Ahead of new rates for water and wastewater coming into effect April 1 for Rocky Mountain House residents, the town is offering some tips on how residents can save water and money.
Among them, officials say running your dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes can save up to 90 litres of water per load. Also, fixing leaky toilets in your home can save up to 10 per cent on your utility bill.
Town officials are also encouraging residents to collect rain water this upcoming spring to collect water for plants and gardens.
In 2024, the town proposed a rain barrel incentive program, which would have seen residents receive a $50 rebate on the purchase of a new rain barrel as long as they provide proof of purchase and installation.
The rise in rates comes ahead of a $30 million mechanical wastewater treatment plant set to come online in mid-2025. The cost to operate the plant will be higher than the current lagoon system, at approximately $1 million per year.
The new utility rates coming into effect on April 1 are supported by a 2023 utility rate study, to ensure rates charged cover operating and capital costs for current and future operations.
The town operates on a cost-recovery model, charging only what it costs to deliver utilities, without subsidization from taxes.
Starting April 1, water and sewer rates will increase as follows:
- Water Base Rate: $32.28 to $33.42 per month
- Metered Water Consumption: $1.78 to $1.91 per m³
- Sewer Base Rate: $17.69 to $25.11 per month
- Sewer Consumption: $1.88 to $2.34 per m³
- Bulk Water: $5.97 to $6.41 per m³
- Septage Disposal: $6.56 to $8.20 per m³
However, the town says the average utility bill for a town residence will be $142.03 per month, lower than the average of $156.35 for comparable communities such as Lacombe, Blackfalds and Sylvan Lake.
(Town of Rocky Mountain House)
More water saving tips an be found here.
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