Merritt changes bylaw on water meters

Merritt City Council has approved changes to the waterworks bylaw to no longer require new residential builds to install a water meter.

“The requirement for all new customers to install meters has existed since 1993, but Merritt does not utilize water metering for residential customers. As such, the cost of installing a meter is required for new homes, but does not result in any service being provided,” said Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

The new legislation does still require the new builds to install plumbing which would allow for a future water meter.

“Council has directed staff to retain a consultant to develop a water metering implementation plan, which would set out cost and methodology for moving toward water metering, though Council has been clear that it wants to evaluate this plan prior to making a decision on whether to proceed with water metering,” added Lowis.

Commercial builds will still need to install a water meter within the City of Merritt.