What is on your water and sewer bill?
Your utility bill covers the water, wastewater, and waste collection services that keep our city running safely. The City of Wrenford sets these rates each year to cover the cost of treating water, cleaning wastewater, and picking up your waste carts, as well as maintaining our pipes and treatment plants.
Every bill has two main parts: a fixed monthly charge and a usage charge. The fixed charge stays the same every month, no matter how much water you use. It covers the cost of keeping the water mains, meters, and treatment facilities ready for you. The usage charge depends on how much water your property uses. This part encourages you to save water, which helps us avoid expensive upgrades to our pipes and pumps.
How your water bill is calculated
Your fixed charge is based on the size of your water meter. Larger meters can deliver more water at once, so they carry a higher fixed fee. Your meter size determines your monthly rate:
- 13 mm meter: $8.50 per month
- 20 mm meter: $12.75 per month
- 25 mm meter: $18.00 per month
- 40 mm meter: $32.50 per month
- 50 mm meter: $48.00 per month
For the usage charge, Wrenford uses a two-tier system. The first 100 cubic metres of water you use each billing period are charged at the base rate. Any water used above 100 cubic metres is charged at a higher rate. This structure keeps costs fair for households that use less water while covering the costs of serving larger properties.
Wastewater rates
Wastewater fees are calculated based on 90 per cent of your total water usage. We use this percentage because most water you use eventually flows into the sewer system, while outdoor water used for gardens or pools usually does not. At the same time, rain and groundwater can enter the sewers, so we track the overall balance across the city. The wastewater rate is applied to that 90 per cent volume each billing period.
If you run a business, you may also see a Wastewater Surcharge on your bill. This applies to commercial properties that discharge high-strength wastewater into the system. The surcharge covers the extra treatment costs required to protect our water quality and the Tamsin River. See our commercial wastewater page for more details.
Waste collection fees
Your water and sewer bill also includes a monthly fee for waste collection. This covers the curbside pickup of your Black cart (garbage), Blue bin (recycling), and Green bin (organics). Recycling collection is now managed under the provincial Blue Box program, so the City no longer charges a separate recycling fee. Instead, all collection services are bundled into one monthly charge on your utility account.
When and how to pay
Water and sewer bills are sent every two months. Payment is due within 25 days of the notice date. If you miss the due date, a 5 per cent penalty is added to your balance. You can pay online, by phone, or in person at City Hall.
We strongly recommend signing up for pre-authorized payments. This lets us take the exact amount from your bank account on the due date, so you never have to worry about late fees or service interruptions.
Ways to save on your bill
Using less water is the best way to keep your monthly costs down. If you have an automated sprinkler system that uses weather or soil moisture sensors, you can qualify for a Smart Irrigation Certification. Certified systems are allowed to run during all outdoor watering stages, and using one often lowers your overall water demand. Check outdoor watering rules for stage schedules.
If your property has a lead water service line, you may be eligible for rebates to help cover the cost of a new filter or professional installation. Visit our lead pipes page for full details on eligibility and how to apply.
Need help understanding your bill?
If you have questions about your meter size, usage charges, or want to review your account, the Water Operations team is here to help. You can reach our Manager, Patrick Nguyen, at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100 during business hours.