Aging waterworks the target of proposed rate increase

KELOWNA – About half of Kelowna can expect a minor water rate increase sometime soon if Kelowna city council agrees to a recommendation by staff.

John Vos, the city’s director of corporate business ventures, is recommending a two percent increase for those homes and businesses serviced by the city water utility. The rest of Kelowna gets its water from one of four water improvement districts.

The city utility draws its water from Okanagan Lake through four pump stations and the water system includes an extensive pipe network and some storage reservoirs.

Vos says in his report to council, the rate increase is needed to maintain and improve the infrastructure, as well as plan for population growth and demand increases. The report estimates a need $43-million in equipment and infrastructure replacements over the next 20 years.

Impact of the increase is estimated at $.59 a month in 2015 and $.60 next year, based on typical use of 41-cubic metres-per-month.

Vos also cites the need to soon start replacing aging water meters on houses, which he says will cost as much as $11-million.

Council will consider Vos’ recommendation at the Monday, Feb. 16 council meeting.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infotelnews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.