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January 04, 2018 - 11:37 AM
West Kelowna Council has adopted new water rates with the first of four consecutive annual increases taking effect January 1, 2018, levies to be charged quarterly. Further rate increases will occur on January 1, 2019, 2020 and 2021. By 2021, all West Kelowna Water System rate payers will be receiving the same quality of water and same level of service and annual costs for all users is estimated to be $907.
Residents will see the new rates reflected on their April 2018 Utility Bill. The increases are required to cover the costs of system operations, maintenance and improvements and to ensure the system remains sustainable. The rates also cover the costs to repay the debts incurred to build both the Powers Creek and Rose Valley Water Treatment Plants.
Users who will benefit from the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, construction to begin in 2018, will see increased rates to cover the City’s portion of the $49 million project. The City received a $41 million grant from the governments of BC and Canada towards the plant construction. The City will still need to fund $17 million in plant construction and related capital works. The new plant will eventually provide water to the Rose Valley Water System, formerly Lakeview, Sunnyside, Pritchard and West Kelowna Estates systems.
Users who benefit from the Powers Creek Water Treatment Plant will see increased rates to cover $7 million in improvements related to upland storage and fire protection. This plant serves the Powers Creek Water System, formerly Westbank Water System.
Currently, only users of water treated by the Powers Creek Water Treatment Plant receive water that meets provincial and national requirements. Once it is operational, the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant will provide water that meets all requirements.
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