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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. 140/26
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY
REVISED WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2026, JANUARY 1, 2027, AND JANUARY 1, 2028
OCTOBER 5, 2026
BEFORE: Shawn McCutcheon, Panel Chair
Marilyn Kapitany, B.Sc. (Hon), M. Sc., Panel Member
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 2 of 24
Table of Contents
1.0
Executive Summary..................................................................................................... 3
2.0
Background ................................................................................................................. 4
Water Supply and Distribution .................................................................................... 4
Wastewater Collection and Treatment ........................................................................ 5
Unaccounted for Water ............................................................................................... 5
3.0
Application ................................................................................................................... 6
Contingency Allowance and Utility Reserves .............................................................. 8
Working Capital Surplus/Deficit .................................................................................. 8
Cost Allocation Methodology ...................................................................................... 9
4.0
Board Findings .......................................................................................................... 12
5.0
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: ............................................................................. 14
SCHEDULE "A" ........................................................................................................ 16
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 3 of 24
1.0 Executive Summary
By this Order, the Public Utilities Board (Board) varies the revised water and wastewater rates
for the Rural Municipality of Springfield (RM), Springfield Water and Wastewater Utility
(Utility), and varies the effective dates to October 1, 2026, January 1, 2027, and January 1,
2028.
The approved rates and effective dates are as follows:
Current
Rates
October 1,
2026
January 1,
2027
January 1,
2028
Water Quarterly Service Charge
$20.68
$23.19
$25.70
$28.20
Wastewater Quarterly Service Charge
$13.20
$14.85
$16.50
$18.14
Water (per cubic meter)
$2.30
$2.43
$2.56
$2.70
Wastewater (per cubic meter)
$1.00
$1.14
$1.28
$1.42
Minimum Quarterly Charge*
$80.08
$88.02
$95.96
$104.20
Unmetered Wastewater (per REU)
$62.50
$58.37
$65.54
$72.70
Unmetered Wastewater
Minimum Quarterly Bill**
$75.70
$73.22
$82.04
$90.84
Wastewater Tipping Fees
(per cubic meter)
$1.40
$1.95
$2.50
$3.00
Bulk Water (per cubic meter)
-
$4.15
$5.38
$5.54
Hydrant Rental Fee
$125.00
$250.00
$250.00
$250.00
*Based on 14 cubic meters
**Per 1 REU - Current rates based on 62.5 cubic meters; Proposed rates based on 51.2 cubic
meters.
Details of other rates may be found in the attached Schedule A.
Rationale for the Board's decisions may be found under the heading Board Findings below.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 4 of 24
2.0 Background
The RM operates the water and wastewater utility, servicing 2,177 water and wastewater
customers, consisting of 1,362 metered water and wastewater customers, 8 metered water
only customers, and 807 unmetered wastewater only customers. Wastewater only customers
are billed using Residential Equivalency Units (REUs). The RM advises the number of REUs
assigned is 956.78.
REUs are used in communities with unmetered distribution and/or collection systems, where
information regarding actual consumption is unavailable. One REU is the estimate of the
volume of water used or wastewater produced by an average single-family residence. The
Utility allocates units to non-residential customers based on estimated consumption, as
compared with a residence.
Rates were last approved for the Utility in 2022 in Board Order No. 3/22, with current rates
coming into effect January 1, 2024.
Board Order No. 66/24 approved in principle, funding to partially recover the debenture
servicing costs for the Dugald-Oakbank Water Treatment Plant and Supply Expansion Project
(DOWS Project). The estimated water rate increase required to fund the net debt/amortization
was $1.34 per cubic meter.
Water Supply and Distribution
The RM's water distribution system has over 38 kilometres of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping
and its treatment process consists of chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection.
The Dugald water distribution system was installed in 1996. In 2020/21, the water treatment
plant was upgraded and a new water source was added. The Oakbank water distribution
system commenced operations in 2006, followed by significant upgrades to its water
treatment plant in 2017. The Anola system went into service in 2006 and a second back-up
supply well was added in 2020. The RM's water distribution infrastructure undergoes regular
maintenance and capital investment upgrades when required. Supply wells for Dugald and
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 5 of 24
Anola have been added to ensure water distribution capacity in these communities is
adequate.
There is an ongoing $29.4 million project for creation of a new regional water treatment plant,
upgrades to the existing Dugald and Oakbank treatment plants, two new raw water wells, and
extension of the water supply and distribution network for Oakbank.
Wastewater Collection and Treatment
The RM owns and operates a regional wastewater treatment facility (RWWTF) located
southeast of Oakbank. The facility was commissioned in 2010 and consists of 11 facultative
cells (3 primary and 8 secondary), serving the communities of Oakbank, Dugald and Anola
with piped wastewater service. The facility also receives truck hauled wastewater (holding
tank and septage) from the remaining residential, agricultural, and industrial properties
located within the RM.
The most recent expansion to the facility occurred in 2021 with the addition and construction
of an additional three Secondary Cells. Due to the RM of Springfield experiencing continued
residential and commercial growth to its population, the wastewater treatment facility has
reached its organic and hydraulic loading capacity. To address this, an upgrade and
expansion project for the RWWTF has started. Construction is planned for 2026 to 2028 at
an approximate cost of $37 to $52M.
Unaccounted for Water
The acceptable percentage of unaccounted for water is 10% based on industry standards. If
the percentage is above this amount, the applicant is to explain why and provide a plan to
remedy.
The RM's rate study reported unaccounted for water of 6.1% as of 2023.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 6 of 24
3.0 Application
On July 2, 2025, the RM applied for revised water and wastewater rates for the Utility. The
application was accompanied by a rate study prepared by the RM's consultant and By-Law
No. 25-08, read for the first time on May 20, 2025.
A Public Notice of Application was issued on July 8, 2025, allowing for any questions or
comments with respect to the proposed rate increases to the Board and/or the RM on or
before August 22, 2025. There was one response to the Notice regarding magnitude of the
requested rate increases.
When reviewing an application, the Board can either: hold a public hearing at which the
applicant can present its case and customers can present their concerns; or where it is
deemed to be in the best interests of a utility and its customers, the Board can review the
application using a paper review process without holding a public hearing. The paper review
process considers all written materials submitted by the Utility and the public, as well as any
information requests and responses between the Board and the Utility. This process may
reduce regulatory costs to the Utility.
A public hearing process allows the Utility and the public the opportunity to review the
application and address any concerns with the Board present.
Whenever reasonable, the Board will review the application using a paper review process,
which saves the cost of a public hearing process. The Board has chosen a paper review
process for the RM's application.
The rates were calculated based on the following projections and include an annual inflation
rate of 3% in the calculations:
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 7 of 24
Schedule of Utility Rate Requirements
Rural Municipality of Springfield
Springfield Water and Wastewater Utility
2026 to 2028 Budget Forecasts ($)
2026
2027
2028
Forecast
General
Expenses
Administration - Water
147,496
151,921
156,478
Administration - Wastewater
150,117
154,621
159,259
Total General Expenses
297,613
306,542
315,738
Revenue
Penalties
3,834
3,834
3,834
Total General Revenues
3,834
3,834
3,834
Net Costs General
293,779
308,708
311,904
Water
Expenses
Purification and Treatment
230,215
237,122
244,235
Transmission and Distribution
40,525
41,741
42,993
Service of Supply
49,096
50,569
52,086
Hydrant Maintenance
10,609
10,927
11,255
Connection Costs
19,382
19,963
20,562
Amortization
330,157
981,673
981,025
Interest on Long-Term Debt
5,128
437,150
422,939
Contingency
37,113
37,113
37,113
Reserve
132,000
132,000
132,000
Total Water Expenses
854,225 1,948,258
1,944,208
Revenue
Capital Grant Amortization
134,519
497,244
497,244
Property Tax - Debt Payments
40,584
309,010
309,010
Hydrant Rentals
53,500
53,500
53,500
Total Water Revenue
228,603
859,754
859,754
Net Water Costs
625,622 1,088,504
1,084,454
Wastewater
Expenses
Collection System
117,025
120,536
124,152
Treatment and Disposal
157,756
162,489
167,363
Lift Station
156,483
161,177
166,013
Transportation
19,985
20,584
21,202
Amortization
418,642
427,497
427,051
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 8 of 24
Interest on Long-Term Debt
5,128
3,110
2,129
Contingency
47,873
47,873
47,873
Reserve
68,000
68,000
68,000
Total Wastewater Expenses
990,892 1,011,266
1,023,783
Revenue
Capital Grant Amortization
134,519
134,519
134,519
Lagoon Tipping Fees
157,563
201,482
241,408
Property Tax - Debt Payments
40,584
20,521
20,521
Total Wastewater Revenue
332,666
356,522
396,448
Net Wastewater Costs
658,226
654,744
627,335
Net Operating Costs
1,577,627 2,051,956
2,023,693
The proposed Utility rate increases are primarily to provide for the Dugald Oakbank Water
System (DOWS) capital project, expiring wastewater debt payment revenue, and
amortization of the Dugald Lift Station capital project.
Contingency Allowance and Utility Reserves
As per the Board's Water and Wastewater Rate Application Guidelines, a yearly allowance
equal to 10% of the variable operating costs is recommended for a contingency allowance.
The RM's rate study includes a contingency allowance of $37,113 for water and $47,873 for
wastewater or a total annual contingency allowance of $84,986. The requested contingency
allowance meets the Board's Rate Application Guidelines.
The RM has included an annual reserve allowance of $200,000 ($132,000 - Water, $68,000
- Wastewater) for various future capital projects, to reduce the portion of future major capital
projected funded by debt.
Working Capital Surplus/Deficit
Board Order No. 93/09 established that utilities should maintain a minimum working capital
surplus, in an amount equal to 20% of annual expenses. The working capital surplus/deficit
is defined as the Utility fund balance, excluding any capital-related items plus Utility reserves.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 9 of 24
As per the 2024 Audited Financial Statements, the most recent information available, the
working capital surplus for the Utility at December 31, 2024 was:
2024
Utility Fund Surplus/Deficit
$26,491,147
Deduct: Tangible Capital Assets
(27,338,182)
Add: Asset Retirement Obligation
-
Add: Long-Term Debt
248,464
Add: Utility Reserve
9,889,224
Equals Working Capital Surplus
9,290,653
Operating Expenses
1,636,753
20% of Operating Expenses (Target)
$327,351
The Utility meets the Board minimum working capital surplus of 20%.
Cost Allocation Methodology
The Board requires all municipal governments to review the costs shared between its general
operations and the Utility, and to allocate appropriate and reasonable costs to the Utility,
based on a policy known as a Cost Allocation Methodology. This allocation must be
submitted to the Board for approval and cannot be changed without receiving approval from
the Board. The Board's requirements regarding cost allocation methodologies can be found
in Board Order No. 93/09.
In Board Order No. 50/15, the Board approved an allocation plan of 11% of office time for
clerk and staff; office supplies; insurance; and audits. Operating, construction, and
maintenance costs were charged based on actual time worked. Road repair and labour on
major projects were based on actual costs. External costs, dedicated to the Utility were
charged directly.
The RM's proposed allocation plan for shared costs is as follows:
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 10 of 24
Rural Municipality of Springfield
Springfield Water and Wastewater Utility
Allocation Plan for Non-Direct Shared Services
March 2025
Category
Sub-category
Options
Activity Based (Note 1)
Tracked
Increments
Flat Rate (Note 1)
1.0 Administrative Staff
See breakdown below
1.1 Billing services - meter
reading to receipting and
collection.
1.2 Accounting/ auditing/
including bylaw making and
enforcement.
1.3 Common office space
1.4 Office overheads
(telephone, photocopier,
computer, etc.)
Applicable costs are
charged to the Utility
2.0 Operating, construction, and
maintenance costs
2.1 Vehicle - fuel,
maintenance, lease costs,
capital costs
The Utility owns its own
vehicles and pays
maintenance and fuel
costs.
2.2 Labor - full time, part
time, on call, sick time,
vacation (see Note 2)
Time is
tracked and
charged to
the Utility
2.3 Public works building
and property.
Rent charged for use of the
Public Works building is
based on square footage of
the building dedicated to the
Utility.
2.4 Road repairs and alike
(see Note 3)
Based on actual costs
3.0 Major projects
Interest/ financing
Interest for Utility debt
Labour
Based on Actual Costs
External costs
Direct charge
(dedicated consulting)
Note 1 - Allocation must be updated periodically to reflect impacts on inflation.
Note 2 - Including salaries and benefits.
Note 3 - If a project involves work benefitting both the Utility and general operations the costs may be shared.
(i.e. If reconstructing a road and replacing services at the same time, a portion of the roadwork costs may be
allocated to the Utility.)
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 11 of 24
Flat Rate Breakdown of Admin. Allocation
Total
% Water
% Wastewater
Notes
Legislative (Salaries)
2.0%
1.0%
1.0%
2% of Legislative cost centre (as defined in the
financial plan)
CAO & Staff
3.0%
1.5%
1.5%
3% of Accounts 10-1212-5130 & 10-1212-
5134
Manager of Water and Waste
66.0%
33.0%
33.0%
66% of salaries and benefits
Utility Clerk
66.0%
33.0%
33.0%
66% of salaries and benefits
Office Rent
40.0%
20.0%
20.0%
Public Works building based on % of footprint
dedicated to Utility
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 12 of 24
4.0 Board Findings
Debt Surcharge - DOWS Capital Project
The Board notes, Clause 3 of the Utility's By-Law for the RM's rate application included a 20-
year debenture with payments of $0.96 per cubic meter to fund debenture servicing costs for
the DOWS Capital Project for the term of the debenture.
In Board Order No. 66/24, the Board approved in principle a Utility surcharge, estimated at
$1.34 per cubic meter at that time, to partially recover debenture servicing costs for the
DOWS Capital Project. The Board also directed the RM to return to the Board with the final
debenture servicing costs, including the annual payment and surcharge proposal, prior to
billing customers.
On September 23, 2026, the Board confirmed with the RM's consultant, the RM has not yet
finalized the debenture servicing costs and annual payment for the DOWS Capital Project.
The Board therefore denies the debenture surcharge of $0.96 per cubic meter, for a period
of 20 years to fund the debenture servicing costs for the DOWS Capital Project and reiterates
its previous direction from Board Order No. 66/24 to return to the Public Utilities Board with
the final debenture servicing costs (including the annual payment) and surcharge proposal
prior to billing customers.
Utility Rates
The Board has reviewed the RM's application for revised rates, the projections presented by
the RM in its rate application, and subsequent information provided by the RM.
The Board notes the calculations used to formulate the Utility's rates are not consistent with
Public Utilities Board Guidelines. Rates have been calculated by forecasting each year's rate
requirement, then taking the final year's rate requirement (in this case, January 1, 2028) and
smoothing the rates backwards by making each year's rate increase uniform. This
ratemaking methodology has been designed to phase-in rates approximately equally in each
year to mitigate rate-shock and high year-over-year rate increases.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 13 of 24
The Board varies revised rates for the utility, and varies the effective dates to October 1,
2026, January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028, to align with the Utility's billing cycle.
The Board requires the RM to review the Utility's water and wastewater rates for adequacy
and file a report with the Board, as well as an application for revised rates (if required) or
apply for revised rates on or before June 1, 2028.
Audited Financial Statements
The Board notes the RM has not submitted its 2025 Audited Financial Statements and
reminds the RM audited financial statements are to be reported to the Board no later than
June 30 of the following year. The Board directs the RM to submit its 2025 Audited Financial
Statements as soon as they are available.
Unaccounted for Water Loss
The Board commends the RM's efforts in maintaining unaccounted for water loss within
industry standards for the Utility.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 14 of 24
5.0 IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1. The revised water and wastewater rates for the Rural Municipality of Springfield,
Springfield Water and Wastewater Utility, BE AND ARE HEREBY VARIED in accordance
with the attached Schedule A, effective October 1, 2026, January 1, 2027, and January
1, 2028.
2. The debenture surcharge of $0.96 per cubic meter requested by the Rural Municipality
of Springfield, Springfield Water and Wastewater Utility, to partially fund recovery for the
debenture servicing costs for the Dugald Oakbank Water System Capital Project, BE
AND IS HEREBY DENIED.
3. The Rural Municipality of Springfield, Springfield Water and Wastewater Utility, is
required to return to the Public Utilities Board with the final debenture servicing costs
(including the annual payment) and surcharge proposal prior to billing customers.
4. The Shared Cost Allocation Methodology for the Rural Municipality of Springfield BE AND
IS HEREBY APPROVED.
5. The Rural Municipality of Springfield is to provide a notice of the decisions found in this
Order to its customers as soon as possible.
6. The Rural Municipality of Springfield amend its water and wastewater rate By-Law to
reflect the decisions in this Order and submit a copy to the Board once it has received
third and final reading.
7. The Rural Municipality of Springfield review its water and wastewater rates for the
Springfield Water and Wastewater Utility for adequacy and file a report with the Public
Utilities Board, as well as an application for revised rates if required, by no later than June
1, 2028.
8. The Rural Municipality of Springfield submit its 2025 Audited Financial Statements as
soon as they are available.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 15 of 24
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 58 of the Board's Rules of
Practice and Procedure (Rules). The Board's Rules may be viewed on the Board's website
at www.pubmanitoba.ca.
Fees payable upon this Order - $500.00
THE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD
"Shawn McCutcheon"
Panel Chair
"Frederick Mykytyshyn"
Assistant Associate Secretary
Certified a true copy of Order No. 140/26
Issued by The Public Utilities Board
Assistant Associate Secretary
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 16 of 24
SCHEDULE "A"
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD WATER & WASTEWATER UTILITY
UTILITY RATE BY-LAW NO. 25-08
SCHEDULE OF QUARTERLY RATES
1. Quarterly Service Charges & Commodity Rates
October 1, 2026
Water
Wastewater
Quarterly Service Charge: $23.19
$14.85
Water &
Commodity Rates
Water
Wastewater
Wastewater
Per Cubic Meter:
$2.43
$1.14
$3.57
Unmetered Wastewater Only
Per 1 Residential Equivalency Unit:
$58.37
Wastewater Tipping Fees
Per Cubic Meter:
$1.95
Bulk Water Rate
Per Cubic Meter:
$4.15
2. Minimum Charges per Quarter
Notwithstanding the rates set forth in clause 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 & Wastewater Customers
Meter
Size
(mm)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Volume
Included
(CM)
Water
Customer
Service Charge
Wastewater
Customer
Service Charge
Water
Commodity
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Water &
Wastewater
Total Quarterly
Minimum
15
1
14
23.19
$
14.85
$
34.02
$
15.96
$
88.02
$
19
2
28
23.19
$
14.85
$
68.04
$
31.92
$
138.00
$
25
4
56
23.19
$
14.85
$
136.08
$
63.84
$
237.96
$
38
10
140
23.19
$
14.85
$
340.20
$
159.60
$
537.84
$
50
25
350
23.19
$
14.85
$
850.50
$
399.00
$
1,287.54
$
75
45
630
23.19
$
14.85
$
1,530.90
$
718.20
$
2,287.14
$
100
90
1,260
23.19
$
14.85
$
3,061.80
$
1,436.40
$
4,536.24
$
150
170
2,380
23.19
$
14.85
$
5,783.40
$
2,713.20
$
8,534.64
$
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 17 of 24
b. Metered Water Only Customers
The minimum charge for water only customers shall be the same for each meter size as
shown above but the Wastewater Customer Service Charge and Wastewater Commodity
Charge will be excluded.
c. Unmetered Wastewater Only Customers
Commercial/Residential; single unit
1.00
14.85
$
58.37
$
73.22
$
Commercial/Residential; multi unit
659 Main St., Oakbank
1.30
14.85
$
75.88
$
90.73
$
667 Main St., Oakbank
1.50
14.85
$
87.56
$
102.41
$
559 Main St., Oakbank
2.00
14.85
$
116.74
$
131.59
$
573 Main St., Oakbank
2.00
14.85
$
116.74
$
131.59
$
576 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
2.00
14.85
$
116.74
$
131.59
$
630 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
2.00
14.85
$
116.74
$
131.59
$
646 Pine Dr., Oakbank
2.00
14.85
$
116.74
$
131.59
$
27030 B, PTH 15 60N
2.25
14.85
$
131.33
$
146.18
$
777 Cedar Avenue, Oakbank
2.60
14.85
$
151.76
$
166.61
$
26157 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
2.65
14.85
$
154.68
$
169.53
$
582 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
3.00
14.85
$
175.11
$
189.96
$
623 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
3.00
14.85
$
175.11
$
189.96
$
27055 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
3.00
14.85
$
175.11
$
189.96
$
27030 PTH 15 Road 60N
3.75
14.85
$
218.89
$
233.74
$
1016 Almey Avenue, Oakbank
4.50
14.85
$
262.67
$
277.52
$
643 Main St., Oakbank
5.00
14.85
$
291.85
$
306.70
$
686 Main St., Oakbank
5.50
14.85
$
321.04
$
335.89
$
689 Main St., Oakbank
5.50
14.85
$
321.04
$
335.89
$
674 Main St., Oakbank
6.19
14.85
$
361.31
$
376.16
$
27047 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
6.20
14.85
$
361.89
$
376.74
$
36003 PTH 15 RD 60N
8.35
14.85
$
487.39
$
502.24
$
544 Main St., Oakbank
10.82
14.85
$
631.56
$
646.41
$
860 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
13.10
14.85
$
764.65
$
779.50
$
826 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
17.72
14.85
$
1,034.32
$
1,049.17
$
680 Pine Dr., Oakbank
23.60
14.85
$
1,377.53
$
1,392.38
$
841 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
33.75
14.85
$
1,969.99
$
1,984.84
$
Classification
Residential
Equivalency
Units
Wastewater
Customer
Service
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Total
Quarterly
Charges
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 18 of 24
1. Quarterly Service Charges & Commodity Rates
January 1, 2027
Water
Wastewater
Quarterly Service Charge: $25.70
$16.50
Water &
Commodity Rates
Water
Wastewater
Wastewater
Per Cubic Meter:
$2.56
$1.28
$3.84
Unmetered Wastewater Only
Per 1 Residential Equivalency Unit:
$65.54
Wastewater Tipping Fees
Per Cubic Meter:
$2.50
Bulk Water Rate
Per Cubic Meter:
$5.38
2. Minimum Charges per Quarter
Notwithstanding the rates set forth in clause 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 & Wastewater Customers
Meter
Size
(mm)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Volume
Included
(CM)
Water
Customer
Service Charge
Wastewater
Customer
Service Charge
Water
Commodity
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Water &
Wastewater
Total Quarterly
Minimum
15
1
14
25.70
$
16.50
$
35.84
$
17.92
$
95.96
$
19
2
28
25.70
$
16.50
$
71.68
$
35.84
$
149.72
$
25
4
56
25.70
$
16.50
$
143.36
$
71.68
$
257.24
$
38
10
140
25.70
$
16.50
$
358.40
$
179.20
$
579.80
$
50
25
350
25.70
$
16.50
$
896.00
$
448.00
$
1,386.20
$
75
45
630
25.70
$
16.50
$
1,612.80
$
806.40
$
2,461.40
$
100
90
1,260
25.70
$
16.50
$
3,225.60
$
1,612.80
$
4,880.60
$
150
170
2,380
25.70
$
16.50
$
6,092.80
$
3,046.40
$
9,181.40
$
b. Metered Water Only Customers
The minimum charge for water only customers shall be the same for each meter size as
shown above but the Wastewater Customer Service Charge and Wastewater Commodity
Charge will be excluded.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 19 of 24
c. Unmetered Wastewater Only Customers
Commercial/Residential; single unit
1.00
16.50
$
65.54
$
82.04
$
Commercial/Residential; multi unit
659 Main St., Oakbank
1.30
16.50
$
85.20
$
101.70
$
667 Main St., Oakbank
1.50
16.50
$
98.31
$
114.81
$
559 Main St., Oakbank
2.00
16.50
$
131.08
$
147.58
$
573 Main St., Oakbank
2.00
16.50
$
131.08
$
147.58
$
576 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
2.00
16.50
$
131.08
$
147.58
$
630 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
2.00
16.50
$
131.08
$
147.58
$
646 Pine Dr., Oakbank
2.00
16.50
$
131.08
$
147.58
$
27030 B, PTH 15 60N
2.25
16.50
$
147.47
$
163.97
$
777 Cedar Avenue, Oakbank
2.60
16.50
$
170.40
$
186.90
$
26157 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
2.65
16.50
$
173.68
$
190.18
$
582 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
3.00
16.50
$
196.62
$
213.12
$
623 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
3.00
16.50
$
196.62
$
213.12
$
27055 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
3.00
16.50
$
196.62
$
213.12
$
27030 PTH 15 Road 60N
3.75
16.50
$
245.78
$
262.28
$
1016 Almey Avenue, Oakbank
4.50
16.50
$
294.93
$
311.43
$
643 Main St., Oakbank
5.00
16.50
$
327.70
$
344.20
$
686 Main St., Oakbank
5.50
16.50
$
360.47
$
376.97
$
689 Main St., Oakbank
5.50
16.50
$
360.47
$
376.97
$
674 Main St., Oakbank
6.19
16.50
$
405.69
$
422.19
$
27047 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
6.20
16.50
$
406.35
$
422.85
$
36003 PTH 15 RD 60N
8.35
16.50
$
547.26
$
563.76
$
544 Main St., Oakbank
10.82
16.50
$
709.14
$
725.64
$
860 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
13.10
16.50
$
858.57
$
875.07
$
826 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
17.72
16.50
$
1,161.37
$
1,177.87
$
680 Pine Dr., Oakbank
23.60
16.50
$
1,546.74
$
1,563.24
$
841 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
33.75
16.50
$
2,211.98
$
2,228.48
$
Classification
Residential
Equivalency
Units
Wastewater
Customer
Service
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Total
Quarterly
Charges
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 20 of 24
1. Quarterly Service Charges & Commodity Rates
January 1, 2028
Water
Wastewater
Quarterly Service Charge: $28.20
$18.14
Water &
Commodity Rates
Water
Wastewater
Wastewater
Per Cubic Meter:
$2.70
$1.42
$4.12
Unmetered Wastewater Only
Per 1 Residential Equivalency Unit:
$72.70
Wastewater Tipping Fees
Per Cubic Meter:
$3.00
Bulk Water Rate
Per Cubic Meter:
$5.54
2. Minimum Charges per Quarter
Notwithstanding the rates set forth in clause 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 & Wastewater Customers
Meter
Size
(mm)
Group
Capacity
Ratio
Volume
Included
(CM)
Water
Customer
Service
Charge
Wastewater
Customer
Service
Charge
Water
Commodity
Charge
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Water &
Wastewater
Total Quarterly
Minimum
15
1
14
28.20
$
18.14
$
37.80
$
19.88
$
104.02
$
19
2
28
28.20
$
18.14
$
75.60
$
39.76
$
161.70
$
25
4
56
28.20
$
18.14
$
151.20
$
79.52
$
277.06
$
38
10
140
28.20
$
18.14
$
378.00
$
198.80
$
623.14
$
50
25
350
28.20
$
18.14
$
945.00
$
497.00
$
1,488.34
$
75
45
630
28.20
$
18.14
$
1,701.00
$
894.60
$
2,641.94
$
100
90
1,260
28.20
$
18.14
$
3,402.00
$
1,789.20
$
5,237.54
$
150
170
2,380
28.20
$
18.14
$
6,426.00
$
3,379.60
$
9,851.94
$
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 21 of 24
b. Metered Water Only Customers
The minimum charge for water only customers shall be the same for each meter size as
shown above but the Wastewater Customer Service Charge and Wastewater Commodity
Charge will be excluded.
c. Unmetered Wastewater Only Customers
Commercial/Residential; single unit
1.00
18.14
$
72.70
$
90.84
$
Commercial/Residential; multi unit
659 Main St., Oakbank
1.30
18.14
$
94.51
$
112.65
$
667 Main St., Oakbank
1.50
18.14
$
109.05
$
127.19
$
559 Main St., Oakbank
2.00
18.14
$
145.40
$
163.54
$
573 Main St., Oakbank
2.00
18.14
$
145.40
$
163.54
$
576 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
2.00
18.14
$
145.40
$
163.54
$
630 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
2.00
18.14
$
145.40
$
163.54
$
646 Pine Dr., Oakbank
2.00
18.14
$
145.40
$
163.54
$
27030 B, PTH 15 60N
2.25
18.14
$
163.58
$
181.72
$
777 Cedar Avenue, Oakbank
2.60
18.14
$
189.02
$
207.16
$
26157 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
2.65
18.14
$
192.66
$
210.80
$
582 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
3.00
18.14
$
218.10
$
236.24
$
623 Balsam Cres., Oakbank
3.00
18.14
$
218.10
$
236.24
$
27055 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
3.00
18.14
$
218.10
$
236.24
$
27030 PTH 15 Road 60N
3.75
18.14
$
272.63
$
290.77
$
1016 Almey Avenue, Oakbank
4.50
18.14
$
327.15
$
345.29
$
643 Main St., Oakbank
5.00
18.14
$
363.50
$
381.64
$
686 Main St., Oakbank
5.50
18.14
$
399.85
$
417.99
$
689 Main St., Oakbank
5.50
18.14
$
399.85
$
417.99
$
674 Main St., Oakbank
6.19
18.14
$
450.01
$
468.15
$
27047 Oakwood Rd., Oakbank
6.20
18.14
$
450.74
$
468.88
$
36003 PTH 15 RD 60N
8.35
18.14
$
607.05
$
625.19
$
544 Main St., Oakbank
10.82
18.14
$
786.61
$
804.75
$
860 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
13.10
18.14
$
952.37
$
970.51
$
826 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
17.72
18.14
$
1,288.24
$
1,306.38
$
680 Pine Dr., Oakbank
23.60
18.14
$
1,715.72
$
1,733.86
$
841 Cedar Ave., Oakbank
33.75
18.14
$
2,453.63
$
2,471.77
$
Classification
Residenti
al
Equivalen
Wastewater
Customer
Service
Wastewater
Commodity
Charge
Total
Quarterly
Charges
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 22 of 24
The following clauses take effect October 1, 2026:
3. Billings And Penalties
Accounts shall be billed quarterly and bills shall be due and payable 30 days after mailing
of the bills. A late payment penalty charge of 1.25% compounded monthly shall be
charged on the dollar amount owing after the billing due date.
4. Disconnection and Reconnection
The Public Utilities Board has approved the Conditions Precedent to be followed by the
Rural Municipality with respect to 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 is available for inspection at the Rural Municipality's
office.
Any service disconnected due to non-payment of account shall not be reconnected until
all arrears, penalties, and a reconnection fee of $150.00 have been paid.
5. Liability for Charges
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 a tenant is in arrears the
property should be notified in all cases.
6. Hydrant Charges
The Rural Municipality of Springfield, or any other hydrant owner, will pay to the
Springfield Utility an annual rental fee of $250.00 per hydrant for the purpose of
maintaining and repairing all fire hydrants connected to the system, which shall include
the cost of water used for firefighting or training purposes.
7. Wastewater Hauler License Fees
Initial wastewater hauler licensing fees shall be $125.00 per truck registered, and $75.00
annually thereafter for renewals of said license.
8. Water Allowance Due To Line Freezing
In any case where, at the request of 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 the 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.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 23 of 24
9. Errors and/or Omission in Billing
For any accounts found to be in error, and whether that error results in the customer
owing or the customer to receive a credit, that such adjustments will be made up to 2
years prior to the notification of the error. In the case of crediting the account, that
adjustment will be made immediately, and the utility bill will show a credit. In the case of
additional charges being required, the property owner shall have up to the amount of time
being adjusted to pay the additional charges, in equal quarterly payments.
10. Service To Customers Outside Rural Municipality of Springfield Limits
The Council of Rural Municipality of Springfield may sign Agreements with customers for
the provision of water and/or wastewater services by the Springfield Utility to properties
located outside the boundaries of the Rural Municipality. 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 Rural
Municipality of Springfield boundaries. In addition, all costs of connecting to the Utility's
mains, and installing and maintaining service connections, will be paid by the customer.
11. Wastewater Surcharges
a) There may be levied annually, in addition to the rates set forth above, a special
surcharge on wastewater 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 wastewater or industrial
waste.
12. Water Meters
Water meters are owned by the Utility but are the responsibility of the utility customer to
maintain. If the water meter is broken, frozen, etc., the utility customer will be billed for a
new meter at the current cost of replacement.
13. 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 $150.00. 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, the deposit will be refunded to the customer, and the
customer's account will be adjusted for the preceding six (6) months. 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.
Order No. 140/26
October 5, 2026
Page 24 of 24
14. 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.
15. Conditions of Disrepair
In the event that there are conditions of disrepair in the wastewater and water works on
a property that detrimentally affects the system as a whole and, upon the failure of the
owner of the property to correct the condition within a reasonable time, the Rural
Municipality, or its agents, may enter the property, effect repairs and charge the cost
thereof against the subject property as ordinary taxes.
16. Authorization for Officer to Enter Upon Premises
Rural Municipality of Springfield Utility operators, or other employee authorized by the
Rural Municipality in the absence of the Manager of Water and Waste, 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 Utility.