What does the Sustainable Water and Sewage Systems Act mean for our water rates?
When municipalities assess the true costs of water services, it is likely that rates will increase in many cities and towns across the province. People in Ontario have enjoyed relatively inexpensive water. Water rates are lower in Canada than in most developed countries, like England, France, and Australia. Justice O’Connor pointed out that water rates in Ontario are comparable to the cost of cable television or internet services. He stated that there “appears to be room for water rates to rise in cases where consumers are not paying the full cost of safe water”. He also recognized that his recommendations for a Safe Drinking Water Act, and the requirement that municipalities implement full cost recovery, would lead to higher water rates. Nevertheless, he was concerned that everyone in the province should be able to afford and enjoy safe clean drinking water. The implementation of the Sustainable Water and Sewage Systems Act will give municipalities an incentive to promote conservation
