The plan recognizes the importance of demand management and water conservation and is predicated on a 25% reduction in domestic water use (both indoor and outdoor) and a 10% reduction in agricultural irrigation and other uses (e.g. commercial and industrial). This is an achievable target, as shown by similar communities who have implemented water conservation programs.

As part of the Westside Joint Water Committee (Westbank and Lakeview Irrigation Districts, Westbank First Nation and Regional District of Central Okanagan), the District of Peachland began the universal installation of water meters. Water meters are an important tool for measuring demand for treated water. They provide a fair and equitable payment system that is based on the principal of "user pay". It is our expectation that the new meters will result in reduced water usage, reduced repair costs on existing equipment, and provide an opportunity for individuals to reduce their water bills by controlling consumption.

2008 and 2009

Meter installations will continue through 2009. Please contact the Water Department to arrange a meter install. 250.767.2108 Ext 101 Mock billing will continue into 2009. The first metered bills will be sent out in 2010.

2010

WATER RATES 2010

Single Family Home: $55.50 per quarter plus $.30 per cubic meter under 400 cubic meters, and $.50 per cubic meter over 400 cubic meters

Multi-Family Homes: based on meter size, starting at $120 per quarter plus $.30 per cubic meter

Agricultural: $.04 per cubic meter

News Release April 12, 2010

Conserve Water – Save Money: Water Metering Comes Into Effect this Year

This year marks a change for Peachland water customers. Water meters have been installed allowing users to pay only for the water they use. And, after a year of mock water bills tracking water usage, the real bills begin to arrive at homes and businesses this month.

“While we may find it hard to think we need to conserve water, when we live next to Okanagan Lake, it is critical that we all do what we can to reduce water use,” said Peachland Mayor Keith Fielding. “Studies show that the entire Okanagan Valley needs to take steps to help conserve this precious resource. Peachland joins most other Okanagan communities that have switched to water meters to help curb demand, and offers ratepayers a nice financial incentive to reduce their water use.”

The good news is that after using the mock billing system in 2009, Peachland residents, businesses and agricultural properties demonstrated they know how to conserve. Water use was reduced by 17 percent over the previous year.

The first real utility bills arrive in mailboxes in April, and will be white instead of blue, to help distinguish them from last year’s mock bills. The new bills will show all utilities, all on the one bill – water, sewer and waste collection.

If you prefer, you can also go paperless and have your utility bill sent by email. To sign up for our new email service, contact us at finance@peachland.ca.

“The water use rates set for our community are slightly lower than most other Central Okanagan communities,” said Mayor Fielding. “While the average homeowner can expect to pay a little higher base rate for water than in previous years, they will now have the ability to control any additional costs based on how much they use. For the first time ever, we have control over how much we pay for water.”

Water rates for Peachland are set based on last year’s water use. Water rates consist of a flat rate paid per quarter plus a fee based on the amount of water used. In order to protect agriculture as a community resource, rates for agricultural use are substantially lower. In addition, Council is considering a new policy that will enable the review of requests for reduced rates from property owners with larger lots. This is intended to help support local back-yard food production.

For more information on the 2010 water rates, please visit www.peachland.ca, email finance@peachland.ca or call 250-767-2647.

For more information on ways to conserve water and save, watch your mailbox for the spring edition of the WaterWise newsletter. Almost half of the water we use occurs during the warmer months, when homeowners water their lawns and gardens. The demand for water during the summer can increase by as much as 60 percent, yet it is surprising how little water is actually needed to maintain our yards and gardens. A typical lawn needs just over an inch of water each week, while most shrubs and trees need water only once a week. For more water conservation information and tips on how little water is required to keep your yard and trees healthy and beautiful, read our WaterWise newsletter or visit www.peachland.ca.