Safe drinking water is an essential resource. To better understand water consumption across the community and meet provincial requirements for drinking water management, the Town of Temiscaming is gradually implementing a water meter data collection program.
This initiative will provide a more accurate picture of actual water use, support long-term planning of the municipal water system, and help guide future decisions using representative data from our community.
At this stage, the data collected is used for measurement, analysis, and planning purposes only. Water consumption is not being billed at this time.
Why water meters?
As part of Quebec's Drinking Water Conservation Strategy, municipalities are required to implement measures that improve their understanding of water use and promote efficient, sustainable management of drinking water.
Water meters measure actual consumption rather than estimates. The information collected will help the Town:
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better understand water consumption across the community;
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monitor consumption trends over time;
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gather more representative data from different types of users;
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identify unusual water consumption patterns;
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improve planning and management of the municipal water system; and
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meet provincial drinking water management requirements.
Who is affected?
Data collection primarily applies to non-residential properties, including commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, in accordance with municipal and provincial requirements.
An initial meter reading will be completed by a Town employee. Afterward, affected property owners will be asked to submit their water meter readings to the Town twice per year.
What about residential properties?
The Town also wishes to collect data from the residential sector in order to build the most accurate picture possible of water consumption in Temiscaming.
Residential property owners are invited to participate on a voluntary basis.
As part of the program:
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Water meters will be provided free of charge by the Town;
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Installation must be completed by a qualified professional;
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Installation costs are the responsibility of the property owner;
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Participants will be asked to submit water meter readings as requested by the Town.
This voluntary participation will increase the amount of available data and provide a more representative picture of residential water use throughout the municipality.
Will water meters be used to bill for water?
Not at this time.
The Town's current objective is to collect and analyze water consumption data.
Installing a water meter or submitting a reading does not mean that water consumption billing is being introduced right now.
Why collect this data now?
To manage a resource effectively, you first need to understand it.
By collecting more comprehensive data, the Town will develop a more accurate picture of drinking water consumption in Temiscaming. This information will help identify the community's long-term needs, improve infrastructure planning, and support informed decision-making.
The more representative the data, the more accurate our understanding of water consumption will be.
Interested in participating?
Residential property owners who would like to participate in the voluntary water meter program can contact the Town to learn more about eligibility, installation requirements, and meter availability.
By participating, you will help the Town build a better understanding of drinking water consumption in Temiscaming and support responsible planning for the years ahead.
Information
819-627-3273, ext. 104 | administration@temiscaming.net
