Water bills likely to spike in Fort Erie
One-time increase expected as new technology deployed
Some Fort Erie residents may be surprised to see their water bills for July are slightly higher than usual.
Kelly Walsh, the town’s director of infrastructure services, says the potential increase is a one-time occurrence.
The Town of Fort Erie announced Thursday that the municipality recently completed its residential Meter Exchange Program.
Walsh said radio frequency meters have been installed on properties, and new meter reading technology has been purchased that allows town staff to complete meter readings for over 13,000 customers in two days.
Previously, monthly readings took place on the first, second, third or fourth week of the month, depending on property location.
As an example, Ridgeway and Crystal Beach residents would have their water meter readings done during the first or second week of the month, whereas Crescent Park residents would see their meter readings completed later in the month.
Walsh said the program increases efficiency for the town.
“Under the old system, it was a contracted service (that performed meter readings) and we had to pay someone to do that. Under the new system, we are
doing everything ourselves,” Walsh said.
All meter reads will now be done during the last week of the month, providing residents with their most current consumption and allowing for earlier leak detection.
Because of the change in technology, Walsh said some customers might see higher than average water consumption on their July bill, which will lead to a higher than average cost.
“Some people will have a seven-week read, and some will have a four-week read depending on where your reading was on the schedule,” Walsh said.
“Residents are not being billed for more water. The bills will just be playing catch up.”
Walsh said the town understands that the increase may cause a concern for some of its customers.
“They can do instalments and deferred payments. They just have to call our finance department and make arrangements,” Walsh said.
Customers who see an increase in their bill but are unable to adjust to this one-time, increased consumption charge can call 905-871-1600 to speak with town staff about options.