restrictions from October 1 to April 30, except where an
order issued by the Engineer under Section 22. f).
Stage Two
b) No Person shall carry out sprinkling of lawns using hose connected sprinklers,
soaker hoses or automatic in-ground sprinklers between May 1 and September 30
of each year, except in accordance with the following restrictions:
(1)
Premises with even-numbered municipal street addresses may only carry
out sprinkling on Wednesdays and Saturdays between the hours of 6:00
a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm.;
(2)
Premises with odd-numbered municipal street addresses may only carry
out sprinkling on Thursdays and Sundays between the hours of 6:00 a.m.
to 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and
(3)
all hoses must be equipped with spring-loaded shut-off devices.
c) Despite Section 22. b) but subject to an Engineer's order under Sections 22. d)
and f):
(1)
garden irrigation, watering of flowers, shrubs and vegetables and car
washing on grass or gravel areas may be carried out using a hand-held
wand or a hose equipped with spring-loaded shut off device; and
(2)
every Person requiring the sprinkling of a newly seeded or sodded lawn
must first make application for and obtain a Permit from the District in
order to carry out sprinkling of the new lawn between the hours of 6:00
a.m. and 8:00 a.m. daily for a two week period.
Stage Three
d) The Engineer is authorized to issue an order prohibiting all lawn sprinkling and
garden irrigation and imposing additional and other restrictions on water use based
on the availability of adequate water supply.
e) Where the Engineer issues an order under Section 22. d), every Person must
comply with all water use restrictions specified in the Engineer's order for the time
period specified in the order and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the following water use restrictions shall apply:
(1)
lawn sprinkling of any kind is prohibited;
(2)
hosing of outdoor surfaces is prohibited;
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 18
(3)
hoses must be equipped with spring-loaded shut-off devices;
(4)
use of non re-circulating fountains must be discontinued; and
(5)
hydrant use permits will not be issued.
Stage Four
f) The Engineer is further authorized to issue an order imposing such water use
restrictions as the Engineer considers necessary where, because of special
circumstances or conditions, such restrictions are necessary to ensure that
adequate service can be maintained throughout the District.
General
g) Where the Engineer issues an order under Section 22. d) or f):
(1)
the order may specify the manner in which notice of the water use
restrictions are to be advertised;
(2)
notice of the Engineer's order must provided to Council at its next
scheduled meeting; and
(3)
Council may, by resolution, confirm, vary or rescind the order.
h) No Person shall allow water to run to waste, whether willfully or by permitting pipes,
taps, toilets, irrigation systems or other means of distributing or storing water to
run or leak and remain unrepaired.
i)
Every Person who:
(1)
uses water in contravention of a sprinkling ban or other water use
restriction specified in Sections 22. b) and e) or an order issued by the
Engineer under Sections 22. d) and f); or
(2)
allows water to run to waste contrary to Section 22. h);
commits an offence under this Bylaw and, in addition to any other penalties
which may be imposed, the District may cause service to the Person's Premise
to be shut off until such time as the contravention is remedied and the Person
has, where applicable, paid the reconnection fee prescribed in Schedule "B"
attached to and forming part of this Bylaw.
23.
OFFENCE AND PENAL TV
a) Every Person who violates any provision of this Bylaw, or who allows or permits
any act or thing to be done in violation of any provision of this Bylaw, or who
neglects to or refrains from doing anything required to be done by any provision
of this Bylaw, is guilty of an offence against this Bylaw and each day that a
violation continues to exist is deemed to be a separate offence against the
Bylaw.
b) Every Person who commits an offence contrary to the provisions of this Bylaw is
liable upon summary conviction to a penalty of not more than $10,000.00 in
addition to the costs of the prosecution.
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 19
24.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
a) "Water Regulation and Rates Bylaw No. 1631,2019" and any amendments thereto
are all hereby repealed.
b) If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this bylaw is, for any
reason, held invalid by the decision of any court or competent jurisdiction, the
invalid portion shall be severed and the decision that is invalid shall not affect the
validity of the remainder of this bylaw.
READ A FIRST TIME this 8th day of September, 2021.
READ A SECOND TIME this 8th day of September, 2021 .
READ A THIRD TIME this 8th day of September, 2021.
FINALLY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of October, 2021.
CERTIFIED A TRUE & CORRECT COPY
of "Water Regulation and Rates
Bylaw No. 1679,2021" adopted on
this 13th day of October, 2021 .
~)Jv
Clair Lee, Di,Fector of Corporate Services
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
allace Mah, Chief Administrative Officer
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 20
SCHEDULE "A"
MAPS OF THE DISTRICT'S WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
Agassiz
/
Bylaw No. 1679
SCHEDULE "B"
DISTRICT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
SERVICE FEES AND CHARGES
Connection Fees (For Water Service Connection)
Permit Fee
Inspection
a. Single Family Residential
Fee
b. Non-Residential / Multi-Family / Apartments /
Mobile Homes / Personal Care Units
New Service
a. 20 mm (3/4") service connection and meter
Connection
b. 25 mm (1") service connection and meter
Fee and
c. Service connection greater than 25 mm (1")
Meter
and meter
( connection
from water
main to
property line)
Meter and
a. 20 mm (3/4") meter and radio transceiver only
Radio
b. 25 mm (1") meter and radio transceiver only
Transceiver
c.
38 mm (1.5") meter and radio transceiver only
Only
d. 50 mm (2") meter and radio transceiver only
e. 76 mm (3") meter and radio transceiver only
Page 21
$40.00
$40.00
$125.00
$1,700.00 *minimum
$3,000.00 *minimum
A deposit of the
estimated cost of
connection, as
determined by the
Engineer, shall be
made ten (10) days
prior to installation.
The fee shall be the
actual cost of the
installation plus a
15% administration
fee.
$575.00 *minimum
$709.00 *minimum
$1,041.00 *minimum
$1,873.00 *minimum
$2,305.00 *minimum
NOTE: Application must be made twenty-one (21) days prior to service requirement.
*Minimum fees must be paid ten (10) days prior to installation or connection. If
the estimated cost, as prepared by the Engineer is greater than the minimum fee,
the actual cost, plus a 15% administration fee will be charged.
Change of Service Size or Location:
In cases where a customer wishes to increase the size of a Water Service
Connection or change the location of a Water Service Connection, the charges
listed above shall apply.
Cross Connection Control Fees
Water Service Disconnection Fee:
Water Service Reconnection Fee:
Temporary Water Service Permit:
(for construction purposes)
$ 375.00 *minimum
$ 250.00 *minimum
$ 100.00
Bylaw No. 1679
Page 22
SCHEDULE "C"
DISTRICT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
WATER SERVICE FEES AND CHARGES
User Rates - Agassiz Water Supply System
All property owners shall install a water meter except where special exemption has been
granted by the Engineer. The applicable flat rate charge below shall be levied:
Property Type
Nominal
2021
2022
2023
Connection Monthly Charge Monthly Charge Monthly Charge
Size
($/Unit)
($/Unit)
($/Unit)
Single Family; Duplex; Triplex; Detached
19 mm and
27.82
28.38
28.94
Strata
25mm
Secondary Suite *
19 mm and
13.89
14.17
14.45
25mm
Multi Family; Apartments; Mobile Homes;
Varies
23.93
24.41
24.90
Attached Strata / Townhouse
Personal Care Residential Unit
Varies
7.75
7.91
8.06
Non-residential Units served by a single
Varies
38.79
39.56
40.35
Water Service Connection
Schools served by a single Water Service
n/a
23.26
23.73
24.20
Connection (per classroom)
Churches served by a single Water
n/a
27.82
28.38
28.94
Service Connection (per connection)
Metered Commercial Units (except water
bottling facilities) Flat Rate +
n/a
32.47
33.12
33.78
Water usage per cubic meter (m3)
n/a
0.70
0.71
0.73
Metered Water Bottling Facility Flat Rate+
n/a
32.47
33.12
33.78
Water Usage per cubic meter (m3) **
n/a
7.00
7.10
7.30
Metered Agricultural Users (per m3) and
n/a
Private Hydrant Users of the Agassiz or
0.94
0.96
0.97
Rockwell water systems (per m3)
*Secondary Suite charges levied on a property do not in any way legalize the use of the land and premises which might be in
breach of other District bylaws. In levying the charges, no determination of compliance with other District bylaws has been
made by the District and should the use of land and premises breach any of its bylaws now or in the future, the District reserves
the right to enforce those bylaws in accordance with their conditions.
**Any bottling facility proposing to connect to a District water source for a profit must first receive written approval of the District
Engineer.
Bylaw No. 1679
SCHEDULE "0"
DISTRICT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
WATER SERVICE FEES AND CHARGES
User Rates - Mount Woodside Water Supply System (Billed Quarterly)
2021 Rates:
Class of Consumer
Monthly
Per Serviced Lot in all
Zones without a
Connection
Per Dwelling Unit in
all Residential Zones
Commercial, Industrial
& Institutional Zones
and Private Hydrant
Users of the Mount
Woodside Water
System
2022 Rates:
Parcel
Tax
$28.00
Class of Consumer
Monthly
Per Serviced Lot in all
Zones without a
Connection
Per Dwelling Unit in
all Residential Zones
Commercial, Industrial
& Institutional Zones
and Private Hydrant
Users of the Mount
Woodside Water
System
Parcel
Tax
$28.00
Basic Monthly
Rate Upon
Connection
$47.41
Basic Monthly
Rate Upon
Connection
$48.36
Metered per
1m3 Upon
Connection
Additional Usage
Over 75m3
quarterly
$2.85
Metered per
1m3 Upon
Connection
Additional Usage
Over 75m3
quarterly
$2.85
Metered per
1m3 Upon
Connection
$1.88
Metered per
1m3 Upon
Connection
$1.92
Page 23
Bylaw No. 1679
2023 Rates:
Class of Consumer
Monthly
Per Serviced Lot in all
Zones without a
Connection
Per Dwelling Unit in
all Residential Zones
Commercial, Industrial
& Institutional Zones
and Private Hydrant
Users of the Mount
Woodside Water
System
Parcel
Tax
$28.00
Basic Monthly
Rate Upon
Connection
$ 49.33
Metered per
1m3 Upon
Connection
Additional Usage
Over 75m3
quarterly
$2.85
Page 24
Metered per
1m3 Upon
Connection
$1.96
Bylaw No. 1679
SCHEDULE "E"
DISTRICT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
WATER SERVICE FEES AND CHARGES
Page 25
User Rates - Rockwell Bay Estates Water Supply System
Class of
Consumer
Per Dwelling
Annual
Parcel Tax
$182.00
2021 Annual
2022 Annual
2023 Annual
Stand-by Fee*
Stand-by Fee*
Stand-by
Fee*
$207.17
$211.32
$215.54
*Stand-by Fee: For each lot not permanently connected to the system each year, the fee shall be billed semi-
annually and the terms of Section 15 of this Bylaw shall apply.
Class of
Annual
2021
2022
2023
Consumer
Parcel Tax
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Charge
Charge
Charge
($/Unit)
($/Unit)
(~/Unit}
Per Dwelling
$182.00
$17.78
$18.14
$18.50
Secondary Suite**
$8.90
$9.07
$9.25
**Secondary Suite charges levied on a property do not in any way legalize the use of the land and premises which
might be in breach of other District bylaws. In levying the charges, no determination of compliance with other District
bylaws has been made by the District and should the use of land and premises breach any of its bylaws now or in
the future, the District reserves the right to enforce those bylaws in accordance with their conditions.
Bylaw No. 1679
Other Charges
SCHEDULE "F"
DISTRICT WA TER SUPPLY SYSTEM
WATER SERVICE FEES AND CHARGES
Enhanced Municipal Fire Protection:
1. $12.00 per month per building (including each dwelling in a strata)
2. $12.00 per month for all other parcels with improvement(s).
New Construction:
1. $12.00 per month from the time the building permit is issued.
Page 26
Applies to those parcels within the boundary area shown on Schedule "G" as follows:
a. Have water service available and are not connected to the water supply system.
b. Do not have water service available but have live hydrant.
Special Meter Reading
$ 25.00 per call
Water Meter Test Fee
$ 100.00
(payable as a deposit which shall be subject to Sections 6 e) and f) of this Bylaw)
Private Use of Fire Hydrants
Handling Charge per use:
Usage Charge per day:
Metered rate per m3 used
Private Fire Hydrant Maintenance
Service Type A:
Service Type B:
Water Service Turn On / Off
During Regular District Office Hours:
Outside of District Office Hours:
Utility Bill Suspension Fee
$100.00
$ 10.00
As per Schedule "C" for
Agassiz/Rockwell and Schedule "0"
for Mount Woodside hydrants
$ 200.00
$ 75.00
$ 70.00
$ 180.00
$ 30.00 per 6 month period
Bylaw No. 1679
SCHEDULE"G"
MAP OF ENHANCED MUNICIPAL FIRE PROTECTION AREA
Properties Protected by Live Fire Hydrants
Page 27