Two Kootenay communities will soon benefit from new water meters, as the BC Government announces $49.3 million in funding to help replace 14,700 meters in 19 small, rural and First Nations communities across the province.
In the Robson-Raspberry Improvement District, $4,028,263 will help with 520 new or replaced water meters while in the RDCK (Erickson water system), $3,502,332 will help with 500 new or replaced water meters.
“Drinking water is an incredibly precious resource,” said Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities Brittny Anderson.
“Small and rural communities in BC face higher financial and management capacity challenges, and water metering helps communities identify leaks, conserve drinking water, and keep costs down for businesses and residents.”
According to the province, this investment could lower water use by 30 percent, with the goal of saving up to 1.5 billion litres a year, and assist in making communities more resilient during droughts.
This is the equivalent of a day’s worth of drinking water for 750 million people, 37.5 million showers or washing 30 million loads of laundry.
The program also includes research that will study the benefits and investigate challenges and opportunities associated with water metering in small communities.
“This project is a big win for families and local businesses. It helps ensure British Columbians only pay for the water they actually use, while also protecting our water sources for future generations. With all levels of government working together, it’s making a real difference where it’s needed most.” said MLA Steve Morrisette, parliamentary secretary for rural development.
Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neil says people living in small and rural communities deserve to have affordable and reliable water service.
“By installing these new water meters, we’re helping communities track their water use, save money and prepare for dry seasons. This is about building stronger, more resilient communities in British Columbia.”
They hope through the meters, it would let people only pay for what they are using.
A list of communities receiving funding can be found here.
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