FAQ - Utilities

How many times per year will I receive a utility bill?
The meters are read and billed quarterly.

 Are the meters read each time?  My consumption is the exact same as last time.
Meters are read each time.  You may have the same consumption more than once as the meter reads are not rounded up.  The read is in thousands of gallons.  

Why am I being charged sewer on my water when my water is being used outside and not going down the sewer.
A sewer discount is given on the third quarter billing to recognize the fact that people are watering outside during the summer months of July to September.  If your consumption in the third quarter is the highest of the year, the sewer charge for that quarter will be based on the next highest consumption level of the year.

How can I view my current and past bills?
You can access information about your utility account – including bill balances, consumption history and payment history – through our online service MySidney.  Registration is Easy – First, create a MySidney profile using your email; then, add your Town of Sidney accounts (e.g. utility bill, property tax, dog licence, business licence) to your profile.  To register, you will need your account number and access code, which can be found on your utility bill.

 What if my utility bills are not paid?
Outstanding utility balance as of December 31st is transferred to property taxes (on January 1st) as taxes in arrears.  Daily interest will be charged at a rate set by the Province.

What is the normal water consumption for a household?
There is no way to determine normal consumption for a household as everyone uses water differently.  I.e. you may have a ½ hour shower someone else 15 minutes. 
Ballpark Consumption for:  One person     3,000 to 5,000 gallons per quarter
Two people   10,000 to 12,000 gallons per quarter

My consumption is high.  Do I have a leak?
Nine times out of ten an inside leak is caused by a leaky toilet.  You can check for a leak in your toilet yourself by putting a few drops of food colouring into the back of the tank, wait for 10 minutes, do not flush the toilet and see if the colour comes up into the bowl.  If the colour comes up you have a leaky toilet.   If you suspect an outside leak you can read your meter at some time during the day or night when water will not be used for at least the next four hours. Record the reading.   After the end of the 4 hour period, reread the water meter and compare the new reading to the original reading.  If the reading differs from your initial reading this confirms that you have a plumbing leak.

When purchasing/selling a property in the Town of Sidney how do I set up my utility account?
Advise your lawyer that a utility adjustment needs to be done on your statement of adjustments.  Local lawyers and notaries are aware that we do not do final reads when there is a sale and whoever is on title at the time of billing will receive the bill.  Charges do stay with the property.
Kitchen organics containers need to be left in a clean and sanitary state at the property, or be returned to the Town of Sidney.  Note:  Your account number changes when you move.  Please update your online banking information to reflect your new account number, if paying by this method.

What are the current water restrictions?
Watering restrictions in our region are established by the CRD and are in effect from May 1 to September 30.  Please refer to the CRD water conservation website for the current watering schedule.

 How can I reduce my water bill?
Your toilet is the largest consumer of water in your home, accounting for 40% of all water used. Showers and baths account for 35%, laundry and dishes 20% and cooking and drinking 5%.

Below are a few tips for conserving water and the potential savings. 

The CRD water conservation website also provides many useful tips on water conservation.