Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw No. 2425 (Consolidated March 2026)
Powell River, British Columbia
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City of Powell River
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Adopted: December 17, 2015
Office Consolidation
This document is an office consolidation of City of Powell River Waterworks Regulations
and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2025 with subsequent amendments adopted by the City of Powell
River. All persons making use of this consolidation are advised that it has no Council
sanction and amendments have been incorporated only for convenience of reference. For
all purposes of interpretation and application, the original bylaws should be consulted. The
City of Powell River will, in no event, be liable or responsible for damages of any kind
arising out of the use of this Office Consolidation.
This is not the official version of City of Powell River Waterworks Regulations and Rates
Bylaw 2425, 2015, as amended, nor is it admissible in a court of law. For such purposes,
official certified copies of the original bylaws can be obtained from City Hall by contacting
Administrative Services in advance at: [email protected]
List of Amending Bylaws
Bylaw Number
Adoption Date
Amendment Bylaw 2462
May 11, 2017
Amendment Bylaw 2507
May 3, 2018
Amendment Bylaw 2696
April 21, 2022
Amendment Bylaw 2775
March 6, 2025
Amendment Bylaw 2789
In effect - July 1, 2026
March 19, 2026
Consolidated March 19, 2026
RM: 4000-30-0025
CITY OF POWELL RIVER
BYLAW 2425, 2015
A bylaw to provide for the installation, operation and management of the City of Powell
River Waterworks System and the collection of fees and charges for water
The Council of the City of Powell River, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows:
Short Title:
1.
This Bylaw may be cited as "Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015".
Definitions:
2.
For the purposes of this bylaw:
(a) "Boundary" means the street line of a property as shown by a registered plan or legal
description.
(b) "Collector" means the person appointed by Council as the Chief Financial Officer for
the City of Powell River.
(c) "Consumer" means any person who is the owner, agent for the owner, lessee, or
occupant of any Premises to which water is supplied from the City's waterworks
system.
(d) "Council" means the Council of the City of Powell River.
(e) "City" means the City of Powell River.
(f) "Director" means the City Director of Infrastructure or his delegate.
(g) "Premises" means all places, lots, parcels of land, buildings or structures.
(h) "Rate or Rates" means the price or sum of money to be paid by any consumer for a
service to his Premises for a stated period.
(i) "Service" means the supply of water from the waterworks system to any person, and
includes all pipes, taps, valves, connections and other things necessary to or used for
the purpose of the supply of water.
(j) "Waterworks" means the waterworks system of the City of Powell River.
Application for Service
3.
All applications for the installation of a service connection shall be made at the Director's
office by the owner or his authorized agent.
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 4 of 16
Application for Turning Off or Turning On Water
4.
(a) All applications for the turning off or turning on of water to any Premises shall be
made in writing to the Director not less than forty-eight (48) hours before service
is required.
(b)
No person shall make application to turn off the water from any Premises in use or
occupied by any other person until the use or occupation by the other person has ceased and the
Premises have been vacated.
(c)
Where several services are provided to any Consumer from one connection to the
main, the City shall not be required to shut off any one of those services until that service has
been directly connected to the main at the expense of the person and according to the provisions
of this bylaw.
Discontinuing the Use of Water
5.
(a) Any person who is about to vacate any Premises that have been supplied from the
Waterworks, and who is desirous of discontinuing the water service, shall give
written notice to the Director.
(b)
Where any person fails to give the notice required in subsection (a) above, the rates
will be charged until notice is given and the water turned off.
(c) Where any commercial Premises are vacant for a period of sixty-one (61) days or more
and the owner does not wish to discontinue water services, the water rates shall be
abated on the Premises for the duration of the vacancy.
(d)
The water rate abatement under (c) above shall occur upon the owner submitting a
written application to the Collector.
Special Purpose Use
6.
The use of water shall not be granted for any special purpose unless, in addition to the
special rate charged, the ordinary rate for the building is paid according to Schedule "A", attached
and forming part of this bylaw.
Leaking Pipes
7.
In the case of leaking or improper pipes, or imperfect appurtenances on any Premises,
and after due notification to the Consumer, and the necessary repairs or alterations not being
made within forty-eight (48) hours thereafter, or where the condition of such pipes or fixtures shall
be such as to cause a waste of water or damage to property, then without further notice, the
Director shall have authority to cut off the supply of water by closing the stop-cock, or by detaching
the service pipe from the main. Before the water is again turned on, such pipes or appurtenances
shall be repaired, altered or replaced to the satisfaction of the Director. The charge for detaching
or re-attaching or for turning off or on of the water shall be as set out in Schedule "B", attached
and forming part of this bylaw. Any additional cost which the City shall have incurred in taking off
or replacing the stop-cock in order to prevent the improper use of water after being turned off, and
no person supplied from such service pipe shall have any claim against the City by reason of such
cutting off of the water supply.
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 5 of 16
Service Installation
8.
(a) Any person being the owner of real property within the Waterworks upon which no
building or structure is situated, or any owner, or his authorized agent of any
Premises desiring the Premises to be served with water, shall make application
to the Director for water service.
(b) Application:
(i) Upon the approval of the application by the Director, and upon application for a
building permit, if applicable, the applicant shall pay to the Collector, the
connection fee prescribed in Schedule "B".
(ii) For all the utility relocations, modifications or the installation of an additional
service, the cost of utility relocation, modification or installation shall be at the fee
prescribed in Schedule "B". This rate shall apply with the understanding that the
Director may reject the request for such work if, in his opinion, it is not in the best
interest of the City.
(iii) Any service connections to the City's existing water distribution system will be
installed, or the installation will be overseen, by the City.
(c)
When the Director has been advised by the Collector that the connection fee has been
paid, he shall provide the required service to within 450 millimeters of the boundary line, when
the service can be conveniently supplied from an existing watermain.
(d)
The City's Building and Plumbing Inspector shall not issue any building permit until
application for a water connection has been made, approved by the Director and the appropriate
connection charges paid.
(e)
Where an application for a water connection has been made and the water connection
cannot be provided unless a water main is extended, the extension must be constructed in
compliance with all subdivision and development servicing bylaw(s) and shall be the responsibility
of the owner.
Service Pipes
9.
Only one house service pipe of a size approved by the Director for the supply to a single
house or Premises shall be installed by the City.
10.
No person shall do work of any kind in connection with a service, either for the laying of
new or the repairing of old services, upon or under any street, lane or highway in the City other
than employees of the City or the employees of persons holding a contract with the City for the
performance of Waterworks.
11.
All service pipes shall be laid at a depth of not less than 800 millimeters below the surface
of the ground or where required by the Director at the depth determined by him.
12.
No person shall install, place or maintain in any Premises any water connection, pipe,
fixture, or other apparatus which does not comply with the requirements of this bylaw.
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 6 of 16
No Liability
13.
(a) Nothing contained in this bylaw shall be construed to impose any liability on the
City
to service any Premises or to give a continuous supply of water to any person or
Premises.
(b) The City shall not be liable for:
(i) the failure of the water supply in consequence of any accident or damage to the
Waterworks;
(ii) excessive pressure or lack of pressure; or
(iii) any temporary stoppage of water due to alterations or repairs, whether such failure
arises from the negligence of any person in the employ of the City or any other
person or through natural deterioration or obsolescence of the Waterworks.
Hot Water Tanks
14.
Any Consumer shall ensure that all hot water tanks are properly protected against damage
which may be caused by any temporary interruption of the water supply.
Interference
15.
No person shall in any way tamper, remove, or bury or interfere with any hydrant, pipe,
service valve and box or any other Waterworks appurtenance outside of his own Premises.
Use of Fire Hydrants
16.
No unauthorized person shall open or use any fire hydrant for any purpose.
No Connection to Mains
17.
No person shall make any connection to any public or private main in the City without the
written consent of the Director.
Watering Other Premises
18.
No person shall, with a lawn sprinkler or otherwise, water any other Premises than those
in respect of which he has paid the regular rates as set out in Schedule "A".
Sprinkling
19.
(a)
All Consumers shall restrict sprinkling of lawn, trees, shrubs and gardens as stated
in Schedule "C" attached and forming part of this bylaw.
(b) No Consumer shall use more than one (1) hose for sprinkling purposes at any one
time.
(c) Persons with underground sprinkling systems controlled by a time clock shall be
exempted from sprinkling regulations during Stage 1, as outlined in Schedule C, only
if operated between 12:00 midnight and 7:00 am.
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 7 of 16
(d) All underground sprinkling systems shall be installed in conformance with the British
Columbia Plumbing Code and the City of Powell River Building Regulation Bylaw.
(e) The Director is authorized to impose further sprinkling regulations where he deems it
necessary.
Using Water for Sprinkling Streets
20.
(a) No person who is not in the employ of the City shall use water supplied by the
City for the purpose of sprinkling any street or lane or public thoroughfare.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall prevent any person from sprinkling or watering that portion
of any boulevard immediately adjoining his Premises.
Increasing Supply of Water
21.
No Consumer shall increase the supply of water beyond that fixed by the rating of the
Premises, or shall wrongfully, negligently or improperly waste any water.
Selling Water
22.
No Consumer shall sell or dispose of any water or permit the same to be carried or taken
away or used, or apply it for the benefit or use of others, or to any other than his own use.
Inspection of Premises
23.
Any Consumer shall, at all reasonable times, allow the Director or any person authorized
by him to enter into and upon the Premises in respect of which service is supplied, for the purpose
of inspecting the service, including any water pipes, connections, fixtures, taps or any other
apparatus used in connection with the water supply.
Valves
24.
Every Consumer shall provide for each service to his Premises a pressure-reducing valve
and pressure relief valve to prevent the water pressure in the main serving his Premises from
becoming so great that damage may result.
Rates and Charges
25.
(a) The rates and charges set out in Schedule "A" are hereby imposed and levied for
water supplied or ready to be supplied by the City.
(b)
All rates or charges shall be payable at the office of the Collector and shall be charged
against the lands supplied or ready to be supplied.
(c)
Any rates or charges remaining unpaid after December 31 in any year shall be deemed
to be taxes in arrears on the property concerned and shall be added to the Collector's tax roll as
such.
General Rates or Charges
26.
(a) The general annual rates or charges as set out in Schedule "A" are to be paid
annually. The annual payment will be due on or before the first working day after
July 1 of each year.
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 8 of 16
(b) Property owners of record at the time the annual tax notices are sent out shall be
assessed the annual water rate on their property tax notices and the fee(s) shall
become due and payable on or before the annual tax due date. Unpaid water fees
after the tax due date shall be subject to the same penalty and interest charges as
annual property taxes.
(c) Property owners who are not assessed for water use on their property tax notices will
be sent a separate billing for their water user fees, which will become due and payable
on or before the first working day after July 1 of each year. Any unpaid balances as
at December 31 in any year will be transferred to tax arrears in the following year and
will be subject to the prescribed rates of interest, as set by the Province of British
Columbia.
Penalties
27.
Annual water use rates shall be subject to a ten percent (10%) penalty on any portion
that is not paid on or before the first working day after July 1 of each year.
Rebate or Refund
28.
(a) Except as provided in this bylaw, no rebate or refund or credit of any monies paid
or
payable for service shall be made.
(b)
Where water is disconnected for a period of not less than sixty (60) days or where a
building is uninhabitable through fire, demolition or other cause, a rebate, refund or credit may be
allowed.
(c)
Properties that are newly connected to the waterworks system part way through a
calendar year will be charged a prorated amount from the date of connection to the end of the
calendar year.
29.
(a) The Director may make every reasonable effort to notify Consumers of any
interruption in their water service but nothing contained in this bylaw shall be
construed to impose any liability upon the City to give any continuous supply of water
to any person.
(b) The City reserves the right to shut off water to any Premises without notice.
30.
The provisions of this bylaw shall be applicable and binding upon all Consumers.
31.
If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Bylaw is for any reason held to be
invalid by the decision of a Court of competent jurisdiction, the invalid portion shall be
severed and the decision that it is invalid shall not affect the validity of the remainder.
32.
Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this Bylaw commits an offence and
shall be liable to prosecution under, and the penalties imposed pursuant to, the Offence
Act (BC).
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 9 of 16
33.
This bylaw comes into effect on January 1, 2016 and City of Powell River Waterworks
Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2407, 2015 and its amendments are repealed effective that date.
READ A FIRST TIME the 3rd day of December, 2015.
READ A SECOND TIME the 3rd day of December, 2015.
READ A THIRD TIME the 3rd day of December, 2015.
ADOPTED the 17th day of December, 2015.
COPY
COPY
______________________________
______________________________
David J. Formosa, Mayor
Marie Claxton, City Clerk
i
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 10 of 16
SCHEDULE "A"
WATERWORKS USER RATES1
Description of Services
In effect to
June 30,
2026
Effective
July 1,
2026
W1
Domestic Rates
Single family dwelling
$389
$173
Single family dwelling - each additional suite
$389
$173
Each strata title unit
$389
$173
Modular home parts - per modular home
$389
$173
W2
Multiple Family Dwelling or Separate Dwellings
Apartments - each apartment
$389
$173
W3
Boarding, Lodging Houses or Group Care Homes
Up to five rooms
$548
$348
Each additional room
$56
$36
W4
Bed & Breakfast
$573
$253
W5
Hotels/Motels
Each unit up to a total of 12 units
$130
$82
Each additional unit
$56
$36
Laundry facilities - each machine
$376
$240
W6
Restaurant, Eating Accommodation
Up to 25 seating spaces
$849
$539
26 - 50 seating spaces
$1,127
$715
51 - 75 seating spaces
$1,402
$890
76 and over seating spaces
$1,675
$1,063
Fast food (take-out) - no seating
$368
$234
W7
Stores, Offices, Bus Depots or Other Premises
For each toilet, washbasin, sink, bathtub, shower bath,
urinal, drinking fountain, or other fixtures separately
connected to the water supply and consumes water of
the premises
$170
$108
In this category, the minimum charge will be
$368
$234
W8
Churches
$135
$87
W9
Churches with Meeting Halls
$234
$148
W10
Theatres, Photographic Studios, Greenhouses,
Curling Rinks, Pool Halls, or Meeting Halls
$548
$348
W11
Beer Parlors, Neighborhood Pubs or Nightclubs
$1,102
$700
W12
Cocktail Lounges & Licenced Clubs
$741
$469
W13
Public Garages will be charged in accordance with
Stores and Offices for the main portion of the Garage
with a minimum charge of:
$368
$234
Addition public restroom
$189
$121
W14
Car Washers - Per Bay
$1,022
$650
W15
Schools - Each Classroom
$351
$221
W16
Laundromats, Self-Service Laundries & Drycleaners
Per machine
$376
$240
W17
Hospitals - Each Bed
$51
$33
1 Amendment Bylaw 2789, 2026
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 11 of 16
With laundry facility - each machine
$376
$240
W18
Private Swimming Pools or Tanks
$198
$126
W19
Public Assembly Halls or Arenas
$925
$587
W20
Cemeteries
$368
$234
W21
Seafood Processing Plant
$1,102
$700
W22
Selling Water (to be negotiated)
To be
negotiated
To be
negotiated
W23
Salons, Spas and Barber Shops - For Each Fixture
Up to a Total of 12
For each toilet, washbasin, sink, bathtub, shower bath,
urinal, drinking fountain, or other fixtures separately
connected to the water supply and consumes water of
the premises
$151
$97
Each additional fixture above 12
$44
$30
In this category, the minimum charge will be
$368
$234
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 12 of 16
SCHEDULE "B"
WATERWORKS CONNECTION FEES
AND OTHER CHARGES
SERVICES:
Service Size
Initial Service Cost
19mm
$2,000
25mm
2,500
40mm
3,000
50mm
4,000
75mm
5,000
100mm
6,000
150mm or larger
Cost
(minimum $6,000)
OTHER CHARGES:
AMOUNT
1.
Fee for turning water off or on after hours.
$125.00
2.
Charge for use of fire fighting water connection for purpose other
125.00
than fire fighting, each time the seal is broken, subject to approval
from the Director.
3.
Charge for servicing privately owned fire hydrants
125.00
4.
Supply of water outside of City Waterworks as per approval
Plus Parts
from the Director
to be negotiated
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 13 of 16
SCHEDULE "C"
Water Use Restrictions
Unrestricted
Restricted
Prohibited
These restrictions only apply to the use of treated drinking water.
Activity
Water Conservation Stages
Restriction Details
1
2
3
4
Residential lawn sprinkling
1
2
3
4
STAGE 1: Properties with odd
numbered street addresses may
water anytime on odd calendar
days. Properties with even
numbered street addresses may
water anytime on even calendar
days.
STAGE 2: Properties with odd
numbered street addresses may
water between 12am and 9am on
odd calendar days. Properties with
even numbered street addresses
may water between 12am and 9am
on even calendar days
STAGE 3: Properties with odd
numbered street addresses may
water between 12am and 9am on
Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Properties with even numbered
street addresses may water between
12am and 9am on Wednesdays
and Sundays calendar days
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
Non-Residential lawn
sprinkling
1
2
3
4
STAGE 1: Properties with odd
numbered street addresses may
water anytime on odd calendar
days. Properties with even
numbered street addresses may
water anytime on even calendar
days.
STAGE 2: Properties with odd
numbered street addresses may
water between 12am and 9am on
odd calendar days. Properties with
even numbered street addresses
may water between 12am and 9am
on even calendar days
STAGE 3: Properties with odd
numbered street addresses may
water between 12am and 9am on
Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Properties with even numbered
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 14 of 16
street addresses may water between
12am and 9am on Wednesdays
and Sundays calendar days
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
New (establishing) residential
& commercial lawns, trees,
shrubs & flowers
1
2
3
4
STAGES 1-2: Sprinkling outside
restricted times allowed only at the
discretion of the Director of
Infrastructure & with special permits
to be displayed on lawn.
STAGES 3-4: No new permits
issued or renewed. All forms of
watering using treated drinking water
are prohibited.
Flowers & vegetable gardens,
decorative planters, shrubs &
trees
1
2
3
4
STAGE 3: Only if done by hand
using a spring-loaded shut-off
nozzle, or using containers or drip
irrigation.
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
Commercial flowers &
vegetable gardens
1
2
3
4
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
Private pools, spas & garden
ponds
1
2
3
4
STAGES 3 & 4: Refilling is
prohibited.
Public & commercial fountains
& water features
1
2
3
4
STAGES 2-4: All shut down.
Private & commercial outdoor
impermeable surface washing
(i.e., driveways, sidewalks &
parking lots)
1
2
3
4
STAGES 2-3: Only for health &
safety purposes or to prepare a
surface for painting or similar
treatment. Washing for aesthetic
purposes is prohibited.
STAGE 4: All forms of hosing of
outdoor surfaces are prohibited
unless ordered by a regulatory
authority (i.e., WCB, public health
inspector, etc...).
Private & commercial pressure
washing
1
2
3
4
STAGES 2-3: Only for health &
safety purposes or to prepare a
surface for painting or similar
treatment. Washing for aesthetic
purposes is prohibited. Private
pressure washing prohibited in
Stage 3.
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 15 of 16
STAGE 4: All forms of hosing of
outdoor surfaces are prohibited
unless ordered by a regulatory
authority for health & safety reasons
(i.e., WCB, public health inspector,
etc...).
Outdoor vehicle washing (i.e.
cars, boats & recreational
vehicles)
1
2
3
4
STAGES 1-2: Only with hose
equipped with spring-loaded shut off.
STAGES 3-4: No outdoor washing
or rinsing of vehicles & pleasure
crafts, except for safety (windows,
lights & licenses only)
Commercial car washes
1
2
3
4
STAGE 4: Commercial car washes
shut down.
Artificial turf & outdoor tracks
(i.e., bicycle & motorcycle tracks,
running tracks)
1
2
3
4
STAGES 1-3: Hosing for health &
safety only.
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
School yards, sports & sand-
based playing fields
1
2
3
4
STAGES 2-3: Minimum levels
required to maintain areas in
useable condition.
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
Cemetery lawns
1
2
3
4
STAGE 1: Cemeteries with odd
numbered street addresses may
water anytime on odd calendar
days. Cemeteries with even
numbered street addresses may
water anytime on even calendar
days.
STAGE 2: Cemeteries with odd
numbered street addresses may
water between 12am and 9am on
odd calendar days. Cemeteries with
even numbered street addresses
may water between 12am and 9am
on even calendar days
STAGE 3: Cemeteries with odd
numbered street addresses may
water between 12am and 9am on
Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Cemeteries with even numbered
street addresses may water between
12am and 9am on Wednesdays
and Sundays calendar days
Waterworks Regulations and Rates Bylaw 2425, 2015
Page 16 of 16
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
Municipal parks
1
2
3
4
STAGE 2: These surfaces may be
watered only within the once-weekly
times.
STAGE 3: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
STAGE 4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited. Shut down faucets in
parks & public spaces, except for
drinking fountains equipped with
spring-loaded shut-off.
Municipal ornamental lawns &
grassed boulevards
1
2
3
4
STAGE 1: June 1-Sept 30, even-
numbered addresses Mon & Wed
mornings 1am to 6 am, odd-
numbered addresses Tues & Thurs
mornings 1am to 6 am, all non-
residential addresses Fri morning
4am to 9 am.
STAGE 2: Even-numbered
addresses Wed morning only 1am to
6 am, odd-numbered addresses
Tues morning only, 1am to 6 am
STAGES 3-4: All forms of watering
using treated drinking water are
prohibited.
Municipal hydrant flushing
1
2
3
4
STAGES 2-4: Only for unscheduled
safety or public health reason.
Routine flushing to be scheduled
outside WUR timeframe.
Amendment Bylaw 2775