About water meter installation
Water meters track how much water you use so you only pay for what you consume. They also help the City manage our drinking water supply and plan for future needs. Nearly all Wrenford homes and businesses are required to have a meter under the Water and Wastewater By-law 2017-090. The City supplies the meter and covers all installation costs.
When meters are installed or replaced
You will receive a new meter when:
- You build a new home or secondary suite.
- You undertake a major renovation that requires a new service connection.
- Your existing meter reaches the end of its service life (typically every 10 to 15 years).
- You request a voluntary upgrade from a flat-rate billing arrangement.
The City replaces aging meters on a rolling schedule. We send door knockers and email notices at least two weeks before crews arrive. You cannot choose to skip an installation or move the date.
Preparing for installation
Before the crew arrives, please follow these steps to ensure a smooth visit:
- Locate your main water shut-off valve. It is usually in your basement, on a pipe coming out of the floor, or near the property line.
- Clear a one-metre space around the valve and meter box. Remove fences, planter boxes, garden beds, sprinkler heads, or stored items blocking access.
- Ensure pets are indoors. The installation takes about one hour, and the water will be turned off temporarily.
If your meter is installed on City property (the boulevard), you must remove any encroachments. The City is not responsible for damage to items left in the work zone.
What happens during installation
A City technician or approved contractor will:
- Turn off your water supply.
- Remove the old meter or install the new box and meter.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
- Seal the meter box and restore the surrounding area.
The meter records total water consumption. It does not track which fixtures you use, and it does not record your personal information. The data is used only for billing and system planning.
Billing changes after installation
Once your meter is active, your bill will switch to a metered rate. You will see the new charges on your next two billing cycles. This may cause a temporary change in the amount due. The City offers payment arrangements if the first metered bill is higher than you expect. See Understanding your water and sewer bill for details on how usage affects your charges.
If you are enrolled in the Ontario Property Tax Deferral Programme, note that metered utility bills are no longer included in your property tax notice. You will receive a separate water bill each billing cycle. Unpaid metered bills can be transferred to your tax account.
Meter maintenance
You do not need to maintain or read your meter. The City handles all servicing, testing, and replacements. If you suspect your meter is running fast, broken, or leaking, contact us using the information below.
Contact us
For installation questions, billing inquiries, or to report a suspected meter issue, contact the Water Operations team.
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]