Please be advised that in compliance with a Public Utilities Board (PUB) order, there will be a rate increase for the City of Selkirk’s water and wastewater.
The increase is effective October 1 and is 15 cents per cubic meter for water and 19 cents per cubic meter for wastewater. A cubic meter of water is equal to 208 flushes (based on 4.8 L per flush) or 2,000, 500ml bottles of water.
The last rate increase was in January of 2021 and rates have been frozen since then.
The October, 2023 increase equates to and .002 cents per flush.
Through capital asset management, the city has a clear understanding of the condition of its water collection and distribution systems, some dating back as far as 1908. It’s important to note that The City of Selkirk’s water and wastewater utility is a user-pay system that operates at cost; meaning that one hundred per cent of utility rates collected are used to fund the major capital investments, operation, renewal and upkeep that is needed now more than ever.
There are many easy and practical ways to reduce water usage and therefore limit the impact of a rate increase. Here are seven tips to less water usage:
- Use a low-flow shower head;
- Install a low-flow toilet;
- Ensure all leaky faucets and toilets are repaired;
- Use a front-load or water conscious washer;
- Collect rainwater for use in the lawn and garden;
- Fix all leaky hoses; and
- Maintain all dishwashers and washing machines to ensure they don’t leak.
