The Province of British Columbia Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs has initiated a $50 million pilot program. The program includes a fully funded, automated water meter installation and a research component to identify the value to communities. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is participating in the pilot program to provide data and develop strategies to aid other communities interested in implementing automated metering plans.

“The Regional District is pleased to participate in this important universal metering pilot program,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair. “This project will give the RDOS the opportunity to improve watershed management and improve the sustainability of local water systems going forward.”

Faulder, Willowbrook, and Olalla are among 19 small, rural and First Nations communities selected to participate based on the specific criteria for the pilot program. The RDOS will receive approximately $2.05 million for the pilot project, with installation anticipated to begin by late summer 2025. The deadline to complete the installation phase of the project is March 2027.

Key benefits of universal metering include:

• Tracking leaks to identify losses to the water system
• Aiding residents in managing their water use, leading to potential savings on utility bills
• Helping to identify the effectiveness of water restrictions during periods of concern
• Reducing the operational costs of the water system

To provide residents with an adjustment period following the meter installation phase, a mock-billing period of 12 months will help residents adjust their use based on an updated billing structure.

Information meetings will be scheduled in each of the participating communities to answer questions and provide additional details. Project information and meeting dates will published on RDOS web and social media channels, including the Universal Metering System Pilot Project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca. RDOS staff are available to answer questions about the project via telephone, email, or in person at the RDOS office in Penticton.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Irwin Chahal, Electoral Area “C” Director
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Riley Gettens, Electoral Area “F” Director
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Tim Roberts, Electoral Area “G” Director
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737