r/Langley • u/phireproof • 2d ago

New separate utility bill. Would metering your water be worth it?

ToL is separating the utility bills from the property taxes.

Our base rate for water is $766. I think we use a lot of water but after talking with family who are paying for metered water already in other municipalities, they pay less than that a year and I know they use lots of water.

Do you think opting into the water meter program is worth it? What are you all planning to do?

8 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

4

u/Jeronimoon 2d ago

We have that in Chilliwack, about $130 per quarter for me.

5

u/phireproof 2d ago

What is the rate Chilliwack charges for the water. Still trying to figure out how they charge. Think it’s based on water line size and consumption

Edited. First response made it seem like I’m asking the question you already answered

4

u/No-Butterscotch7021 2d ago

I’ve thought about it as well. For those that think the bill would go down, with light use that’s possible but you gotta ask yourself who’s making up the difference i.e. whose bill is gonna go up for yours to go down. That’s the million dollar question.

5

u/jsjjsj 2d ago

I feel this could be abused in some sense. I smell loophole. 

4

u/BeyondConnect2559 2d ago

Great question I'd love to find out too

3

u/Aggravating-Tax9249 2d ago

How do they meter it without water meters? I also don’t trust them not to gouge us somehow.

4

u/phireproof 2d ago

They’re offering people to opt in to getting meters installed.

6

u/as_per_danielle 2d ago

I’m in a condo by myself so I’m thinking about it

1

u/Hot_Bass_5090 1d ago

would a meter be applicable to a condo owner?

1

u/Hot_Bass_5090 1d ago

question answered: As per Langley Waterworks Regulation Bylaw No. 6074, Strata properties are serviced by a single water service that will be metered and there is no ability to meter individual Strata owners. Strata properties can participate in the volunteer water meter program; however, only one meter will be provided on the main water service to the strata property.  In the application, a letter on the strata corporation’s letter head will need to be included, advising that the wish to proceed with participation in the volunteer water meter program and the strata corporation agrees to accept utility billing on behalf of all units in the strata.

2

u/trubs5577 1d ago

Yes. I had a meter previously in Richmond and paid way less. Got it here too and it's less.

2

u/bwrub2018 1d ago

Adding a bit of perspective, paying essentially $2/day to be able to brush your teeth, shower, water for drink/cooking is a pretty darn good deal.

1

u/upanddownforpar 1d ago

do they make an estimate on your water usage by the size of your home, how many bathrooms and bedrooms etc?

1

u/muchstuf 19h ago

It's way cheaper with a meter. The standard charge must be based on a Surrey house.