On this page:
1. How does a water meter work?
2. How are the water meters read?
3. Who pays for the water meter?
4. Who is responsible for the water meter?
5. What are the benefits of using a water meter?
6. How can I purchase a water meter?
7. What is the cost to purchase a water meter?
8. How often will I receive my residential water and sewer bill?
9. What is the metered quarterly charge?
10. Why is my water bill higher than normal?
11. How can I pay my quarterly water bill?
12: What is a Pre-Authorized Payment Plan?
13: How do I sign up for the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan?
14: I am going away for an extended period of time. What can I do about my water bill?
A water meter is a device that measures the amount of water used in a building that is supplied by the public water supply system. The water meter tracks total household water usage. Water meters are typically located in the basement where water service enters the home or building.
Water meters are typically read by remote laser.
Water meters are purchased by the property owner through Service Timmins.
Installation, maintenance and repair of the water meter is the responsibility of the property owner. Should the meter become faulty, the property owner is responsible for replacement.
No adjustments or reductions can be made to your water bill due to excessive water usage. Small home repair concerns like a leaking or running toilet, leaking faucets, leaking washing machine or dishwasher can have a dramatic impact on a property owner’s quarterly water bill.
Note for landlords:
For property owners with rental units on a water meter system, it is particularly important that tenants practice sensible water use and communicate any potential water concerns quickly so that repairs can be made.
Water meters can be beneficial because the customer only pays for the water they use. They can also help property owners be more accountable for water consumption and help reduce daily water usage. Water meters can also lead to better leak detection and repair
Residents that own a home with a large number of rooms (5 or more) or multiple units can potentially benefit from being on a water meter if they are careful with water consumption. There is a minimum quarterly charge for a water meter that is very close to the cost of a 4 room home; therefore, homes of 4 rooms or less would not benefit from being on a water meter.
The property owner must first find out the size of the meter that is required for their structure, which is done through a plumbing company. Once that is determined, the property owner must then go to Service Timmins to purchase a meter. The property owner will receive a phone call from the Water Filtration Department letting them know when the meter is ready for pick up (110 Feldman Rd.). Typically, there is a 24-hour turn around time.
Once picked up, the meter must be installed by one of the Approved Contractors of the City . Once the meter is installed, the property owner must call Service Timmins (705-264-1331) to let them know it has been installed. The City will then send someone to go and inspect the meter.
The price is determined through a municipal by-law that is typically updated every 5 years. The chart below reflects the most recent by-law and will be in effect until the by-law has been updated.
For more information on the most up-to-date rates, please review our most recent “Waterworks Charges” by-law.
| Size |
Current Unit Price |
HST |
Total Price |
| 5/8” meter |
$185.00 |
$24.05 |
$209.05 |
| ¾” meter |
$230.00 |
$29.90 |
$259.90 |
| 1” meter |
$400.00 |
$52.00 |
$452.00 |
| 1 ½” meter |
$620.00 |
$80.60 |
$700.60 |
| 2” meter |
$900.00 |
$117.00 |
$1017.00 |
| 3” meter |
$3,800.00 |
$494.00 |
$4294.00 |
Metered water is read and billed quarterly.
There is a minimum quarterly charge for the consumption range from 0 – 72,737 liters or 0 - 16,000 gallons. For every liter used over and above the minimum threshold of 72,737 liters, there is an additional cost per thousand liters. For every gallon used above the minimum threshold of 16,000, there is an additional cost per thousand gallons. The sewer charge is determined by a percentage of the water cost and there is a service charge is a set fee each year.
For more information on the most up to date rates, please review our annual “Water and Sewer Rates” by-law.
Your water bill may be higher due to a possible leak, seasonal use (from filling a pool or maintaining a lawn in summer), or from social patterns (being at home more).
Small home repair concerns like a leaking or running toilet, leaking faucets, leaking washing machine or dishwasher can have a dramatic impact on a property owner’s quarterly water bill. It’s important to ensure an installed water meter is working correctly and that any repairs, like a leaking outdoor faucet, are made quickly.
No adjustments or reductions can be made to your water bill due to excessive water usage.
- Service Timmins (in person),
- On-line banking,
- Pre-Authorized Payment Plan - on "installment due date" only,
- Banking Institutions,
- Post-dated cheque,
- Drop Box outside City hall.
For metered water accounts, your payment is automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the due date of the bill. With the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan, your water bill is sent to you in advance of the date your payment is withdrawn from your bank account. This way, you’ll know ahead of time the exact amount that will be withdrawn.
Click on the link below to download a copy of the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan enrollment form for Water/Waste Water, or visit City Hall for a paper copy.
Pre-Authorized Payment Plan - Water and Waste Water
Submit your completed forms by one of the following methods:
- Email to [email protected]
- Mailed to City of Timmins, Tax and Utilities Department at:
220 Algonquin Blvd E
Timmins ON P4N 1B3
- Drop Off at City Hall – Service Timmins Department
- Fax to 705-360-2699
You can choose to have it paid through Pre-authorized payment, prepay in advance by post-dated cheque or cash or debit.
Water can be turned OFF at the curb stop by calling Service Timmins at 705-264-1331 and arranging a shut off time. There is a fee associated with the turn OFF and ON, this fee can be found in the most up to date “User Fee” by-law. When water is shut off, a final bill will be issued at that time, and once you request water to be turned back on, billing will resume as scheduled.
What if I have more questions?
For Water/Waste Water Billing questions, please contact Service Timmins at 705-264-1331 or visit the Service Timmins Portal: service.timmins.ca
Water Meter Study:
Watson & Associates created a report on the review of modernized water usage & billing practices for the City of Timmins. View the report here.