So they only last 15 years?

In their ongoing exploration to sate a voracious appetite for revenue, GVW has stumbled on a new revenue source.
They're charging customers for water meter replacement.

While GVW states that some water meters "have been out there for 30 years", they apparently only accurately record water consumption for 15 years.

The new fee prompted GVAC director Bob Spiers to coin a new description for Greater Vernon Water:  bandits (see November 8th blog story here, which proves the $8/quarter fee residents will pay ~$500 to the utility over 15 years versus ~$100 if they were able to purchase their own).

The new fee prompted a Letter to the Editor, as yet unpublished, by Dana Mills, printed with permission:

"To The Editor, The Morning Star:           2015 November 13

I notice Greater Vernon Water is planning to charge everyone extra for their old water meters.  In other words, they are going to impose extra fees to cover the past mismanagement of what should have been a simple ongoing water meter infrastructure renewal program.

This is on top of millions of dollars RDNO staff and politicians have already committed to their "smart" water meter program.  It's disturbing to note that they are using current cash to fund this long-term capital expense.  This means water rates are going up right now to purchase a bunch of fancy equipment that should last for at least the next twenty years.  Do you think they will reduce rates next year after all of this stuff has been bought?

Politicians recently approved costly expansions to the RDNO Cross Connect Control program despite the fact that the new "smart" meters will quickly report any backflow conditions detected.  Repeating past mistakes, they are expanding a bureaucracy which should actually become less relevant as technology improves.  Be warned, RDNO staff will go to extremes to justify this expensive program.  Do you have a private swimming pool or hot tub?  How about a fish pond or a creek?  Do you collect rain water from your roof to apply on your garden?  If so, you are subject to an additional annual fee at their selective whim.

Perhaps, instead of a new surcharge, they should reallocate funds from their CCCP to pay for their old water meters.  Also note: Less than half of GVW revenue collected comes from domestic water consumption, and they don't know how many of these old meters are inaccurate or by how much."  Dana Mills

"Bob Spiers' description is not only accurate," offers Kia, "but if you look up bandits in the dictionary, there's probably a photo of the GVW office."

Or the muzzled GVAC directors.