Greater Vernon Water Update from Regional District

A misleading statement -- maybe more than one? -- from the latest insert that arrived with quarterly water invoices.

Let's see what they said:

"The Greater Vernon Water domestic fee structure has an "infrastructure base fee" and "tiered" metered water use Fee.  Non Domestic (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional) customers have a similar Infrastructure Base Fee but, a singled meter water use Fee of $1.50/m3.  The Infrastructure Base Fee supports the fixed costs of the water system -- treatment plants, fire protection (hydrants), pipes, and other equipment.  The tiered metered use Fee covers some operational costs and is meant to encourage customers to conserve water.  Those who conserve will benefit from a lower water bill.

Agricultural customers are charged a similar escalating tiered rate for water use above their allocated volume.  A new Off Season Agricultural Water Use Fee has also been approved and is $0.75/m3."

So...what's misleading?

"Those who conserve will benefit from a lower water bill."

Highlands Golf has a water allocation.
Has had one since about 1975 when the property was purchased and then planted to apple trees.  Over the years, more allocation was purchased to prepare for course water requirements.

So let's look at Highlands' allocation and compare it to actual (metered) water usage:

Allocation 10.0035 acres water = 22,275 cubic meters allowed per year.

2011: 2,986 cubic meters  =  13.4 % of paid-up allocation

2012: 2,953 cubic meters =  13.2% of paid-up allocation

2013:  3,162 cubic metres = 14.2% of paid-up allocation

"Those who conserve will benefit from a lower water bill."
Really?

Could there be other misleading statements in the "financial" preamble to the $70 million borrowing referendum (this November) on the Master Water Plan in this update....

"Maybe your congratulatory medal is being struck," offers Kia.

Struck indeed.