High water bills could see relief if due to water leak

Some high-costing water bills in Cold Lake may have the option to apply for a relief assistance program.

Residents who are faced with an abnormally high water bill may be able to apply to the Water Billing Adjustment Program, so long as the bill meets the criteria outlined in the Water Billing Adjustment Program Policy.

“Sometimes there’s a water leak or line break, and it shoots the water usage for a resident through the roof,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “We wanted to give residents facing these kinds of unusual circumstances a chance to receive some support in payment of this bill.”

Residents receive regular monthly water bills from the City, which includes charges for water, sewer, organics, recycling, and stormwater. Residents receive one of two bill rates: flat rate water consumption or metered water usage. Efforts are made by staff to monitor for billing accounts with high water consumption or continuous water usage, at which point staff attempt to reach out in case of a leak at the property.

“Sometimes these leaks are slow, or not as noticeable,” said Copeland. “Staff do their best to reach out when they can, but sometimes they’re unable to get in touch with residents.”

The new policy provides a one-time 50 per cent credit on a water utility bill where the bill has consumption of more than three times the annual average water consumption caused by a water leak or unintentional water consumption, and only at residential dwellings.

Should any residents feel their water bills may be abnormally high due to a potential water leak, they are encouraged to review the criteria listed within the policy to see if they could be eligible for the credit rebate. Residents with potential leaks are also encouraged to contact Public Works at 780-594-4496.

More information and the full list of criteria for the Water Billing Adjustment Program Policy can be found at www.coldlake.com/bylaws