Water Meters:
OK what makes Cornwall so unique to have one of the highest water consumption per capita in all of Canada (ref.: Based on the city’s research, people across Canada use about 250 liters of water per person per day while in Cornwall it’s about 450 liters.”). How was this figured obtained – was there a double verification by an independent source?
Cornwall boasts a population of 47000 yet there are only 16,600 residential water accounts on flat rate billing. So who’s draining the water? Cornwall does not seem to have a population of pool / hot tub owners like Montreal or California.
Has anyone thought that meter’s might actually reduce revenue? I own a home, single person so my water consumption is very minimal. I do not have a pool or hot tub. I water my ground at the most 4 times during the summer. Tax on my consumption I suspect would be much less that the bi-annual tax bill is pay.
Maybe a tax or water permits (like outdoor fire permits) be invoked for those having pools and/or hot tubs or in ground automated watering systems could be another means to address the issue
Subsequent to the above letter and on new publications
In my humble opinion if council have no clue what they want or what the impact is then they should not talk about it in public. It just pisses off the people who will revolt at some point
Ref: Cornwall Newswatch
“If we were to implement a water meter rate (we) would look at a new rate perhaps with a fixed (rate) component and then a water consumption component but this is something we don’t have the expertise to even talk about right now,” de Wit said.
In theory, a partial flat rate would ensure the city would still have a guaranteed amount of money coming in to cover water and sewer operations, even if users suddenly turned off the taps, so to speak, leading to a drastic drop in consumption.
So if there is a flat rate why would I purchase a meter
Now back to meters
In my previous life anything that measured was on a calibration frequency; even steel rulers. So according to the Canada Weights and Measures Act (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/W-6/page-1.html#h-468063
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dealer means any person who in the course of that person’s business sells, consigns, imports, leases or lends devices; (fournisseur)
device means any weight, weighing machine, static measure or measuring machine and includes any equipment and accessories attached to or used in conjunction with the device that have or can have an effect on the accuracy of the device; (instrument)
measuring machine means any machine that measures length, area, volume or capacity, temperature or time; (appareil de mesure)
Examinations within prescribed periods
- 15 (1) Every trader who uses a device in trade, or possesses a device for trade, shall cause it to be examined, within the prescribed period, by an inspector.
At Gas Pumps, the meters are calibrated and adjusted for winter.
In my previous life the inspectors for calibration where either internal (company employee) or the equipment was sent to external source (certified calibration sources).
Since my water meter cannot be sent out, where is the money going to come from to have my water meter calibrated at a predetermined frequency.
Now don’t get me started on calibration as I have yet to see my Electricity Meter calibrated
See part 1 Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations
Here’s a personal side story on calibration.
I installed a Tire Pressure Monitoring System on my SUV. One tire appeared off so I went to the garage to have the nitrogen topped off. The garage came back saying all tires are now bang on 34psi and said that my TPMS system was way off. I thought maybe this was due to it being and off the shelf cheapy.
So I drove off and my TMPS system now showed new numbers but way below the required 34psi. This greatly bothered me. I went back to the garage the next day.
They re-verified the tire pressure and the meter showed bang on. I asked when the last time the gauge was calibrated. They said they do not calibrate those.
I said let’s try a different gauge. The new gauge showed the psi way below the 34psi and was in harmony with my TPMS. The original gauge was found to be defective.
So is calibration important – you bet it is.
Stephen Czajko – Cornwall
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