Rates are going up for water and wastewater in St. Catharines.
The increase is estimated at $15 this year (for the average ratepayer with an annual water consumption of 170 cubic meters). It was approved by council in the 2018 water and wastewater budget and represents a total increase of 1.98 per cent which was the same increase seen in 2017.
To break it down further, it represents a hike of $5.89 for water and $9.29 for wastewater which still places St. Catharines at the lower end of the prices paid overall in the region.
WATER AND WASTEWATER …WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Water means the inflow of city water to your property. Wastewater is the outflow of sewage from your property that will eventually end up in the sewer system.
LOOKING AT TAP WATER PRICES IN COMPARISON TO BOTTLED
City officials say that the price of tap water is still a bargain and cheaper than buying bottled water which costs about $1.99 for a case of 24 whereas tap water is just over five cents for the same amount.
COMPARING WATER RATES ACROSS THE REGION (for 170 Cubic Metres of Water)
Fort Erie — $1,903.68
Port Colborne — $1,173.79
Welland — $1,041.25
Niagara-on-the-Lake — $1,023.38
Thorold — $868.59
Lincoln — $860.06
Niagara Falls — $849.40
St. Catharines — $781.38
Pelham — $672.48
CONSERVING WATER
For helpful tips on how to effectively conserve your water usage, read the Green Committee’s Guide to Wise Water Use.
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