At the May 5th District of North Vancouver Council meeting, I will bring forward a motion asking staff to explore the introduction of water metering for our residents. As our community grows and climate change places increasing pressure on our water supply, we must take proactive steps to ensure the long-term sustainability and fairness of our water use.
Currently, the District of North Vancouver charges for water based on a flat rate system, meaning households pay the same amount regardless of how much they use – in 2025, this fee is $901.30. This approach does not encourage conservation and can result in inequities, where lower-consumption households effectively subsidize those using far more. Water metering, already in place in many municipalities—including the District of West Vancouver—allows for a more equitable system where residents are billed based on actual usage. This means those who use less water pay less, while those who use more pay their fair share.
Water metering has been shown to reduce consumption in communities where it has been implemented. By providing residents with direct feedback on their usage, metering helps households identify ways to conserve water, reducing waste and costs over time. Conservation is critical in the face of rising temperatures, prolonged summer droughts, and growing demand for potable water. A more efficient system benefits not only individual households but the community as a whole by helping to extend the lifespan of our water infrastructure and reducing the strain on supply during peak periods.
Introducing water metering requires careful consideration, including assessing costs, implementation strategies, and potential financial impacts on residents. That is why my motion calls for staff to explore the feasibility of metering, examining how it could be rolled out in a fair, efficient, and beneficial way to our community. This is not about introducing an immediate change, but about gathering the necessary information to make an informed decision about our future.
Other municipalities, including our neighbours in the District of West Vancouver, have already implemented water metering with positive results. It is time for us to take a serious look at whether this approach makes sense for the District of North Vancouver. I look forward to the discussion at Council and encourage residents to share their thoughts on this important issue.
Jordan Back is a District of North Vancouver councillor
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