Prince George, BC, Canada --- (METERING.COM) --- December 27, 2007 - Water meters will be compulsory for new dwellings developed in the City of Prince George effective January 1, 2008, the City government has decided.

According to the City, providing homes in new subdivisions with meters and water-conservation devices means extending the life of existing water facilities and delaying future costs for improvements.

Water metering has been under discussion since 2004 and at that time it was found that to instal a water meter on every home would cost $8.7 million while saving only $6.4 million over 30 years in operations, maintenance and deferred capital costs. Thus the concept was considered as becoming effective only if the Ottawa and Victoria provincial and federal governments assisted with the costs.

Under the current flat rate system, homeowner pays a fixed amount for water ($202.32 per year), regardless of the amount used. While Prince George has a plentiful water supply, residents are among the heaviest water users in Canada, particularly during hot, dry spells when consumption can exceed the average 504 l per person.

As part of its water conservation efforts, to increase awareness on the use of water and encourage its conservation, the City introduced a voluntary water metering program in July 2005. Participants are billed at the flat rate for the first year and thereafter based on usage.

Cristina Fernández at the launch of the new energy plan