How are my utilities currently billed?
Currently, the Town of Osoyoos uses a flat-rate billing model. Utility rates are driven by the cost to operate, maintain, and replace our water and sewer infrastructure. Much of the infrastructure is aging. Meeting regulatory requirements while maintaining systems and planning for critical replacement is costly. These are system-wide expenses that exist regardless of individual household consumption.
I upgraded my garbage carts, when will I start paying for those?
In January 2026 you will have an upgrade charge for upsized or additional bins on your invoice. If you wish to learn more about garbage carts and your options visit osoyoos.ca/curbside
My latest invoice shows Water Metering Water Consumption, what does this mean?
This means a water meter has been installed at your property, but we are not actively billing off consumption. In the near future we will add consumption data to the invoice for your information.
When will metered water billing start?
Water billing based on meter readings and associated rates is projected to begin for the first quarter of 2027. The existing flat rates will apply for the remainder of 2026.
How will utility bills for metered water be calculated?
Quarterly amounts will include:
- a base rate determined by the size of your water service (i.e. 5/8” to 4”)
- plus the water consumption charge based on meter reading amounts multiplied by the rate per cubic metre.
Current metered rates within the Town of Osoyoos can be found in Water Rates and Regulation Bylaw 1388.04, 2025. Water rates for RDOS Area A Systems 8 and 9, can be found in Water District Rates and Regulations Bylaw 1357.11, 2025.
How are metered water rates determined?
The installation of all water meters is nearing completion, and monitoring of metered water use has begun. Summer months often see a significant increase in water consumption, and so it is important that consumption data is collected throughout the entire year to ensure that 2027 rate-setting reflects accurate usage and infrastructure costs.
How will usage-based water billing work in stratas?
Currently, each individual property owner in a strata receives a quarterly bill for water and sewerage services. Beginning in January 2027, when metered rates are in effect, only one invoice will be sent to the strata manager.
The invoice will include:
- a base rate, dependent on meter size
- water consumption fees based on total metered usage
- the flat rate sewer usage fee multiplied by the number of units in the strata
Individual strata owners will no longer receive utility invoices from the Town of Osoyoos.
Each strata Council will determine the basis for allocating the water usage fees to individual units, which may involve amendments to strata bylaws.
I am part of a strata, but have a water meter line item on my invoice…what should I do?
Please contact the Town at 250-495-6515 or info@osoyoos.ca so we may ensure metered use bills go through the strata manager.
How can I tell if my metered water use is high or low…what is average?
The average Canadian water consumption for a family of four ranges between 15 and 30 cubic meters per month. This can vary depending on specific living situations.
Factors that can affect higher water consumption:
- Leaks in water lines, irrigation systems, or indoor &/or outdoor taps/spigots
- Pools & hot tubs
- Seasonal irrigation
- Higher occupancy in the residence
- Reverse Osmosis Systems, Water Softeners and other plumbing features.
How can I save water?
Residents are encouraged to monitor their usage and consider adopting water conservation practices to reduce your bill while helping to preserve the community’s water resources.