The city is considering water meters as it is looking into making an application to the province for the general strategic priorities fund to pay for meter installation.
If water meters are going to be installed in houses in Grand Forks it is very likely that residents will not be happy; after all, having something that gives readings on water usage could lead to higher bills.
But water metering could be the right thing for the City of Grand Forks – if implemented, water meters could lead residents to be more responsible when consuming water.
The need for responsible water usage can’t be stressed enough.
Currently, residents of Grand Forks get their water from a number of wells located around the city, which draw water from the aquifer that is replenished by the Kettle River, rainfall and snow melt.
If you look around the area, there are many things that can or could potentially add extra burden to local water sources.
Many environmentalists say that water is a precious resource, one that is being affected greatly by climate change, and the Kettle River is cited as one of the most endangered rivers by the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. in 2010 due to low seasonal flows and high water temperatures amongst other things.
Interfor’s proposed co-generational power plant could use some 230 gallons of water a minute if it is built – at least according to estimations in October – and the proposed plant could be taking water from the city’s water system.
Also, Grand Forks is known for having long, hot summers, which also impact the amount of water the city has at its disposal – the level of the Kettle was considerably lower around August 2010 as opposed to now and people were known to water their lawns at that time.
The city’s water metering plan is expected to be phased in and the city is expected to submit its application by an April 29 deadline.
It will give the residents of Grand Forks time to vent and discuss water metering and it will also give the city time to give more details.
Everyone in the city needs to consume water in one way or another and protecting and preserving our water supply is something that must be considered.