Annual water, sewer cost up $25

By Rick Vanderlinde Innisfil Journal Jan 28, 2011
INNISFIL — Homeowners can expect to pay an extra $25 a year on the average water and sewer bill this year.
Councillors approved the increase, which translates to a 7.3 per cent increase for water and a 6.2 per cent hike for waste water.
Last year, users paid an extra $73 with a combined 9 per cent increase, which mirrored the hike in 2009.
Innisfil’s average household pays about $1,166 a year for water and wastewater services. Barrie residents pay about $846 per year, while the annual fee in Bradford West Gwillimbury is about $1,105.
The higher rate is due to high operating costs for a combination of lake water and well water systems, a town report states. The town’s large geographical area also contributes to higher costs.
The municipality is building up its reserve accounts so it can pay for the replacement of old infrastructure as well as repairs. The province wants municipalities to be able to maintain their own water and wastewater systems.
Coun. Lynn Dollin, who is chairperson of the area’s source water protection committee, said providing high quality drinking water is expensive.
“It all comes out of the Walkerton tragedy. This is a highly regulated area and more regulations will be coming down from the province,” she said.
In the future frugal water users may be able to save money through conservation.
Infrastructure director Jim Zimmerman said the town is embarking on a strategic water plan that will offer various water-saving scenarios.