Council approved updates to the Water Utility Bylaw June 10, ensuring the legislation is up to date and relevant to new advancements and priorities set out by council members and administration.
In an effort to encourage sustainable water use, the Town of Cochrane is increasing the cost of commercial, industrial and bulk water sales with the newly updated bylaw.
Commercial and industrial customers will see a six per cent increase from $1.13 per cubic metre to $1.20 for 2013. Next year, another six per cent increase will also take effect.
Bulk water will be sold under one of two classifications.
“We are creating two classes of water sales – domestic and non-domestic,” said Rick Deans, senior manager of infrastructure for the town. “If you are purchasing bulk water for (things like) construction or dust control, you would be classified as ‘non-domestic.’ If you are purchasing for the purpose of drinking, household use (acreage owners), then you pay the new bulk water rate.”
Domestic water rates will rise from $3.48 per cubic metre to $4. In addition to the new $4 rate, a $2 surcharge will be attached to non-domestic bulk water sales.
Currently, the town’s maximum allowable bulk water sales of its annual licence allotment are three per cent of 4933.927 million litres, equaling 148.017 million litres.
The new water bylaw will also change how the town’s utility accounts are processed.
Under the new bylaw, homeowners, not tenants, will be required to open, pay and close all accounts, regardless of what type of housing the rental property is.
