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Room 400 - 330 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0C4
www.pubmanitoba.ca
330, avenue Portage, pièce 400
Winnipeg (Manitoba) Canada R3C 0C4
www.pubmanitoba.ca
Order No. 70/25
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF HANOVER
GRUNTHAL WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY
REVISED WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES
JULY 1, 2025, JANUARY 1, 2026, 2027 AND 2028
May 13, 2025
BEFORE: Irene Hamilton, K.C., Panel Chair
Patrick Ireland, MBA, Panel Member
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 2 of 21
Table of Contents
1.0
Executive Summary ............................................................................................ 4
2.0
Background ......................................................................................................... 5
Water Supply/Distribution ..................................................................................... 5
Wastewater Collection and Treatment .................................................................. 5
3.0
Board Methodology ............................................................................................. 6
Review Process .................................................................................................... 6
Contingency Allowance and Utility Reserves ........................................................ 6
Working Capital .................................................................................................... 6
Operating Deficits ................................................................................................. 6
Cost Allocation Methodology ................................................................................ 7
Unaccounted for Water ......................................................................................... 7
4.0
Application ........................................................................................................... 8
Contingency Allowance and Utility Reserves ........................................................ 9
Working Capital .................................................................................................. 10
Operating Deficits ............................................................................................... 10
Cost Allocation Methodology .............................................................................. 10
Unaccounted for Water ....................................................................................... 10
5.0
Board Findings .................................................................................................. 11
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 3 of 21
6.0
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT: ............................................................... 13
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 4 of 21
1.0
Executive Summary
By this Order, the Manitoba Public Utilities Board (Board) grants approval of the Rural
Municipality of Hanover (RM), Grunthal Water and Wastewater Utility's (Utility) application
for revised water and wastewater rates.
The revised rates are below:
Jul 1, 2025
Jan 1, 2026 Jan 1, 2027 Jan 1, 2028
Quarterly Service Charge
20.76
$
20.35
$
19.94
$
19.53
$
Water (per 1,000 gallons)
5.28
$
5.83
$
6.38
$
6.92
$
Wastewater (per 1,000 gallons)
4.34
$
6.43
$
8.52
$
10.62
$
Minimum Quarterly Charge*
49.62
$
57.13
$
64.64
$
72.15
$
Minimum Quarterly Charge - Metered Wastewater Only*
33.78
$
39.64
$
45.50
$
51.39
$
Minimum Quarterly Charge - Unmetered Wastewater Only**
70.67
$
94.30
$
117.92
$
141.66
$
Hydrant Rental
150.00
$
150.00
$
150.00
$
150.00
$
Meter Testing
100.00
$
100.00
$
100.00
$
100.00
$
*based on 3,000 gallons
**current rate based on 10,000 gallons, proposed rate based on 11,500 gallons
Details of other rates can be found in Schedule A.
The reasons for the Board's decisions are under Board Findings.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 5 of 21
2.0
Background
Rates were last set in Board Order No. 188/19, with current rates coming into effect
January 1, 2023.
The Utility provides water and wastewater service to 582 ratepayers. The RM advises
566 of its ratepayers are both water and wastewater, two are water-only and 14
ratepayers are wastewater-only. Six of the wastewater-only ratepayers have meters on
their private wells and are charged based on metered consumption, the other eight are
charged based on the average consumption of metered Utility ratepayers.
Water Supply/Distribution
Water sources include one main well and a back-up well. There are two storage
reservoirs, including one put in use in 2011 at cost of $1.1 million. Treatment process is
by sodium hypochlorite. Water and sewer lines installed in 1960's and on.
Wastewater Collection and Treatment
Wastewater system is forcemain with a lift station. A lagoon upgrade including aeration
equipment was completed in 2013 at cost of $3.3 million. Parmalat is largest customer
and has an Industrial Services Agreement for wastewater discharge.
There are currently no capacity concerns for either water or wastewater services.
The RM currently has budgeted capital including $450,000 for a lift station, funded by Gas
Tax Reserve and $100,000 by developer contribution. A regional wastewater system
project is currently in the planning stages, as a timeline and cost are currently uncertain,
no provision has been made for it in this rate study.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 6 of 21
3.0
Board Methodology
Review Process
When reviewing an application, the Board has at its disposal two approaches, a paper
review process or a public hearing. After the publication of the Notice of Application, the
Board considers the application and responses, if any, and determines which method of
review is most appropriate. Whenever reasonable, the Board can review the application
using a paper review process, which saves the cost of a public hearing.
Where there is an urgent need for initial or revised rates and the Board determines it to
be in the best interest of all parties, the Board may establish interim ex parte rates.
Contingency Allowance and Utility Reserves
The Board's Water and Wastewater Rate Application Guidelines recommend an annual
contingency allowance equal to 10% of the variable operating costs.
Working Capital
Board Order No. 93/09 established utilities should maintain a minimum working capital
surplus, in an amount equal to 20% of annual expenses. The working capital surplus is
the Utility fund balance, excluding any capital-related items plus Utility reserves.
Operating Deficits
By law, Manitoba utilities are not allowed to incur deficits. In the event that a deficit does
occur, the Utility is required by The Municipal Act to obtain Board approval for both the
deficit and recovery methodology. The Board is therefore bound to approve reasonable
rates based on reasonable expense projections.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 7 of 21
Cost Allocation Methodology
The Board requires all municipalities to review the costs shared between the general
operations of the RM and the Utility, and to allocate appropriate and reasonable costs to
the Utility, based on a policy known as a Cost Allocation Methodology. This policy must
be submitted to the Board for approval and cannot be changed without approval by the
Board. The Board's requirements regarding cost allocation methodologies can be found
in Board Order No. 93/09.
Unaccounted for Water
Water losses may be caused by such events as distribution line losses, service leaks,
water used for fire fighting or line flushing, and under-registration of water meters. The
Board Guidelines require utilities to compare the volume of water produced or purchased
against the volume of water sold, to determine the percentage of unaccounted for water.
Unaccounted for water volumes of approximately 10% are considered industry standard.
The Board expects any utility experiencing a greater volume of unaccounted for water to
provide an explanation and plan to address the water losses.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 8 of 21
4.0
Application
On February 20, 2024, the Board received the RM's completed application to revise water
and wastewater rates as set out in By-Law No. 2570-24, having had first reading February
14, 2024. The application was accompanied by a rate study completed by the RM's
consultant.
The Board issued a Public Notice of Application on May 23, 2024, affording customers
the opportunity to comment to both the Board and the RM with respect to the proposed
rate changes. The Board did not receive any responses to the Notice.
The rates were calculated using the following revenue requirement projections:
Rate
Year 1
Rate
Year 2
Rate
Year 3
Rate
Year 4
General
Administration (building, office, staff, etc)
46,757
48,160
49,605
51,093
Billing and collection
1,103
1,136
1,171
1,206
Total general expenses
47,860
49,296
50,776
52,299
Penalties
4,144
4,144
4,144
4,144
Other income
2,686
2,686
2,686
2,686
Total general revenue
6,830
6,830
6,830
6,830
Net revenue requirement - general
41,030
42,466
43,946
45,469
Water
Purification and treatment
88,009
90,649
93,369
96,170
Transmission and distribution
38,510
39,665
40,855
42,080
Connection costs
76
79
81
83
Amortization
38,616
38,616
38,616
38,616
Interest on long term debt
13,035
6,929
3,271
0
Contingency
13,833
13,833
13,833
13,833
Total water expenses
192,079
189,771
190,025
190,782
Hydrant rentals
8,250
8,250
8,250
8,250
Property tax revenue
129,846
129,846
152,594
0
Amortization of capital grants
560
560
560
560
Total water revenue
138,656
138,656
161,404
8,810
Net revenue requirement - water
53,423
51,115
28,621
181,972
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 9 of 21
Wastewater
Wastewater collection system
21,106
21,739
22,391
23,063
Wastewater treatment and disposal
125,467
129,231
133,108
137,102
Lift station costs
62,860
64,746
66,689
68,689
Amortization
136,033
135,262
135,262
135,262
Interest on long term debt
22,551
11,988
5,658
0
Contingency
22,885
22,885
22,885
22,885
Total wastewater expenses
390,902
385,851
385,993
387,001
Lagoon tipping fees
14,738
14,738
14,738
14,738
Industrial Service Agreement - Parmalat
50,917
50,917
50,917
50,917
Property tax revenue
239,397
239,397
81,297
0
Amortization of capital grants
32,716
32,716
32,716
32,716
Total wastewater revenue
337,768
337,768
179,668
98,371
Net revenue requirement - wastewater
53,134
48,083
206,325
288,630
The RM's consultant calculated the indicated rates for the final rate year requested (2028)
and requested rates be implemented in a stable and predictable rate change year over
year.
The reason for the rate increase is due to significant utility debenture debt maturing during
the next three years. This debenture debt results in nearly $500,000 in non-rate revenue
for the Utility every year. The Utility began working to mitigate the potential rate shock of
the debenture debt maturing in its previous rate application, approved in Board Order No.
188/19.
Contingency Allowance and Utility Reserves
The RM has included in its projections a contingency allowance of 10% of net rate
requirements, less amortization expenses. This equates to $13,833 for water and
$22,886 for wastewater. There is no provision for transfer to Utility Reserve proposed.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 10 of 21
Working Capital
As per the 2023 audited financial statements, the working capital surplus on December
31, 2023, was:
2023
Accumulated Fund Surplus
$3,571,799
Deduct tangible capital assets
$4,851,353
Add long term debt
$1,535,257
Add utility reserves
$308,505
Equals Working Capital Surplus/Deficit
$564,208
Utility expenses
$562,384
20% of utility expenses (target)
$112,477
Operating Deficits
The RM has advised the Utility has not experienced any operating deficits in the previous
five years of operation.
Cost Allocation Methodology
The Board granted approval of the Utility's current Cost Allocation Methodology (CAM) in
Board Order No. 98/17. The RM did not propose any changes to the existing CAM.
Unaccounted for Water
The Utility indicated the 2022 unaccounted for water was 48.8% of water produced and
that a consultant had been hired to investigate the water loss at the time the rate study
was prepared. Subsequently, the RM submitted a copy of the report and advised it had
determined that an inferior pipe was used during construction for a large portion of the
community. The pipe is known to be brittle and crumble. The Utility advised it had been
making an extraordinary number of service break repairs and all of them were a result of
this piping. With the information regarding the piping and the consultant's report, the
Utility advised it was working to establish a plan to move forward.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 11 of 21
5.0
Board Findings
Considering the RM's filing and noting there was no public response to the Notice of
Application, the Board has chosen a paper review process.
The Board has reviewed the application and revenue projections presented by the RM
and finds the projections to be reasonable. The Board grants approval of the revised
rates for the RM, effective July 1, 2025, and on January 1 in each of 2026, 2027 and
2028.
The Utility will have a significant reduction in its non-rate revenues when its utility
debenture debt matures over the next several years. Without the strategic actions taken
by the Utility in its last two rate studies, ratepayers would be experiencing major rate
shock from the end of this revenue. Instead, the Utility has implemented a steady rate
increase, using the funds collected to fund smaller capital projects and maintain a healthy
reserve and working capital surplus during a time of financial transition.
In its 2019 rate application, the Utility was already reporting unaccounted for water in
excess of 40%. Board Order No. 188/19 directed the RM to provide a report on or before
March 1, 2020, detailing the steps taken and plans to address the levels of unaccounted
for water for the Utility. The Board has no record of receiving any reporting on this matter.
This rate study showed an increase in the percentage of unaccounted for water. The
Board appreciates the study undertaken by the RM but will once again direct the RM to
submit its plan for addressing the water losses, which are now nearly 50% of all water
produced. This report to the Board should be submitted on or before June 30, 2025.
The cost to ratepayers for treating this volume of water lost in the distribution system is
unsustainable and does not align with the user-pay principle favoured by the Board.
The Board requires the RM to review its water and wastewater rates for adequacy and
file a report with the Public Utilities Board, as well as a full rate application for revised
rates if required, by no later than May 31, 2029.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 12 of 21
The Board directs the RM to prepare a Notice for its ratepayers, informing them of the
decisions in this Order. The RM is directed to provide the Board a copy of this Notice and
an amended rate By-law, having had third reading.
The Board reminds the RM regular reviews are important for a financially sound utility
and encourages the RM to review Board Order Nos. 27/23 and 86/17 for future rate
applications. The Order outlines the Simplified Rate Application Process for municipally
owned public utilities. If, after its rate review, the RM finds it meets the designated criteria
for a simplified rate application, it should apply for future rates using the Simplified Rate
Application Process.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 13 of 21
6.0
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT:
1. The water and wastewater rates for the Rural Municipality of Hanover - Grunthal
Water and Wastewater Utility, BE AND ARE HEREBY APPROVED in accordance
with the attached Schedule A, effective July 1, 2025, and on January 1 in each of
2026, 2027 and 2028.
2. The Rural Municipality of Hanover amend its Grunthal Water and Wastewater
Utility rate By-law to reflect the decisions in this Order and submit a copy to the
Public Utilities Board once it has received third and final reading.
3. The Rural Municipality of Hanover is to provide a report to the Public Utilities Board
on or before June 30, 2025 providing details of the steps taken and any plans to
address the levels of unaccounted for water experienced by the Grunthal Water
and Wastewater Utility.
4. The Rural Municipality of Hanover is to provide a notice of the decisions found in
this Order to its Grunthal Water and Wastewater Utility customers as soon as
possible, with a copy provided to the Public Utilities Board.
5. The Rural Municipality of Hanover review the Grunthal Water and Wastewater
Utility rates for adequacy and file a report with the Public Utilities Board, as well as
an application for revised rates (if applicable), on or before May 31, 2029.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 14 of 21
Fees payable upon this Order - $500.00
Board decisions may be appealed in accordance with the provisions of Section 58 of The
Public Utilities Board Act, or reviewed in accordance with Section 36 of the Board's Rules
of Practice and Procedure. The Board's Rules may be viewed on the Board's website at
www.pubmanitoba.ca.
THE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD
"Irene Hamilton, K.C."
Panel Chair
"Jennifer Dubois, CPA, CMA, CTAJ"
Assistant Associate Secretary
Certified a true copy of Order No. 70/25
issued by The Public Utilities Board
________
Assistant Associate Secretary
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 15 of 21
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF HANOVER
GRUNTHAL UTILITY
BY-LAW NO. 2570-24
WATER & WASTEWATER UTILITY RATES
SCHEDULE "A" - SCHEDULE OF QUARTERLY RATES
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
July 1, 2025
Quarterly Service Charge
$20.76
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per 1,000 Gallons
$5.28
$4.34
$9.62
2. Minimum Charges per Quarter
Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable
minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as
listed.
For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be
charged at the applicable commodity rate.
a. Metered Water and/or Wastewater Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Water
Commodity
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Water &
Wastewater Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Water Only
Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Wastewater
Only Total
Quarterly
Minimum
5/8
1
3,000
20.76
$
15.84
$
13.02
$
49.62
$
36.60
$
33.78
$
1
4
12,000
20.76
$
63.36
$
52.08
$
136.20
$
84.12
$
72.84
$
1 ½
10
30,000
20.76
$
158.40
$
130.20
$
309.36
$
179.16
$
150.96
$
2
25
75,000
20.76
$
396.00
$
325.50
$
742.26
$
416.76
$
346.26
$
b. Unmetered Wastewater Only for Residential Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Total
Quarterly
Charge
11,500
20.76
$
49.91
$
70.67
$
Unmetered
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 16 of 21
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
January 1, 2026
Quarterly Service Charge
$20.35
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per 1,000 Gallons
$5.83
$6.43
$12.26
2. Minimum Charges per Quarter
Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable
minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as
listed.
For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be
charged at the applicable commodity rate.
a. Metered Water and/or Wastewater Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Water
Commodity
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Water &
Wastewater Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Water Only
Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Wastewater
Only Total
Quarterly
Minimum
5/8
1
3,000
20.35
$
17.49
$
19.29
$
57.13
$
37.84
$
39.64
$
1
4
12,000
20.35
$
69.96
$
77.16
$
167.47
$
90.31
$
97.51
$
1 ½
10
30,000
20.35
$
174.90
$
192.90
$
388.15
$
195.25
$
213.25
$
2
25
75,000
20.35
$
437.25
$
482.25
$
939.85
$
457.60
$
502.60
$
b. Unmetered Wastewater Only for Residential Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Total
Quarterly
Charge
11,500
20.35
$
73.95
$
94.30
$
Unmetered
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 17 of 21
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
January 1, 2027
Quarterly Service Charge
$19.94
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per 1,000 Gallons
$6.38
$8.52
$14.90
2. Minimum Charges per Quarter
Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable
minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as
listed.
For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be
charged at the applicable commodity rate.
a. Metered Water and/or Wastewater Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Water
Commodity
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Water &
Wastewater Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Water Only
Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Wastewater
Only Total
Quarterly
Minimum
5/8
1
3,000
19.94
$
19.14
$
25.56
$
64.64
$
39.08
$
45.50
$
1
4
12,000
19.94
$
76.56
$
102.24
$
198.74
$
96.50
$
122.18
$
1 ½
10
30,000
19.94
$
191.40
$
255.60
$
466.94
$
211.34
$
275.54
$
2
25
75,000
19.94
$
478.50
$
639.00
$
1,137.44
$
498.44
$
658.94
$
b. Unmetered Wastewater Only for Residential Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Total
Quarterly
Charge
11,500
19.94
$
97.98
$
117.92
$
Unmetered
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 18 of 21
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
January 1, 2028
Quarterly Service Charge
$19.53
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per 1,000 Gallons
$6.92
$10.62
$17.54
2. Minimum Charges per Quarter
Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable
minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as
listed.
For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be
charged at the applicable commodity rate.
a. Metered Water and/or Wastewater Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Water
Commodity
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Water &
Wastewater Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Water Only
Total
Quarterly
Minimum
Wastewater
Only Total
Quarterly
Minimum
5/8
1
3,000
19.53
$
20.76
$
31.86
$
72.15
$
40.29
$
51.39
$
1
4
12,000
19.53
$
83.04
$
127.44
$
230.01
$
102.57
$
146.97
$
1 ½
10
30,000
19.53
$
207.60
$
318.60
$
545.73
$
227.13
$
338.13
$
2
25
75,000
19.53
$
519.00
$
796.50
$
1,335.03
$
538.53
$
816.03
$
b. Unmetered Wastewater Only for Residential Customers
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Water
Included
(Gallons)
Customer
Service
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Total
Quarterly
Charge
11,500
19.53
$
122.13
$
141.66
$
Unmetered
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 19 of 21
The following clauses take effect July 1, 2025:
3. Service to Customers outside Grunthal L.I.D. limits
The Council of the Rural Municipality of Hanover may sign agreements with customers for
the provision of water and sewer services to properties located outside the legal
boundaries of Grunthal Local Improvement District #1 limits. Such agreements shall
provide for payment of the appropriate rates set out in the schedule, as well as a
surcharge, set by resolution of Council which shall be equivalent to the frontage levy,
general taxes and special taxes for utility purposes in effect at the time, or may be in effect
from time to time, and which would be levied on the property concerned if it were within
these boundaries. In addition, all costs of connection to the Utility's mains and installing
and maintaining service connections will be paid by the customer.
4. Billings and Penalties
Accounts shall be billed quarterly based on water used. A late payment penalty charge of
1.25% compounded monthly shall be charged on the dollar amount owing after the billing
due date. The due date will be at least thirty (30) days after the mailing of the bills.
5. Disconnections
The Public Utilities Board has approved the Conditions Precedent to be followed by the
Rural Municipality with respect to the disconnection of service for non-payment including
such matters as notice and the right to appeal such action to the Public Utilities Board. A
copy of the Conditions Precedent are available for inspection at the Rural Municipal office.
6. Reconnection
Any service disconnected, whether due to non-payment of account or for any other
reason(s) mutually agreed to by the customer and the Municipality (i.e. repairs
necessitated by negligence of the customer, changes in tenant, vacancy for an extended
period of time, etc.) shall not be reconnected until a reconnection fee of $50.00 and all
arrears and penalties, if any, have been paid.
7. Outstanding Bills
Pursuant to Section 252(2) of the Municipal Act, the amount of all outstanding charges for
water and wastewater services, including fines and penalties, are a lien and charge upon
the land serviced, and shall be collected in the same manner in which ordinary taxes upon
the land are collectible, and with like remedies. Where charges and penalties pursuant to
this by-law are not paid within sixty (60) days from the date when they were incurred, said
charges and penalties shall be added to the taxes on the property and collected in the
same manner as other taxes.
8. Hydrant Rentals
The Rural Municipality will pay to the Utility an annual rental of $150.00 for each hydrant
connected to the system which includes the cost of water.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 20 of 21
9. Wastewater Surcharges
a) There may be levied annually, in addition to rates set forth above, a special surcharge on
sewage having a Biochemical Oxygen Demand in excess of 300 parts per million, to be
set by resolution of Council.
b) A special surcharge for substances requiring special treatment shall be charged based on
the actual costs of treatment required for the particular sewage or industrial wastes.
10. Meter Testing
That in any case where a utility customer requests that a meter be tested for accuracy,
the customer will provide the Rural Municipality with a deposit of $100.00. The Rural
Municipality will then remove the subject meter and send it to an independent lab for
testing. If the meter is found to be faulty, all costs associated with the testing process will
be borne by the Rural Municipality and the deposit will be refunded to the customer. If the
meter is found to be in proper working order, all costs associated with the testing process
will be borne by the customer and the customer will be billed or refunded any balance
owing.
11. Meter Tampering
Where there is evidence of meter tampering a minimum charge of $500.00 will be applied
to the customer's account in addition to an amount calculated to adjust for the tampering
based on historical usage.
12. Cross Connections
No customer or person shall connect, cause to be connected or allow to remain connected
any piping, fixture, fitting, container or appliance in a manner which under any
circumstances may allow water, wastewater or any harmful liquid or substance to enter
the Rural Municipality's water system.
If a condition is found to exist which, in the opinion of the Rural Municipality, is contrary to
the aforesaid, the Rural Municipality may either:
- Shut off the service or services; or
- Give notice to the customer to correct the fault at his or her own expense within a
specified time period. If the customer fails to comply with such notice the Rural
Municipality shall proceed in accordance with clause 1 of this section.
13. Authorization for Officer to Enter Upon Premises
The Public Works Foreman, or other employee authorized by the Rural Municipality in the
absence of the Public Works Foreman, shall be authorized to enter upon any premise for
the purpose of:
- affixing to any pipe, wire or apparatus connected with any such utility, a meter or any
other measuring or testing device; or
- taking readings from, repairing, inspecting or removing any meter or apparatus
belonging to the Rural Municipality.
Order No. 70/25
May 13, 2025
Page 21 of 21
14. Water Allowance Due to Line Freezing
That in any case where, at the request of the Council, a customer allows water to run
continuously for any period of time to prevent the water lines in the water system from
freezing, the charge to that customer for the current quarter shall be the average of the
billings for the last two previous quarters to the same customer, or to the same premises
if the occupant has changed.