Is East Gwillimbury being overcharged for its water by York Region?

CAO Tom Webster says inordinate difference between what region is billing and what the town is charging consumers

Yorkregion.com
February 10, 2020
Simon Martin

What’s up with East Gwillimbury water? While residents often speculate on Facebook about being overcharged for their water, it appears as if the Town of East Gwillimbury is investigating if it is being overcharged by York Region for its water.

As part of the town’s 2020 Water and Wasterwater budget discussion at council, it was revealed that East Gwillimbury has approximately 25 per cent non-revenue water in its system. According to town staff that rate of non-revenue water varies for municipalities from six per cent to 25 per cent. East Gwillimbury has been historically at the high end of the 25 per cent.

“We know that in some of the newer areas we are having an inordinate difference from what the region is billing us to what we’re charging the consumer and we feel those systems should be maybe some of our tightest systems,” CAO Tom Webster said.

In is not entirely uncommon for municipalities to get in disputes with the region about water, Webster said. Webster recommended that the town work with the region to see what is happening to cause such discrepancies.

The irony was not lost on Ward 1 Coun. Loralea Carruthers. After receiving numerous emails from residents about the accuracy of the town's water meters, she said it’s odd to be now questioning the region’s water meters.

Members of council were alarmed to hear about the water loss numbers and the lack of details --there was no written staff report on the matter, just a verbal update. “Quite frankly if I fill my gas tank up in my car one night and in the morning one quarter of it is gone I would be a little concerned,” Ward 2 Coun. Tara Roy-DiClemente said. “I would like to suggest that we have serious issue here that is not being addressed.”

“I think it is very concerning,” Mayor Virginia Hackson added.

The town expected to see significant improvements after excessive flushing was needed in the Yonge Green Lane system in 2017. But in 2018 the improvements were insignificant and they initiated with council’s approval for the water loss initiative.

A consultant found significant water volume anomalies from a region and a town perspective.

“The level of energy and effort to this initiative was not adequate,” Webster said. “We feel working collaboratively with the region is the way to go.”

A spokesperson for the York Region said they are aware of the issue raised at the recent Town of East Gwillimbury meeting of Council regarding water and wastewater servicing. Internal staff are reviewing and are planning an initial meeting with staff at the Town to learn more about any potential concerns and issues.

Staff said non-revenue water can be caused by things like leaks, system flushing and water main breaks as well as meter issues. Staff is expected to report back to council on the matter in the next few months.

The town purchases its water from the region.

The good news for residents is that, as the town tries to figure out its water loss issue, the town’s proposed water and wastewater budget in 2020 is set to hold rates at 2019 levels after several years of increases.

The fixed rates for water and wastewater are staying at $140 per quarter.

The variable rate for water usage will also remain static at $2.28 m3.

In 2017 the fixed rates for water and wastewater were $120. They increased $10 each of the next two years