Homeowners could see a steady nine per cent increase in their water bill if the city decides to approve a proposal by Toronto's budget committee.
The plan, drafted by Toronto Water, would be to increase the rate each year by about 9 per cent through to 2013. This will help them rebuild the city's aging water infrastructure.
"The water rate increase will be used to address the infrastructure renewal plans and for ongoing capital upgrades," reads the city's website. "Future rate increases are projected to address the renewal needs."
According to the city, Toronto Water budgeted in 2006 to spend $102 million on watermain renewal and $42 million on sewer replacements.
Here are some facts on Toronto's water infrastructure:
- About 20 per cent of the watermains are between 50 and 80 years old, and seven per cent of them are more than 100 years old;
- There are approximately 1,500 watermain breaks every year;
- The majority of sewer pipes are less than 50 years old, but 15 per cent are 50 to 80 years old, 4.5 per cent are 80 to 100 years old and the remaining 2.8 per cent are more than 100 years old.
If the hike would be approved, homeowners would pay an extra $50 in 2008.
Apartment dwellers won't have it so bad. According to the proposal, highrise apartment buildings and offices will only increase about seven per cent.
Industries that use large amounts of water, on the other hand, will see their rates fall as Toronto tries to compete with other markets in North America. However, they will have to file a conservation plan and meet certain conditions to be eligible for the reduced rate.
Here are some facts about water usage in Toronto, according to the city's website:
- Residential water usage accounts for approximately 51 per cent of water used in the city;
- Toilets top the list for indoor water use as they account for 28 per cent of the total indoor water usage
- An average water bill for metered households was $429 in 2006 and $469 in 2007.
