Metro Vancouver is urging municipalities to implement water metering for all customers. A recent report to Metro’s water committee highlights the need for enhanced water conservation measures due to population growth and climate change, which has led to reduced snowpacks and summer rainfall.

The report emphasizes that metering water usage allows residents to pay only for what they consume. This not only promotes conservation but also aids in identifying leaks in the water system. Currently, 52 percent of water used in the region is unmetered, making Metro Vancouver one of the few major water suppliers in Canada without universal metering for end-users.

While all commercial and industrial buildings are metered, many older single-family homes remain unmetered. Linda Parkinson, Metro Vancouver’s director for policy, planning, and analysis, noted that single-family homes often have higher water usage due to larger lawns and more bathrooms. In wealthier neighborhoods, features like swimming pools contribute to increased consumption.

Only three municipalities—Richmond, West Vancouver, and Langley City—are fully metered. Residents in these areas pay for their actual water usage, unlike those in other municipalities who typically pay a flat rate. The disparity in metering is significant, with only 17 percent of single-detached homes and duplexes metered in Vancouver compared to 80 percent in Surrey.

Parkinson explained that discussing conservation in a region that receives significant rainfall can be challenging. However, she stressed the importance of mindful water use during the summer months when demand increases. Climate change has resulted in less rainfall throughout the year, and warmer temperatures extending into October further strain water resources.

Richmond has seen positive results since adopting metered water use over two decades ago. Officials report that while the population has grown by 32 percent since 2003, water consumption has decreased by 15 percent. Jason Ho, the city’s manager for engineering planning, stated, "Water metering provides residents and businesses with a more equitable way of paying for their water use. Users simply pay for what they use and, consequently, have the ability to control their water and sewer charges."

Parkinson added that metering can also help detect leaks, which can go unnoticed for years if they are small. A recent engineering report estimated that 20 percent of Vancouver’s water supply is wasted due to leaks. The city aims to be fully metered by 2040.

West Vancouver has also fully implemented metering, charging residents on an inclining block rate. This means that the more water they use, the higher the cost per unit. Despite the reduction in water consumption since metering was introduced, West Vancouver remains one of the highest per capita water users in the region.

Surrey is currently piloting a voluntary water metering program, which was approved by city council in June. Since the mid-2000s, water use in Surrey has dropped by 35 percent, attributed to metering and the adoption of more efficient appliances. A report indicated that metered single-family homes in Surrey typically use 360 cubic meters of water annually, costing $572.65, compared to a flat rate of $1,139 for 800 cubic meters.

Additionally, sewer rates are lower for metered homes, with metered single-family homes paying about $737.32 compared to $1,638 for unmetered homes. Parkinson noted that metering can also reduce costs for municipalities, as residents who pay for their usage may consume less water, allowing the saved water to serve the growing population in the region.