PUB Order 21/23 - St. Francois Xavier Water and Wastewater Utility rates
Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier, Manitoba
· adopted 2023-02-15
· summary & facts
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Order No. 21/23
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ST. FRANÇOIS XAVIER
ST. FRANÇOIS XAVIER WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY
EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023
February 15, 2023
BEFORE: Irene Hamilton K.C., Panel Chair
Shawn McCutcheon, Panel Member
Jack Winram, B.A. (Econ), Panel Member
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 2 of 20
Table of Contents
1.0
Executive Summary..................................................................................................... 3
2.0
Background ................................................................................................................. 4
Water Supply/Distribution ........................................................................................... 4
Wastewater Collection/Treatment ............................................................................... 4
Unaccounted for Water ............................................................................................... 4
3.0
Application ................................................................................................................... 5
Contingency Allowance and Utility Reserves .............................................................. 7
Working Capital Surplus/Deficit .................................................................................. 7
Cost Allocation Methodology ...................................................................................... 8
4.0
Board Findings ............................................................................................................ 9
5.0
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: ............................................................................. 10
SCHEDULE A ........................................................................................................... 13
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 3 of 20
1.0 Executive Summary
By this Order, the Public Utilities Board (Board) approves the revised water and wastewater
rates for the Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier (RM), St. François Xavier Water and
Wastewater Utility (Utility), but varies the effective dates to April 1, 2023, January 1, 2024,
January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
The approved rates are as follows:
Current
Rates
April 1,
2023
January 1,
2024
January 1,
2025
January 1,
2026
Quarterly Service Charge
$8.03
$9.46
$10.89
$12.32
$13.73
Water (per cubic meter)
$2.85
$3.07
$3.29
$3.51
$3.73
Wastewater (per cubic meter)
$1.18
$1.07
$0.96
$0.85
$0.73
Minimum Quarterly Charge*
$62.99
$67.42
$70.39
$73.36
$76.17
Minimum Quarterly Charge -
Wastewater Only Customers**
$72.40
$69.38
$64.65
$59.92
$54.61
Hydrant Charges
$50.00
$150.00
$150.00
$150.00
$150.00
*Current rates based on 13.638 cubic meters. Revised rates based on 14 cubic meters.
**Current rates based on 54.553 cubic meters. Revised rates based on 56 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. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 4 of 20
2.0 Background
The RM owns and operates the Utility serving 345 water and wastewater customers and 81
water only customers (or a total of 426 customers). Rates were last approved for the Utility
in 2021 in Board Order No. 45/21 using the Simplified Rate Application Process, with the last
increase occurring July 1, 2021.
Water Supply/Distribution
The Utility purchases water from the Cartier Regional Water Cooperative (CRWC)
Incorporated (Headingly plant). Purchased water is sent to a reservoir owned by CRWC, and
is located in the RM. The water system was constructed in 1995 and no fundamental
problems have been identified with the underground infrastructure.
Water is provided to customers by one of three methods: directly from metered regional lines;
from the reservoir using the metered municipal distribution system; or a truck stand at the
reservoir. Truck stand water is sold using pre-paid cards.
Wastewater Collection/Treatment
The Wastewater system was constructed in 1995 and no fundamental problems have been
identified with the underground infrastructure. Wastewater treatment is performed at a
lagoon. The lagoon was upgraded in 2014 to provide for a population of approximately 2,100
and therefore has capacity to provide for the current population of the RM of 1,449.
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.
As at 2020, unaccounted for water for the Utility is 4.7% and does not exceed the industry
standard of 10%.
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 5 of 20
3.0 Application
On May 13, 2022, the RM applied for revised wastewater rates for the Utility. The application
was accompanied by a rate study prepared by the RM's consultant and By-Law No. 2022 -
03 having had first reading on March 15, 2022.
A Public Notice of Application was issued on May 18, 2022 allowing for any questions or
comments with respect to the proposed rate increases to the Board and/or the RM on or
before June 17, 2022. No responses to the Notice were received.
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 using an annual inflation rate of
3% in all calculations:
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 6 of 20
Schedule of Utility Rate Requirements
Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier - St. François Xavier Water and Wastewater Utility
2023 to 2026 Budget Forecasts ($)
2023
2024
2025
2026
Forecast
General
Expenses
Administration
26,449
27,242
28,060
28,901
Total General Expenses
26,449
27,242
28,060
28,901
Revenue
Penalties
2,500
2,500
2,500
2,500
Investment Income
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
Total General Revenues
5,500
5,500
5,500
5,500
Net Costs General
20,949
21,742
22,560
23,401
Water
Expenses
Water Purchases
180,574
180,574
180,574
180,574
Transmission and Distribution
48,748
50,211
51,717
53,269
Amortization
62,724
62,809
62,586
60,511
Interest on Long-Tem Debt
11,713
10,042
8,275
6,404
Contingency
22,859
22,859
22,859
22,859
Reserve
-
-
-
-
Total Water Expenses
326,618
326,495
326,011
323,617
Revenue
Hydrant Rentals
5,250
5,250
5,250
5,250
Total Water Revenue
5,250
5,250
5,250
5,250
Net Costs Water
321,368
321,245
320,761
318,367
Wastewater
Expenses
Collection System
28,644
29,504
30,389
31,300
Lift Station
10,667
10,987
11,316
11,656
Other
1,061
1,093
1,126
1,159
Amortization
49,212
48,672
48,449
47,574
Interest on Long-Term Debt
4,617
3,792
2,920
1,999
Contingency
2,112
2,112
2,112
2,112
Reserve
-
-
-
-
Total Wastewater Expenses
96,313
96,160
96,312
95,800
Revenue
Septic Pumpout Service*
23,000
23,000
23,000
23,000
Total Wastewater Revenue
23,000
23,000
23,000
23,000
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 7 of 20
Net Wastewater Costs
73,313
73,160
73,312
72,800
Net Operating Costs
415,630
416,147
416,633
414,568
*All wastewater customers have their low pressure wastewater pumped out annually by a
contractor hired by the RM. The RM charges customers as a separate line item on their bills
to provide for these costs.
The proposed Utility rate increases are primarily required to provide for increased
administration, wastewater treatment and disposal, and wastewater collection system costs.
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 has included an annual contingency allowance of $22,859 for water and $2,112 for
wastewater or a total annual contingency allowance of $24,971.
The RM has not included an annual reserve allowance. The RM noted in its Application,
funding in the utility reserve fund is anticipated to be sufficient for future capital projects.
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.
As per the 2021 Audited Financial Statements, the most recent information available, the
working capital surplus for the Utility at December 31, 2021 was:
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 8 of 20
2021
Utility Fund Surplus/Deficit
$3,181,285
Deduct: Tangible Capital Assets
(3,328,457)
Add: Long-Term Debt
323,487
Add: Utility Reserve
559,379
Equals Working Capital Surplus (Deficit)
$735,694
Operating Expenses
387,110
20% of Operating Expenses (Target)
$77,422
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.
The RM's allocation plan for shared costs is as follows:
Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier
St. François Xavier Water and Wastewater Utility
Allocation Plan for Non-Direct Shared Services (see Note 1)
as at February, 2022
Category
Sub-category
Options
1.0 Administrative Staff
5.25% of general
government services
(as defined in Financial
Plan), excluding
assessment and grant
expenses
1.1 Billing services - meter
reading to receipting and
collection.
Meter reading - N/A;
Receipting and
collection are part of
the admin. staff
allocation
1.2 Accounting/ auditing/
including bylaw making and
enforcement.
5.25% of audit costs
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 9 of 20
1.3 Common office space
5.25% of office cots,
utilities
1.4 Office overheads
(telephone, photocopier,
computer, etc.)
5.25% of printing,
postage, and stationary
2.0 Operating, construction and
maintenance costs
2.1 Vehicle - fuel,
maintenance, lease costs,
capital costs
Vehicle costs are
charged to the Utility
2.2 Labor - full time, part
time, on call, sick time,
vacation (see Note 2)
Utility staff use
timesheets
2.3 Public works building
and property.
2% of building costs are
charged to the Utility
2.4 Road repairs and alike
(see Note 3)
Based on actual costs
3.0 Major projects
Interest/ financing
N/A
Labor
N/A
External costs
N/A
Note 1 - Allocation must be updated periodically to reflect impacts of 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.)
4.0 Board Findings
The Board has reviewed the application and the projections for utility rates presented by the
RM's consultant in the rate study and finds them to be acceptable. The Board approves the
revised rates as applied for by the RM, but varies the effective dates to April 1, 2023, January
1, 2024, January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
The Board approves the RM's revised Cost Allocation Methodology and reminds the RM the
methodology must be used consistently; any changes to the Cost Allocation Methodology
require Board approval.
The Board requires the RM to review its water and wastewater rates for the Utility for
adequacy and file a report with the Public Utilities Board, as well as an application for revised
rates (if required) on or before December 31, 2026.
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 10 of 20
The Board notes the Utility's current billing practice includes an annual charge to provide for
the annual contract cost of wastewater pumpouts. The Board directs the RM to add wording
to its Water and Wastewater Utility Rates By-Law that accurately reflects and discloses the
Utility's billing practice for contracted annual wastewater pumpouts.
The Board notes the Utility has expiring taxation revenues of $38,572 in 2027 and $21,186
in 2029. The RM's consultant has advised the Board that the expiring revenue is forecasted
to be fully offset by decreased amortization expenses, decreased interest expenses resulting
from expiring debentures, and increased taxation revenues for a new debenture to provide
for wastewater related upgrades.
The Board notes the Board approved the pass through process for the Municipality Members
(Municipalities) of the CRWC in Board Order No. 137/22. The process allows the RM to pass
through CWRC wholesale water rate revisions.
The Board reminds the RM it must strictly adhere to the pass through process as outlined in
Board Order No. 137/22 and must apply to the Board for any other revisions. The Board also
reminds the RM, it is to provide notice to the Board before implementation of such revisions,
must pass by-laws and file them with the Board once the revision occurs, and provide notes
to customers accordingly.
5.0 IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1. The revised wastewater rates for the Rural Municipality St. François Xavier, St. François
Xavier Water and Wastewater Utility, BE AND ARE HEREBY VARIED in accordance with
the attached Schedule A, effective April 1, 2023, January 1, 2024, January 1, 2025, and
January 1, 2026.
2. The Shared Cost Allocation Methodology for the Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier
BE AND IS HEREBY APPROVED.
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 11 of 20
3. The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier is to provide a notice of the decisions found
in this Order to its customers as soon as possible, with a copy provided to the Public
Utilities Board.
4. The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier amend its water and wastewater rate By-
Law to include the billing practices for the St. François Xavier Water and Wastewater
Utility for contracted wastewater pumpout services.
5. The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier 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.
6. The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier review its water and wastewater rates for
the St. François Xavier 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 December 31, 2026.
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 12 of 20
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 (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
"Irene Hamilton, K.C."
Panel Chair
"Frederick Mykytyshyn"
Assistant Associate Secretary
Certified a true copy of Order No. 21/23
Issued by The Public Utilities Board
Assistant Associate Secretary
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 13 of 20
SCHEDULE A
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ST. FRANÇOIS XAVIER
ST. FRANÇOIS XAVIER WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY
WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY RATES BY-LAW NO. 2022 06
SCHEDULE OF QUARTERLY RATES
Effective April 1, 2023
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
April 1, 2023
Quarterly Service Charge $9.46
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per Cubic Meter
$3.07
$1.07
$4.14
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 water allowance as
listed.
a. Water & Wastewater Customers
Group
Water
Customer
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater Water Only
Capacity Included
Service
Commodity
Commodity
Total Quarterly
Quarterly
Meter Size Ratio
Cubic Meters Charge
Charge
Charge
Minimum
Minimum
5/8 inch
1
14
$9.46
$42.98
$14.98
$67.42
$52.44
3/4 inch
2
28
$9.46
$85.96
$29.96
$125.38
$95.42
1 inch
4
56
$9.46
$171.92
$59.92
$241.30
$181.38
1 1/2 inch
10
140
$9.46
$429.80
$149.80
$589.06
$439.26
2 inch
25
350
$9.46
$1,074.50
$374.50 $1,458.46 $1,083.96
b. Metered Water Only Customers
The minimum charge will be the same for each meter size as shown above but the
Wastewater Commodity Charge will be excluded.
c. Wastewater Only Customers
The wastewater only charge is based on 56 cubic meters plus the customer service
charge.
The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (56 * $1.07) + $9.46 = $69.38
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 14 of 20
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
January 1, 2024
Quarterly Service Charge $10.89
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per Cubic Meter
$3.29
$0.96
$4.25
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 water allowance as
listed.
a. Water & Wastewater Customers
Group
Water
Customer
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater Water Only
Capacity Included
Service
Commodity
Commodity
Total Quarterly
Quarterly
Meter Size Ratio
Cubic Meters Charge
Charge
Charge
Minimum
Minimum
5/8 inch
1
14
$10.89
$46.06
$13.44
$70.39
$56.95
¾ inch
2
28
$10.89
$92.12
$26.88
$129.89
$103.01
1 inch
4
56
$10.89
$184.24
$53.76
$248.89
$195.13
1 ½ inch
10
140
$10.89
$460.60
$134.40
$605.89
$471.49
2 inch
25
350
$10.89
$1,151.50
$336.00
$1,498.39
$1,162.39
b. Metered Water Only Customers
The minimum charge will be the same for each meter size as shown above but the
Wastewater Commodity Charge will be excluded.
c. Wastewater Only Customers
The wastewater only charge is based on 56 cubic meters plus the customer service
charge.
The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (56 * $0.96) + $10.89 = $64.65
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 15 of 20
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
January 1, 2025
Quarterly Service Charge $12.32
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per Cubic Meter
$3.51
$0.85
$4.36
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 water allowance as
listed.
a. Water & Wastewater Customers
Group
Water
Customer
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater Water Only
Capacity Included
Service
Commodity
Commodity
Total Quarterly
Quarterly
Meter Size Ratio
Cubic Meters Charge
Charge
Charge
Minimum
Minimum
5/8 inch
1
14
$12.32
$49.14
$11.90
$73.36
$61.46
¾ inch
2
28
$12.32
$98.28
$23.80
$134.40
$110.60
1 inch
4
56
$12.32
$196.56
$47.60
$256.48
$208.88
1 ½ inch
10
140
$12.32
$491.40
$119.00
$622.72
$503.72
2 inch
25
350
$12.32
$1,228.50
$297.50
$1,538.32
$1,240.82
b. Metered Water Only Customers
The minimum charge will be the same for each meter size as shown above but the
Wastewater Commodity Charge will be excluded.
c. Wastewater Only Customers
The wastewater only charge is based on 56 cubic meters plus the customer service
charge.
The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (56 * $0.85) + $12.32 = $59.92
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 16 of 20
1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & Quarterly Service Charge
January 1, 2026
Quarterly Service Charge $13.73
Quarterly Rates
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater
Per Cubic Meter
$3.73
$0.73
$4.46
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 water allowance as
listed.
a. Water & Wastewater Customers
Group
Water
Customer
Water
Wastewater
Water & Wastewater Water Only
Capacity Included
Service
Commodity
Commodity
Total Quarterly
Quarterly
Meter Size Ratio
Cubic Meters Charge
Charge
Charge
Minimum
Minimum
5/8 inch
1
14
$13.73
$52.22
$10.22
$76.17
$65.95
¾ inch
2
28
$13.73
$104.44
$20.44
$138.61
$118.17
1 inch
4
56
$13.73
$208.88
$40.88
$263.49
$222.61
1 ½ inch
10
140
$13.73
$522.20
$102.20
$638.13
$535.93
2 inch
25
350
$13.73
$1,305.50
$255.50
$1,574.73
$1,319.23
b. Metered Water Only Customers
The minimum charge will be the same for each meter size as shown above but the
Wastewater Commodity Charge will be excluded.
c. Wastewater Only Customers
The wastewater only charge is based on 56 cubic meters plus the customer service
charge.
The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (56 * $0.73) + $13.73 = $54.61
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 17 of 20
The following clauses take effect April 1, 2023:
3. Service To Customers Outside Utility's Limits
The Council of the Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier may sign Agreements with
customers for the provision of water and wastewater services to properties located
outside the boundaries of the Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier. 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 the 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 the Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier boundaries. In
addition, all costs of connecting 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 and the due date shall be at least 30 days after the
mailing of the bills.
A late payment charge of 1.25% per month shall be charged on the dollar amount
owing after the billing due date.
5. Disconnection
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.
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 Rural 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
$40.00 and all arrears and penalties, if any, have been paid.
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 18 of 20
7. Outstanding Bills
Pursuant to Section 252(2) of The Municipal Act, the amount of all outstanding charges
for water and wastewater services 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 Charges
The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier will pay to the utility an annual rental of
$150.00 for each hydrant connected to the system.
9. Water Allowance Due To Line Freezing
That in any case where, at the request of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), 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.
10. 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.
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 19 of 20
11. Meter Inspections
On an annual basis or on a schedule determined by the Rural Municipality, the
customer will provide access to the Municipal meter reader to record the water meter
reading and to inspect the meter. In the event that the customer is not home or does
not grant access, the customer will be notified that they must arrange a time and date
for an appointment with the Water Utility to have the meter reading recorded and
inspected within 30 days of the Water Utility notice. Failure to arrange and provide
access to the Water Utility within 30 days of the notice will result in a $50.00 fine. After
a period of 60 days from the Water Utility notice and a failure to arrange and provide
access to the Water Utility, the water service may be shut off. Any service that has
been disconnected shall not be reconnected until all fines, penalties and the
reconnection fee set out in section 7 have been paid
12. 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, plus any
applicable meter testing costs. 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.
13. 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.
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.
Order No. 21/23
February 15, 2023
Page 20 of 20
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
The Public Works Manager, or other employee authorized by the Rural Municipality in
the absence of the Public Works Manager, 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.