The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has secured $3.5 million in provincial funding to complete universal water metering for the Erickson Water System in Electoral Area B.
The funds come from the Provincial Water Meter Pilot Project, a $50-million initiative supporting water metering in 19 small, rural, and First Nations communities across B.C., with a focus on single-family residential users.
The Erickson system was selected as the best fit for the pilot, as Phase 2 would complete universal metering for the entire system. Phase 1, which is already underway, includes 136 meters for industrial, commercial, institutional, and agricultural properties — all funded through various government grants. Phase 2 will install an additional 506 meters, fully funded through the new pilot program.
“Erickson water system continues to face capacity challenges from increased water needs and reduced summertime flows in Arrow Creek,” said Alex Divlakovski, RDCK water operations manager.
“These challenges are most notable in the agricultural sector where water supply during critical summer months has been repeatedly threatened by demand exceeding what’s available in the watershed. By installing meters and boosting demand-side management via leak location and repair, we are ensuring water is being used where it’s intended."
Divlakovski noted other RDCK systems with universal metering and volumetric billing have reduced consumption by 30 per cent. Erickson, which will maintain flat-rate billing, hopes to see a 15 to 20 per cent reduction.
“Without this generous provincial grant funding, universal metering would have been years away for this system, resulting in countless volumes wasted and increased stress on the Arrow Creek watershed,” said Divlakovski.
During the pilot program over the next two years, RDCK will also take part in a provincial research project studying the impacts of water metering in small communities. Results will be shared with water suppliers across B.C.
