Each year, the Region prepares two budgets: the capital and operating budgets. Within the operating budget, we have the rate budget, which includes two types of services:
The Region sells water to the municipalities at a rate of 25 per cent for fixed cost and 75 per cent based on projected usage. The municipalities buy the treated water at a wholesale rate from the Region and then resell it to their residents.
Residents receive a water bill directly from their area municipality.
Watch this video to learn more.
A decrease in consumption (from conservation efforts or rainy summers) means the amount of money charged per litre has to increase to cover the fixed costs. To recoup these costs, the water rate increases.