More than 1,200 homes south of Campbell River will be getting water meters, thanks to infrastructure funding from the province.
North Island MLA Michelle Babchuk made the announcement personally this morning at Hagel Park, along with elected reps from the Strathcona Regional District.
“These improvements to Strathcona Regional District’s Area D community will ensure that we are protecting our water resources, but also help the Strathcona Regional District and residents develop a better understanding of where future investments in infrastructure need to occur,” says Babchuk. “Through this provincial investment, we are being proactive in making sure our water systems remain reliable for years to come.”
Board chair Mark Baker says the meters will help the district identify and fix leaks in the system which will benefit all water users, saving money in the long term.
“Implementing the water meters allows the regional district to prevent potential leaks in our system more effectively,” he says. “The water meters usage can ensure better resource management and encourage a more sustainable approach to water conservation. When leaks are detected it helps prevent infrastructure deterioration and saves the taxpayers lots of money.”
The meters are not optional, but they will be installed free of charge. They will also help homeowners monitor their own water use habits.
Area D Director John Rice says he was one of the first to get a meter installed, and that the community supports the change.
“Water meters are going to change the way we value and utilize our most essential resource,” he says. “They will empower Area D residents with the ability to understand and regulate their water consumption wisely. The community has expressed their desire for this change, recognizing the potential it holds for promoting water conservation, cost efficiency and sustainability.”
The province invested $2.8 million to support the project, part of a $450-million provincial investment in critical community infrastructure to support clean drinking water, wastewater and solid waste treatment, and greenhouse gas reduction through public infrastructure projects in communities provincewide.
