Water Supply

[UrbanWaterloo]

Freeport Water Tower

October 30, 2010

[Waterlooer]

Haha! That's what I was talking about!!

[Shawn]

Freeport Water Tower

December 13th, 2010

Fresh new coat of paint looking good.

[UrbanWaterloo]

New stormwater user-fee program now in effect
January 27, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link

On Jan. 1, 2011, the City of Kitchener transferred stormwater management funding from property taxes to a user-fee program - a decision that allows the city to dedicate dollars specifically to stormwater management, a service that has been consistently underfunded through the tax base.

That means stormwater management has not been included as a line item in the city’s proposed 2011 operating budget, which city councillors are now deliberating.

The new stormwater user fee - which only affects property owners - will appear on monthly utility bills beginning in February 2011. The average single dwelling homeowner will be charged approximately $10.50/per month for stormwater management. Harmonized sales tax (HST) does not apply to the new stormwater fee.

Stormwater runoff is water that flows over hard, impervious surfaces, such as rooftops and driveways, and across the land. This water is routed into the city’s stormwater infrastructure and ultimately into local natural areas such as creeks, lakes and wetlands.

The city is responsible for managing all aspects of stormwater within its jurisdiction through the planning for and controlling of runoff from rain and melted snow. The stormwater infrastructure includes roadways, storm sewers, storm sewer manholes and catchbasins, and stormwater management facilities.

The new user rate will allow the city to improve its stormwater service levels by:

• Keeping pollutants out of our stormwater system - leading to better protection of our source water.
• Preventing local flooding and pollution from reaching our creeks and streams - preserving their health and vitality.
• Replacing aging stormwater infrastructure, some of which are 80 to 100 years old.
• Accelerating needed improvements to the local stormwater management system, including Victoria Park Lake, Kolb drain restoration, Schneider Creek channel restoration and Grand River erosion control.

A series of rate tiers has been established for the new user-fee funding model, calculated based on property type and size, to account for the varying degrees of usage and property sizes that use the system. This funding model provides an equitable approach to charge for stormwater management.

For example, properties with a high percentage of impervious surfaces - like buildings, driveways and parking lots - typically create a lot of runoff because these surfaces do not allow water to absorb into the earth.

As a result, industrial and commercial properties will pay higher rates than residential properties because they generally contribute more runoff and pollutants to the stormwater system.

“The new user-fee model is a dedicated and sustainable funding approach, and rates are assessed based on how much stormwater runoff each property contributes to the city’s stormwater management system, rather than on property value,” explained Grant Murphy, the city’s director of engineering. “Not only is this is the most fair and just approach to funding stormwater management, since the properties that use the system more will also pay more; it’s also an essential way of ensuring sufficient funding is dedicated to stormwater management.”

In an effort to provide more information on the importance of stormwater management, as well as the new stormwater management funding model, and on how the new stormwater user rate will be charged, city staff has developed a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), as well as detailed responses and a tiered-rate schedule. The FAQs can be found on the city’s website at www.kitchener.ca/stormwater

[Waterlooer]

The blue and white in the water tower look much better.

[Urbanomicon]

The blue and white in the water tower look much better.

Indeed. It gives me something to look at when I'm stuck in traffic on Highway 8.

[WaterlooNative]

It will be great to see this trailer out there. I have used the service in Guelph several times and they always seem to be busy.

The Region wanted to use the truck at City of Waterloo public events last year, but it was decreed that that would be unfair campaigning for the fluoride debate, so Waterloo residents were given bottled water. I also note that the water fountains were turned off in Waterloo City Hall, ostensibly because the water was unsafe to drink (read: fluoride). When I asked a councilor for drink of water during a council meeting last year, I was handed a small bottle of water instead. I hope that Waterloo residents will now be encouraged to drink the water again.

[UrbanWaterloo]

PROMOTION OF TAP WATER UPDATE
March 8, 2011 | ROW Planning and Works Committee | Report: E-11-030

REPORT

Background
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region), as a producer of potable water, in 2008 banned the sale and provision of bottled water at Regional facilities and functions except in locations and situations where potable tap water is not available (E-08-061). To support this decision, Regional Council directed staff to continue promotion of the benefits of municipal tap water to residents of Waterloo Region.
In 2009, water and communications staff from the Region, the cities, the townships and the City of Guelph started collaborating on tap water promotion, which led to the formation of the Municipal Tap Water Providers (MWTP) in 2010 (E-10-021). The MTWP works together to promote municipal tap water as safe, cost-effective, convenient and environmentally-friendly and to improve the accessibility of tap water throughout the Region while providing consistent, authoritative, cost-effective messaging. Each member contributes funds and time within the constraints of their individual programs; the Region contributes a significant role in the development and implementation to provide continuity of promotion throughout the region.
To date, the MTWP initiatives have focused on the mobile drinking water station (water trailer) that the Region purchased in 2010 (E-10-021) to provide tap water at outdoor community events where it is not typically available, thereby raising the profile of tap water. The water trailer is licensed to members of the MTWP for use at public events. The MTWP collectively determined the municipal events where the water trailer was to be utilized in its pilot year.
The water trailer is a trailer-mounted portable water supply system. It is equipped with eight spigots, eight fountains and two gravity-fed dog dishes and dispenses water via connection to a municipal supply or via a clean water holding tank with a capacity of 1100 litres. The unit is wheelchair accessible. The water trailer is towed to a bulk filling station when applicable or towed directly to the event site where food grade hoses connect to the approved municipal water source. Wastewater in the form of grey water generated from testing and maintenance is collected in an onboard holding tank and disposed of in the sanitary sewer upon conclusion of the event.

Water Trailer Program Expansion in 2011
2010 was the pilot year for the water trailer and it was used at five events where more than 2,250 patrons participated from July 1 to October 8: Cambridge Celebrates Canada Day, Cambridge Highland Games, Mill Race Folk Festival (Cambridge), Blues Festival (Kitchener), Kidspark (Kitchener), City of Kitchener’s Grillefest. The water trailer was well received at all five events. The water trailer was not used at any events held in Waterloo in 2010.
To help increase public awareness of tap water and the water trailer, the MTWP developed the “Bring it! Fill it! Drink it!” logo which was used on print advertisements, event promotions, and the newly launched waterontap.ca website.
The use of the water trailer will be expanded in 2011: it has been tentatively booked for approximately 20 events. To coordinate this effort, a summer student will be hired at a cost of $13,500 with the responsibility of coordinating logistics associated with the water trailer and attending events where the water trailer is booked. This will help to provide consistent messaging to the public across all events and ensure required procedures and logistics are followed. The water trailer will continue to be promoted on the waterontap.ca website, and through social media and event-specific promotions.
For 2011, the MTWP decided the water trailer will only be available for municipally-sponsored events to make sure all procedures are thoroughly understood and documented. The decision to receive bookings from other groups will again be reviewed at the end of 2011.

Expanding Access to Municipal Tap Water
The MTWP will partner with and support the Blue W Tap Water Refilling Network (Blue W), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the availability and accessibility of municipal tap water. Blue W solicits participation from local businesses and public facilities willing to fill reusable bottles free of charge with municipal water. Participating locations will display a Blue W program insignia at a highly visible location on their storefront. In addition, they will be identified on the Blue W website’s (www.bluew.org) mapping tool, which is available on personal computers and iPhones, and will soon be available for Blackberry and Android devices. The mapping tool allows users to identify their location and the locations of the nearest Blue W participants. The MTWP will work with the Blue W program to create cross-promotional opportunities to increase awareness of the program.
Partnership with the Blue W program includes funding of $20,875 to support the recruitment, registration and promotion of participating businesses and facilities. Partnership will benefit the Region and the MTWP by:

• Supporting our collective mandate to promote tap water to residents;
• Increasing accessibility of free access to municipal tap water; and
• Supporting local businesses by promoting their goodwill and environmental stewardship to the community at large.

In 2010, the City of Guelph, a MTWP member, successfully launched this program. Other municipalities that have partnered with Blue W include London, Hamilton, Metro Vancouver and Halton Region. The Blue W program currently lists over 3,100 sites across Canada.
Blue W staff and Water Services staff will work with Facilities staff to identify locations and affix Blue W signs at regional locations.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The approved 2011 Water Capital Program provides $600,000 for source water implementation programs which includes $20,875 to implement the Blue W program, with funding provided through both the Water User Rates and Regional Development Charges.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Council reduces stormwater management charges by 10%
June 27, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link

Tonight, Kitchener city council voted in favour reducing stormwater management charges for all local property owners by 10 per cent, effective July 1, 2011. This reduction will first appear on August 2011 utility bills, as billing always reflects the previous month.

“We recognize that moving our stormwater management funding from the tax base to a user-fee program earlier this year posed some challenges for citizens, so the fact that we decided to take another look at ways we can reduce the tax burden is very positive,” said Coun. Kelly Galloway, chair of the city’s community and infrastructure services committee. “However, I also want residents to know that the dollars collected through this program are helping us achieve a number of much-needed initiatives that will enhance local stormwater service levels, support our environment and better our community.”

This past spring, city council directed staff to implement a 10 per cent reduction to the stormwater rates charged to local property owners to assist in reducing the overall tax burden, after stormwater funding was transferred from property taxes to a user-fee program in January.

This funding model allows the city to dedicate dollars specifically to stormwater management - a service that has been consistently underfunded through the tax base.

The user rate will allow the city to improve its stormwater service levels by:

• Keeping pollutants out of our stormwater system - leading to better protection of our source water.
• Preventing local flooding and pollution from reaching our creeks and streams - preserving their health and vitality.
• Replacing aging stormwater infrastructure (pipes, catch basins), some of which are 80 to 100 years old.
• Accelerating needed improvements to the local stormwater management system, including Victoria Park Lake, Grand River erosion control and Schneider Creek restoration.

[ROW Water Wagon]

Blue W helps provide more choices when refilling your reusable water bottle

For Immediate Release
June 15, 2011


KITCHENER, ON – The Blue W Program is coming to Waterloo Region. This tap water refilling network identifies local businesses and public facilities that will refill your reusable bottle with tap water free of charge.

Finding a Blue W location is easy. Look for the Blue W sign posted in storefronts or visit bluew.org and use the online mapping tool (supports computer and smart phones) to find the closest Blue W location.

“Tap water is a refreshing, healthy drink that is clean, safe and a great value for your money, said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. The Blue W program makes it easier for people to use their refillable water bottles and helps keep down the number of disposable plastic water bottles ending up in our landfill.”

Businesses that join this free program benefit from promotional listings in the website database and increased walk-in foot traffic. Other benefits include positive recognition through Blue W’s marketing efforts and being identified as a progressive, community-oriented business.
The Region of Waterloo joins a growing list of municipalities that support this program. Other municipalities that have partnered with Blue W include Guelph, Halton Region, Hamilton, London, and Metro Vancouver. The Blue W program currently lists over 3,300 sites across Canada.

For more information on Blue W, visit online at www.bluew.org. The website includes information on Blue W, the online mapping tool and downloadable smart phone applications. Businesses interested in participating can also register online.

For more information on Waterloo Region’s tap water and tap water programs, visit online at www.waterontap.ca.


Media contacts:
Evan Pilkington, Director, Blue W Program 226-979-0166, Email: evanp@bluew.org
Eric Hodgins, Manager, Region of Waterloo, Hydrogeology & Source Water, 519-575-4434,
Email: ehodgins@regionofwaterloo.ca

[UrbanWaterloo]

Protecting our water resources through stormwater management....
City of Waterloo | Link

We want your input!

We all play an important role when it comes to protecting our water resources.

There are a number of things each one of us can do to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from pavements, roofs and other impermeable surfaces.Using rain barrels to collect water for your garden, creating rain gardens to storeand infiltrate water, and installing stormwater treatment devices in parking lots are just some of the ways we can protect our streams, rivers and lakes.

The cities of Kitchener and Waterloo are researching the option of implementing a credit and/or rebate program for industrial, commercial, institutional as well as residential properties that significantly reduce stormwater runoff volume and improve stormwater runoff quality prior to entering the municipal stormwater system.

Join us at the following public information centre to learn more and to provide input regarding a credit and/or rebate program in our communities.

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Forbes Room, 2nd Floor, RIM Park Manulife Financial Sportsplex & Healthy Living Centre
2001 University Ave. E., Waterloo

[UrbanWaterloo]

City unveils proposed stormwater credit program
November 21, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link

The City of Kitchener will be hosting an open house to share details of the proposed stormwater management credit program on Wednesday, Nov. 23. The open house will take place at the Downtown Community Centre, 35B Weber St. W., from 6-8 p.m.

The proposed program provides an incentive to both residential and non-residential property owners to implement pollution reduction and flood prevention best practices on their properties. A number of options and combinations were considered before staff arrived at what they feel is an appropriate incentive program for community members.

Following the open house, staff will update the finance and corporate services committee on Nov. 28 before seeking final approval of the credit program in January 2012.

Details of the proposed program can be found at www.kitchener.ca/stormwatercredit. The public is invited to provide comments about the proposed program online, by phone or email by Dec. 14.

For more information, contact Nick Gollan, manager, stormwater utility at 519-741-2422 or nick.gollan@kitchener.ca

What: Public open house on proposed stormwater management credit program

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Downtown Community Centre, 35B Weber St. W., Kitchener

[UrbanWaterloo]

E-Billing Services Begin in Cambridge
Water Bills First Invoice to distribute Electronically
February 6, 2012 | City of Cambridge | PDF

The City of Cambridge is now offering citizens an option to receive their water bills by email. The new eBilling service allows customers to sign up for electronic delivery of their water/waste water bills and receive the information about four weeks prior to the due date of the account.

To sign up, citizen can visit the City of Cambridge website at www.cambridge.ca and navigate to the Water Services area within Finance. The direct link to the sign up form online is: https://online.cambridge.ca/waterser...pEBilling.aspx

This electronic distribution service is the first step in offering wider, more fulsome online services for citizens.

“The City’s plan is to expand these online service options to give customers a choice to not only receive their water bills electronically, but also view information on their consumption history, and other account details conveniently online,” says Jonathan Lautenbach, Director of Financial Services. He says the City is hoping to have these additional options onboard by the end of 2012.

The eBilling initiative continues to build on enhancements that have already been made this year to the water billing process. In January 2012, the City launched a new work order system that allows customers to request a final meter reading and sign up for a new water account online through the City's website. "We continue to look for ways to streamline the water billing process with the goal of making it more opportune for our customers," says Lautenbach.

Go online and register now for the eBilling service! In addition to reducing postage and printing costs, the reduction in paper helps the community continue to improve its impact on the environment.

For more information on the new eBilling option please email water@cambridge.ca or call a representative of the Tax and Water Division at (519) 740-4524.

City staff is now examining similar online options for tax bills.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Stormwater credit policy approved by city council
March 06, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link

A new stormwater credit program - approved last night by city council - will offer incentives to property owners who actively decrease the volume of stormwater and pollution coming off their properties.

The proposed stormwater rate credit, which comes into effect Oct. 1, 2012 encourages private property owners to reduce total runoff and pollutants that leach into the stormwater management system, through already existing or proposed stormwater facilities or through best management practices.

Because the stormwater rate billing system needs to be modified and application forms created, those customers who are eligible for the credits will not see the adjustment until October. The eligible credits will be applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2011, for all eligible property owners who apply before March 1, 2013.

“The stormwater credit policy is a strong environmental initiative that will help the community protect water resources for present and future generations,” said Grant Murphy, director of engineering services.

Two policies are included within the credit:

• Non-residential and multi-residential property owners who pay the stormwater rate are eligible to apply for up to 45 per cent credit. Three components will be considered: flood prevention, pollution reduction and educational programs.
• Residential property owners can also apply for up to 45 per cent credit, based on the volume of stormwater diverted from the municipal stormwater system from their property.

Since May 2011, the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo have worked together to develop the stormwater credit policy as part of the shared services initiative. Public consultations were held to get feedback on five potential credit or rebate options.

In 2011, the City of Kitchener altered the funding approach of its stormwater program, moving it from the tax base to a user-pay system. The rate, based on the amount of impervious area on each property, creates dedicated, sustainable funding for costs associated with stormwater management (SWM). The more impervious area an individual property owner has, the greater the amount of runoff and pollutants from the property and, consequently, the greater the demand on the city’s SWM system.

The City of Kitchener has been recognized by both the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Ontario Good Roads Association for its industry-leading approach to delivering stormwater utility services.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Water softener facts website educates homeowners on soft water
April 10, 2012 | Region of Waterloo | Link



With the presence of hard water in Grand River Watershed communities, many local households choose to install a water softener.

In an effort to educate residents in choosing the right softener for their home, the Region of Waterloo, in partnership with the City of Guelph, has launched a new website, www.watersoftenerfacts.ca.

The site features the results of independent testing completed by the municipal partners to measure the efficiency of various water softeners in the marketplace, and provides residents with key items they should look for when choosing a softener, including the amount of salt and water consumed by softener type and yearly operating costs.

“Selecting a home water softener can be an onerous task. To best support inquiries received from local residents, the Water Softener Facts website was developed as a consolidated information source on home softener technologies and their operation,” says Wayne Galliher, the City of Guelph’s water conservation project manager. “When a homeowner chooses a softener that uses less salt and water, they are helping to conserve and protect our precious water resources while lowering their household expenses at the same time.”

Steve Gombos, water efficiency manager with Waterloo Region, adds, “The softener testing we are conducting is unique to Canada and we feel it best informs residents with the proper information required to have their homes running as efficiently as possible.”

Visitors to the website, which will be updated regularly as new test results become available, can also reference water hardness maps of the region and city to learn the water hardness in their neighbourhood to ensure their softener is programmed correctly to increase its efficiency. In addition, the site provides access to a wealth of information about how softeners work, softener technology options, and other topics related to soft water.

The Region and the City supply residents with some of the hardest water in Canada due to the groundwater sources. Studies have found that 72 per cent of households in Waterloo Region have water softeners, accounting for the consumption of 2.7 million cubic metres of regeneration water and 44,000 tonnes of salt each year.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Waterloo flushing water mains to combat discoloured water
July 13, 2012 | City of Waterloo | Link

The City of Waterloo is committed to providing clean, safe drinking water. Discolouration of drinking water can occur due to the buildup of iron and manganese in water mains. The City of Waterloo will be performing water main flushing activities to combat discoloured water during the late evening Monday, July 16 and Tuesday, July 17.

A number of discoloured water incidents have occurred in the Margaret Avenue area as well as the Erb Street West area (from Fischer-Hallman to Westmount) of Waterloo. Staff will be flushing the water mains to remove iron and manganese deposits that can discolour water and will be monitoring the situation closely.

During the flushing operations on July 16, residents in the Margaret Avenue area of the city (including all side streets off of Margaret), may experience discoloured water.

During the flushing operations on July 17, residents in the Erb Street West area of the city (including all side streets off of Erb) may experience discoloured water.

Flushing operations are occurring in the late evening to minimize impact to residents.

If at any time you notice that your water is starting to discolour, you should discontinue use, wait approximately one hour then allow a hard cold water tap to run for a minimum of five minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes until the water clears.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Stormwater credit helps property owners save money
October 01, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link

Starting today, property owners in Kitchener can start applying to receive credits if they have taken steps to manage stormwater on their property. Residential and non-residential property owners can receive up to 45% off the stormwater portion of their regular utility bill if they have implemented best practices for managing stormwater.

“These credits reward those who’ve taken action to reduce the quantity or improve the quality of the stormwater that enters the municipal stormwater system,” said Nick Gollan, manager of the city’s stormwater utility.

Residential property owners can apply online and are eligible to receive a credit of up to 45% of their stormwater rate if they use approved best management practices (BMPs) including rain barrels, cisterns, infiltration galleries, rain gardens or permeable pavers. Residential credits are based on the amount of stormwater diverted from the municipal system.

Non-residential stormwater credits are based on three elements for a total of up to 45% – the quantity of stormwater managed through BMPs like stormwater ponds, the quality of stormwater managed using BMPs like oil and grit separators as well as an education credit for their efforts to help educate their staff, students or customers about stormwater management. Non-residential property owners can download an application form from the website or pick up a copy from the engineering division, 9th floor, city hall.

If approved, credits will be applied to the stormwater portion of your regular utility bill starting in January 2013. Eligible credits will be applied retroactively to either the date the BMP was installed or Jan. 1, 2011 (whichever is the most recent). The deadline to apply for retroactive credits is March, 1, 2013. After March 1, 2013, credits will be applied effective the date the application was received by the city. Retroactive credits will be processed as a one-time adjustment to your utility account.

Information about the credits, the various best management practices that will qualify for credits and the application forms can be found at www.kitchener.ca/stormwatercredits.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Ayr Wastewater Servicing Master Plan: Notice of Public Information Centre
Township of North Dumfries | Link | PDF


The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region) is undertaking a Wastewater Servicing Master Plan for the Village of Ayr (Ayr) in the Township of North Dumfries (Township). In 2005, the Region assumed ownership and responsibility for operating the wastewater collection system in Ayr. This system currently services a population of approximately 4,400 people, as well as several industrial, commercial and institutional properties.

Residential development in Ayr has been steady in recent years, with an average of approximately 25 homes per year. Residential growth that has been occurring primarily in the south end of Ayr is expected to continue, along with growth in other areas of the village. Growth in Ayr has been limited by the remaining capacity in the wastewater collection system. The existing infrastructure is not of adequate size for the type of development that has been occurring and is expected to continue to occur. Therefore, an appropriate wastewater servicing strategy is required.

The goal of the study is to develop a wastewater servicing strategy for Ayr, taking into account sustainability for long term growth and financially responsible practices. The strategywill define infrastructure requirements and staging necessary to support the Region’s growth plans to the year 2031.

The study is being conducted in accordance with the requirements for Master Plans under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) (Municipal Engineers Association, June 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011). The Master Plan will follow Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class EA.

Consultation with the public, stakeholders and government review agencies is a vital component of the study. A Public Information Centre (PIC) will be held as follows to provide background information, and to present wastewater collection alternatives and the recommended Master Plan:

Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: North Dumfries Community Complex, 2958 Greenfield Road, Ayr, Ontario

Representatives from the Region and its consulting team will be present to answer questions and discuss the findings and next steps for the study.

Information on the Ayr Wastewater Servicing Master Plan study is posted on the Region’s web site at: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/water.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Soak it up and Save
January 15, 2013 | City of Waterloo | Link

If you own property in Waterloo and are using methods (such as rain barrels) to divert stormwater from the stormwater system, you could be eligible to receive up to 45% off the stormwater portion of your water utility bill.

Stormwater credits are also available for non-residential property owners.

For more information, view our stormwater credit program page.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge Launches Online Portal for Water Customers - Providing Easy Access to Account Information
March 21, 2013 | City of Cambridge | Link

The City of Cambridge today introduced a new online service for water customers to make it easier to access information and look at their consumption and conservation trends. It’s called ‘MyWaterAccount’ and it’s a secure online portal that provides customers with details of their water billing history. The new tool gives customers access to their current balance and the status of their account. Customers who sign up for the free service can also download two years of transaction and consumption history.

“It’s another tool to help customers manage their water account,” says Jonathan Lautenbach, Director of Financial Services. “We wanted to make it easier for customers to look up information and confirm elements of their account.” Customers can register for MyWaterAccount on the City’s website: www.cambridge.ca . The sign-up process is simple, and all the information needed can be found on your individual bill.

Consumption information is provided in a graphical format, which can make it easier for customers to see how they have used water over time. “Understanding your consumption patterns is important and often can help when looking at your bill,” says Lautenbach. For example, it is common for water consumption to increase during the summer months when customers are watering their lawns or filling a pool.

The City often receives calls from customers asking for confirmation that their payment has been received. This new online tool puts customers in the driver’s seat, providing an easy way for them to check the status of their account. Customer transaction information is updated daily.

MyWaterAccount is yet another innovation that the City has introduced for water customers. In February 2012, the City launched eBilling for water bills. Approximately 2,000 customers have signed up for the free service so far, and the numbers continue to grow. The City is planning on doing another blitz this year to try and get the word out.

In addition to eBilling, the City also automated the final read request and new water account process. Customers fill out forms online through the City’s website, allowing for final bills and new accounts to be created automatically. This enhancement has saved a significant amount of staff time and ensures that customers receive final bills for their accounts within the same timeframe as a regular billing.

Lautenbach believes that not all customers are aware of the improvements that have been made, despite notices going out with regular bills. “We’ve automated a lot of processes and the automation has allowed the City to keep the costs of the water billing function down”. Since taking over water billing from Hydro, the City has saved approximately $500,000 annually.

The City isn’t done making improvements; additional enhancements planned for later this year include offering similar services for Property Taxes.