The Town of Osoyoos has forwarded a Request for Proposals (RFP) to look at the implications and costs of installing water meters on all homes and businesses in the town.
The town initiated a water conservation master plan back in 2010 and looking at the implications and potential cost of installing water meters is a logical next step in the process, said the town’s chief administrative officer Barry Romanko.
The consulting company that wins the contract to prepare a detailed report “will be quite complex” and look at all of the challenges involved in introducing a water metering program in town and Irrigation Districts 8 and 9, he said.
Some of the information that will be detailed in the report include identifying areas of excessive water use, implementing a water conservation strategy, what types of water meters have proven most successful in other communities, what kind of meters are available on the market, staff and community implications, said Romanko.
A previous report indicated it could cost up to $1.6 million to install a water meter on every home, building and business in the community, said Mayor Sue McKortoff.
A recent study indicates water consumption in the town has been “dropping or leveling off” over the past few years, said Romanko.
McKortoff said it would be a good idea to look at the costs and implications of bringing water meters to town, but added council will have plenty of time to consider what’s the right thing to do once the consultant’s report provides answers to many important questions.
The RFP has been sent out across the province and he expects several excellent consulting firms to prepare bids to win the contract to complete the report, said Romanko.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
