INNISFAIL -- Businesses and citizens who use water specifically for industrial processing and irrigation purposes now have the opportunity to avoid unfair local sewer charges.
Amendments to the town's Utility Bylaw were unanimously passed by town council at its May 13 regular meeting. Council was told by administration they were designed to keep Innisfail's utility rates fair and equitable, specifically in cases of water used by businesses and citizens that does not go into the local sewer system, but they are still charged for using that utility.
Rod Fraser, the town's director of operational services, noted in his report to council that other municipalities, including Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, have addressed this problem through their bylaws, adding the town's bylaw could be seen as unfair in comparison. He said in the report that if the town did not make changes it could leave the municipality open for potential legal challenges.
"It is an argument we have heard time and time again from people who water their lawns a lot and are upset because they have to pay the sewer tax based on that water used," said Mayor Jim Romane. "It is an easy argument to win on their part but on the other hand, how do you separate? You just can't all of a sudden say, 'OK, everybody is allowed so much water for free.'
"Somebody has got to pay for it somewhere."
Fraser noted in his report to council that a "large part" of water used by non-residential customers, generally more than 1,000 cubic metres per year for industrial purposes, never makes it into the local sewer system.
"If water is used in industrial processes, business owners now have an option of applying for a credit to the monthly sewer rate or sewer metering in place of water meter readings," said Fraser in his report that added the non-residential customer would be responsible for the cost of installing a new sewer meter.
As for water specifically targeted for irrigation purposes, Fraser noted that while this was an area not of concern for average homeowners, it has been a longstanding issue for owners of multi-family condos and apartments or small business owners who use less than 1,000 cubic metres per year. His report noted water is used for outside irrigation and is not discharged into the sewer system, but they still had to pay for the use of that utility.
"When you use water you pay for a cubic metre of water and you also pay for a cubic metre of sewer every time you use water. For irrigation only, they now have an option to put in a second water meter, and that water meter is only for irrigation purposes and sewer is not charged for that, so it is out of the equation now," said Fraser, adding the customer would be responsible for the cost of installing the "irrigation only" water meter.
However, council was told the new amendments, particularly the one that affects businesses using water for industrial purposes, will have a financial impact on the town's wastewater budget. Fraser's report said there will be $125,000 less revenue for the wastewater utility. Council approved making up that revenue shortfall from the town's Stabilization Reserve.
The town's Utility Bylaw was last updated in November of 2016.
