Water Meters

Water Meters in Mission

Welcome to the City of Mission’s water meter system, a modern solution enhancing water management since 2009. Through Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), our technology utilizes radio frequency to transmit usage information seamlessly. This ensures up-to-date water consumption data for quarterly billing.

For Utility Invoicing Inquiries, Contact Us:

Phone: 604-820-3718
Email: utilityfees@mission.ca

Voluntary Water Metering Program

Homeowners of single detached homes can take control of their water costs by applying for a water meter. Smart meters will be provided by the City and will be installed at no cost by a professional contractor. But availability is limited! Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for the capacity to accept a water meter in accordance with City of Mission Bylaws and Standards. The applications process starts on March 19, and spaces will fill quickly.

Apply for a water meter or go to City Hall Finance Department, 8645 Stave Lake Street to complete a paper application. 

Questions? Email: watermeters@mission.ca

Metering will help to ensure our water supplies are safe and sustainable for the future, helping Mission work towards the goals set out in the Regional Water Efficiency Plan.

Voluntary Water Metering Program FAQ's

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

Currently the city water utility is using an Automatic Metering Read (AMR) system. With Walk By/Drive By, a water utility technician uses a computer program to send out a command to receive a reading from radio endpoints for every meter within the city to determine consumption. 

With smart meters, water meter data will be collected by the city water utility remotely using radio and cellular technology. This method of collecting meter data is called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Communities across North America are increasingly transitioning to this proven and safe technology. AMI meters collect water consumption information around the clock so customers will have the convenience of checking their current water use any time through a secure customer portal (coming soon) and staff will be able to improve operational efficiency and customer service. 

With this knowledge, customers will be able to adjust their consumption habits, and/or identify leaks before the bill arrives. AMI meters will not transmit any personal information or interfere with electronic or medical devices.

AMI FAQ's:

Existing Meters

Mission has required meters in all new developments since 2009. All current meters are being switched over to the Advanced Metering Infrastructure.

Water Meter Location and Maintenance

Water meter boxes and curb stop risers are city property, strategically placed near the property line. These boxes may become buried over time, but don’t worry – if you need help finding your water meter, reach out to the Public Works Department at 604-820-3761.

Understanding Water Rates

Explore our Water Bylaw and Water Rates Bylaw ]Bylaws & Policies | City of Mission

The City of Mission has two classes of water rates:

  1. Unmetered water customers are charged a flat rate per month on the annual tax notice. You can apply for a meter here.
  2. Metered residential customers pay a volumetric rate for the amount of water used per cubic meter. A cubic meter is equal to 1000 litres. In addition, an annual meter fee is charged. The less water you use, the less you pay. Water is charged for on a quarterly utility bill that includes water and sewer. 

The majority of Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Customers are metered and pay a meter charge and volumetric charge.

Details on utility bills can be found on the Utility Bills Page 

Identifying Leaks

Watch Our Tutorial on Checking Your Water Meter

Before following the steps, ensure no water is in use on your property. Watch our short video demonstrating how easy it is to check your water meter for potential leaks.

Step-by-Step Water Meter Check:

  1. Locate the water meter box in your front yard near the property line.
  2. Lift the box lid carefully, avoiding damage to the radio wire.
  3. Identify the meter read display inside the box.
  4. Observe the sweep hand or indicator dial for at least one minute.
  5. Active water usage may indicate a leak. Turn off the main water valve to isolate it.

Common Leak Locations:

  • Toilets (check for silent leaks with food coloring)
  • Faucets (inside and outside)
  • Areas with possible tree root damage
The Cost of Ignoring Leaks: A Financial and Environmental Perspective

Even a small leak can add up! Consider the financial and environmental impact of leaks, illustrated below:

  • 1/16″ hole: Wastes 3.57 m³ in 24 hours – Cost: $11.53/day or $1,383.73 in 120 days
  • 1/8″ hole: Wastes 14 m³ in 24 hours – Cost: $4.22/day or $5,426.40 in 120 days
  • 3/16″ hole: Wastes 32.13 m³ in 24 hours – Cost: $103.78/day or $12,453.59 in 120 days

If you think you have a leak, the following brochures may be helpful:

  1. A guide to Finding and Repairing Water Leaks
  2. Dye Testing Your Toilets 

Water System and Conservation

The regional Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Services (AMWSC) supplies water to the City of Mission and the City of Abbotsford. The City of Mission operates its own water distribution system.

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In 2018 the AMWSC updated the Water Master Plan for the region that identified the need to continue with conservation. Then in 2022, the AMWSC updated the region’s Water Efficiency Plan that was approved by Joint Shared Services Committee to address the growing pressures from climate change and population growth and meet the conservation targets outlined in the Water Master Plan. 

The water efficiency plan emphasized several objectives; the need for universal metering across the region; conservation-based rate structures; frequent billing; and robust tracking of water usage. Research consistently shows that effective water conservation depends on accurately measuring consumption. 

Abbotsford has had universal metering since 1990 and introduced Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), regular billing, and conservation-oriented rate structures in 2011, resulting in a more than 20% reduction in water demand. Mission began requiring metering for new developments in 2009, and most industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities are metered. 

Today, 7,500 single-family homes remain unmetered in Mission and pay a flat-water rate. Metering will help to ensure our water supplies are safe and sustainable for the future and will help Mission work towards the goals set out in the Regional Water Efficiency Plan to reduce total demand by 0.7% year-over-year with population growth. 

The regional water website ourwatermatters.ca has information on the sources, water quality and conservation programs.