Previously, flat rate customers were either billed two or three times a year. Following the installation of your new meter, you will be billed three times per year.

A final bill will be issued for flat rate charges up to the date of the meter installation – any amount owing to you will be credited to your utility account. A new bill will be issued within four months of the meter installation date based on actual consumption. Bills will then be mailed at regular four month intervals after the first metered billing.

Typically, residential households do not use more than 500 cubic metres (m3) of water per year. For high volume water customers who consume more than 6,000 cubic metres (m3) of water annually, bills will be issued monthly.

To learn more about Toronto water rates click here.



Possible reasons for a change in water billing


Under the mandatory Water Meter Program, every household and business will be equipped with both a new water meter and transmitter. After the installation, all billings will be based on actual water consumption, as measured by the new meter. This may result in a change in the amount a customer pays for their water. Here are the most likely scenarios:

Paying less than previously charged:
If you were on a flat rate system, you would have been billed based on the number of rooms and plumbing fixtures in your residence, not the amount of water you used. Under the new system, people will pay for what they use, which can amount to less than the flat rate fee. One of the benefits of the program is the expected water efficiencies that will occur. People are more likely to conserve water when they are paying for every drop they use.

Although we can’t guarantee it, many average family households, with no leaks in their plumbing, have seen a drop in their water bill following the installation of their new meter.

Paying more than previously charged:
Once a meter is installed, billings will be based on the actual amount of water used. This includes any flows from leaking household fixtures. Residents were encouraged to check their plumbing for leaks prior to a meter being installed via the material that was sent to every home.

The new water meter is equipped with leak detection technology and can be used to identify leaks at a property. wate_mete_face

There is a red triangle (low flow indicator) on the face of every water meter. If water is flowing through the meter, the triangle will spin. To check for leaks, ensure that no water is running by turning off all the faucets on the property, including outside and appliances that use water. Once all the water has been turned off, if the triangle is spinning, there is a leak somewhere in the water system.

Previously you would have been billed based on the number of rooms and plumbing fixtures in a residence, not the amount of water used. Under the new system, people will pay for what they use, which may amount to more than the flat rate fee if water consumption is high.

To learn how to conserve water, be more efficient and save money, click here.

All new water meters are tested to ensure accuracy and to meet or exceed American Water Works Association specifications prior to being delivered and installed. The new meters will accurately register all water consumption