Osoyoos Water Metering Program Implementation
Installation of Water Meters
Implementation of a universal water metering program is a vital component of Osoyoos’ water conservation strategies. The Town of Osoyoos has retained the services of Neptune Technology Group Canada to assist with the installation of water meters, including inside meters on residential dwellings and bulk meters on most multifamily developments.
The installation of the meters will be a phased project starting in 2024. Property owners will be contacted by Neptune on behalf of the Town when meter installation is being planned for their property. Neptune will provide the property owners with information about the meters and timing of the installation.
For more information on the installation, please call the Town of Osoyoos municipal office at 250-495-6515 or submit questions and comments by email.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Town of Osoyoos Water Meter Installation Program
Welcome to the meter installation program!
I received a letter in the mail saying that I will have a meter installed…what happens next?
Neptune Technology group has been contracted by the Town of Osoyoos to install meters. Neptune will send you a letter as your turn for meter installation is coming up requesting that you contact them to book a convenient time for the installation.I am a "snowbird" and will be leaving town for the winter as of November 1, 2024. How do I go about booking my appointment before my departure date?
If you have not received a letter from Neptune by October 4th, please email or call the Town of Osoyoos at 250.495.6515 to advise them of your departure date and your desire to book an appointment.Do I have to get a water meter installed on my property?
The installation of water meters is mandatory, as resolved by Osoyoos Council in March 2022. This applies to all properties receiving Town of Osoyoos water service (inside and outside of municipal boundaries). Non compliance fines of $500 for each day of non-compliance will be applied where property owners are willfully refusing to have a meter installed.*Note that vacant properties and rural properties currently on a well do not need to have a water meter installed at the property line. If properties connect to the Town water system in the future, a meter will need to be installed.
How much does the meter and installation cost?
Meter installations that take place as part of this project are provided at no cost to the property owner. Meters installed as part of a new water connection or new build will continue to be the financial responsibility of the property owner. At a future date (to be advised by the Town), water will be billed to property owners based on water consumption for each property.When will the water meter be installed?
Installation of meters will be done in geographic sectors between approximately the end of September 2024 and the end of March 2025. Information on the exact timing for specific areas is not yet available.Preparing for your meter
What do property owners need to do?
a) When you receive correspondence from Neptune Technologies Group (some time before late spring 2025), contact them within one week to make an appointment for meter installation. Information on how to book your appointment will be provided at this time.
* You will be asked for details about the location of waterlines and shut-offs on your property at this time.b) Ensure your water shut-off valve is operational and accessible with a clearance area of at least 16” wide by 16” high. It is not necessary for you to cut into the walls of the home or into the studs behind walls to prepare for installation!
I already have a meter. Will anything change?
Properties with existing meters may be contacted by Neptune Technology Group and assessed to see if any modifications to the meter are required, and if it will be compatible with the monitoring system. If so, make an appointment and clear access as above. If you wish to retain your old meter, please let Neptune know. Otherwise, they will recycle it.Where site inspections identify that homes or businesses have newer meter technology capable of remote reading, the meters will not be replaced at this time. If it is found that these meters cannot be read by the monitoring system once operational, they will be upgraded to a compatible meter at that time.
What are some meters installed inside the home and some outside?
Where a property's irrigation line tees off before it goes into the house, it is necessary to install an outside pit meter. The easiest way to determine is to check whether the irrigation gets turned off inside or outside of the house. If outside, an outdoor pit meter will likely be installed. Otherwise, most meters will be installed inside homes.I live in a strata complex. Will I get an individual meter?
Most strata complexes will have a single meter installed, so individual property owners may not be contacted further about installation of the water meters. The decision as to how to allocate metered water charges within a strata is a matter for the strata board.Installation day
Can I install the water meter myself?
No, Neptune is responsible for performing all installations. A qualified technician will install the meter on your incoming water service.How do I know the technician is an authorized agent of Neptune Technology Group?
Every authorized Neptune technician is uniformed and carries identification including name, picture and an ID number. All installers are Certified Water Meter Installers (The Town of Osoyoos does not require a certified plumber for water meters up to a 2" water service). Installers are covered under WorkSafeBC.Do I need to be at home during the installation?
Yes, someone over the age of 18 needs to be at the property during the installation.How long will my water be shut off for?
It is estimated that most installations will take between 1 and 3 hours, and the water shut off time could be less than that. The Neptune installer will generally be responsible for shutting off the water. They will only call on Town staff to perform the water shut off if they need to find a curb stop.After meter installation
How do I read my meter?
Shine a flashlight over the solar panel on the meter to activate the LCD display. The display will switch between the flow rate and total consumption every six seconds.What rate will I pay for metered water?
Water rates for properties with meters will not change immediately. The Town of Osoyoos will notify water customers when the transition to metered rates is going to take place.Who is responsible for maintaining the meter?
The Town of Osoyoos is responsible for any future water meter maintenance, provided that property owners take reasonable precautions to prevent damage to it. Neptune provides a 12-month installation warranty which covers any issues related to damage due to the installation. It is not lawful to tamper with water meters.
- Water Rates and Regulations Bylaw No. 1388, 2023
*Note that Water Rates and Regulations Bylaw No. 1388, 2023 is currently being amended to align with the water meter installation project. - Water District Rates and Regulations Bylaw No. 1357, 2019
- Water Rates and Regulations Bylaw No. 1388, 2023