The province is launching a pilot program installing 15,000 water meters to help small and rural communities save water.
The $50 million from the province is to fund a water meter program in 19 small, rural and First Nations communities. An estimated 1.5 million litres of water could be saved across the province, according to a news release from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs Tuesday (May 6).
The goal of the new water meters is to conserve unused water so that it can be used when communities are in need during droughts or wildfires.
"Small and rural communities in B.C. face higher financial and management capacity challenges, and water metering helps communities identify leaks, conserve drinking water, and keep costs down for businesses and residents," Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities Brittny Anderson said.
The news release added more than 15,000 new water meters installed across B.C. will reduce water use by up to 30 per cent, resulting in residents spending less money.
"This investment will give families and businesses peace of mind knowing they are only paying for the water that they use," Ravi Kahlon said, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
For more information on communities that will receive funding for water meters, visit news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_WaterMeterPilot.pdf
