By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Providing the quarterly update for the Operational Services department, Rod Risling, CAO for the Town of Osoyoos noted the heavy workload the department was under given the ongoing projects and staff shortage including a still empty director position.
“I just want to give a big shoutout to the department in keeping the wheels on,” said Risling. “They are maintaining the status quo from an operational perspective of which I’m very proud of,” he added.
The surface water treatment facility and lake intake project which is currently in the pre-planning stage including a detailed facility placement review and detailed treatment pilot study is absorbing significant amounts of time, Risling said.
Added to this the universal water metering project is in full swing with meters being installed in nearly all residential homes and businesses around town.
Mayor Sue McKortoff raised the issue of unique questions that continually arise questions that keep
Risling responded that the installations are a mix of standard and one-offs. “We try to update the FAQs so that if there’s a question that comes in that would be a benefit to others, we try to update.”
“So you hear a lot about these one-offs, but a lot of the others are pretty cut and paste,” he said, emphasizing they are doing their best to communicate information.
With the installations now at least three weeks in Risling said a lot of the issues have been ironed out already.
Tapping a question that was asked on social media, Councilor Jim King asked if a meter installation begins to leak in someone’s basement would the town be on the hook? Risling replied that any leakage that occurs within one year is on Neptune to remedy, after that it is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Risling said he had some months ago asked Neptune about the potential for leakage to which the reply was that any initial risk is typically in the first 24-48 hours. This is why, Risling told the Times Chronicle that Neptune prefers someone is in the home for the first 48 hours.
“As far as the water meters themselves – breaking or leaking – it is extremely rare for that component to actually fail and result in water damage. So the risk is very, very low. They have millions of these things installed across North America,” he added.
Neighbouring Oliver uses a slightly older version of the Neptune water meter than currently being installed in Osoyoos and works department staff indicated they have had virtually no issues with the meters. Oliver’s water metering program was put into place as part of the water twinning program which started in 2007.
Another question that was brought to the Times Chronicle’s attention was how irrigation systems would be metered as they typically branch off from the curb to the house line before reaching the basement where the meters are being installed. In this case, the meter will be installed in an outside pit.
Some residents have asked why their meter is being replaced when they have a relatively new one already installed. Risling says that the contract that was negotiated with Neptune was good value for the town and provides for the latest generation meters.
These meters have the advantage of being able to be read remotely from town offices rather than requiring a vehicle to “drive-by” each residence for a reading which saves staff time and reduces the town’s carbon footprint. Because of this, most if not all existing meters will be replaced to ensure everyone is on the same platform.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of the town’s website answers many of the questions residents might have about the water meter installation process. It can be found at osoyoos.ca/services/water/water-metering .
