Service Charges

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the water, sewer and storm systems between their home and property line and for monitoring their own water consumption. The District is responsible for maintaining the water, sewer and storm systems up to the property line.

The District does not make repairs on private property but will shut off the water service for the property owners. If a leak stops when the water is turned off at the meter box, repairing the leak is the property owner's responsibility. If utilities crews are called out to a water/sewer emergency and the cause is determined to be the property owner's responsibility, crews are happy to assist but fees may apply.

Service charges

Regular service call (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.): $75 per hour
Emergency service call (Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. including weekends and Statutory holidays, anytime): $450
Water turn on/off: $150 (free if at time of water service installation)

Note: The District covers the cost of repairing water service leaks on District property only. If you request a service call and the cause of the leak is on private property, the District will bill the property owner for the fees above. We don't repair water leaks on private property.

Water meter service charges

West Vancouver’s water utility is fully-metered, which means meters measure water use on each property. Water meters in West Vancouver are maintained regularly to help ensure water use is recorded accurately.

Property owners must keep water meters accessible for maintenance. If a water meter has been obstructed by landscaping or other improvements to a property, the District could charge a fee to locate the water meter. Water meter service charges include:

locate water service curb stop and meter: $300 minimum, plus $150 per hour for calls over four hours
detailed water meter reading: $200 / new urgent request: $400
Special Meter Reading Fee: $150

1. Why have the fees increased?
In October 2023, Council adopted two new utility bylaws:
- Waterworks Regulation Bylaw No.5260, 2023
- Sewerage and Drainage Regulation Bylaw No. 5263, 2023
The bylaws introduce new and increased fees that better reflect the actual cost of service call outs and support the District’s user-pay approach to utilities.
1. Why do water and sewer utility charges stay on during construction?
Leaving water and sewer utility charges on during construction will help ensure property owners and their contractors continue to responsibly use water during construction. Additionally, maintaining water use fees during construction supports the District’s user-pay approach to utilities. Only residential solid waste fees will be removed at demolition and reinstated approaching occupancy.
1. Why do water and sewer utility charges stay on for vacant properties?
All properties with water and sewer service connections benefit from the municipality’s water and sewer utility systems, including vacant properties and properties under construction. Under new bylaws, all properties will contribute to the costs of maintaining municipal utility systems.
1. What is a vacant property?
A vacant property is empty, undeveloped, and not currently being used for any purpose. They are typically devoid of buildings or structures and often serve as potential sites for future development or may be temporarily used for purposes such as parking, gardening, or community activities.
1. Can the water be turned back on while the home is under construction?
Yes, the District can turn the water back on, there is a charge of $150. Please call Dispatch at 604-925-7100 to create a request for the water department.
1. What happens if the District cannot access my water meter?
Property owners will be given a 14-day notice to uncover the water meter. If the work is not completed the District will complete the work and charge the property owner. The fee is $300 minimum and any work over four hours will be charged an additional $150 for every hour thereafter.
1. What is my role as a property owner?
As a property owner, you are responsible for maintaining the water, sewer, and storm systems on your property. You are also responsible for monitoring your own water consumption, and for promptly identifying and repairing leaks. Please don’t bury or obstruct your water meter. It is your responsibility to always keep your water meter accessible.