Meter Pilot Project
Overview
The Meter Pilot Project is a major initiative to modernize how water use is measured in Van Anda. The project improves system reliability, helps identify leaks, and prepares the community for a future transition to metered billing.
The project moved from planning to on‑the‑ground installation in 2025 and has continued steadily through 2026.
Why meters are being installed
Water meters provide accurate data about water use and system performance. This allows the water team to:
- detect leaks more quickly,
- reduce strain on the treatment plant,
- better understand demand across the system,
- and plan long‑term infrastructure upgrades.
The Meter Pilot Project works alongside broader system repairs, leak detection, and upgrades that have already reduced unnecessary water production.
2025: Planning and preparation
Most of the work in 2025 happened before any meters were installed and was essential to avoid problems later.
Key steps included:
- issuing Requests for Proposals for meter equipment and installation,
- site visits by contractors to understand Texada’s terrain and water system,
- creating maps, drawings, and connection lists for every property,
- holding a public meeting at the Legion to explain the project and answer questions.
Before installation could begin, staff had to locate every water service connection, some of which dated back decades. This involved digging, metal detecting, reviewing old records, and speaking with long‑time residents. Out of 233 known connections, many were straightforward, while others required careful investigation.
Expert Assistance is Provided
Assistance for planning, procurement, and implementation is being provided by KWL and Econics, who lead regular Teams meetings addressing all aspects of the project. Also present at the meetings are personnel from BC Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs with occasional guest speakers. More details of this process are included in the Terms of Reference PDF.
Early installation work
By late 2025:
- meter boxes and lids had arrived,
- meters and transmitters were pre‑assembled by operators,
- early installations began in the Copper Queen area,
- a storage container was purchased to manage project materials.
2026: Current status
Work continued into 2026 with steady progress.
As of early 2026:
- About half of all meters are installed, with more completed each week.
- The online meter system (Neptune360) is operational for Admin.
- Crews are working section by section across the community.
- Some unexpected conditions have been found, such as service lines that were larger or smaller than expected, and these are being corrected as part of the project.
Operators and contractors are working closely together to keep installations orderly and minimize disruption.
Funding
The Meter Pilot Project is fully funded by a provincial grant. There is no additional local taxation required for the installation phase of the project.
Community engagement
Residents have generally been supportive and cooperative. Many have:
- provided contact information,
- attended information meetings,
- asked practical questions about how metering will work.
Another public meeting is planned later in 2026 to explain how billing will work once meters are active.
What’s next
- Meter installations will continue through 2026.
- Staff are preparing for the transition to metered billing planned for 2027.
- Training continues for operators on equipment, systems, and certification.
In summary
The Meter Pilot Project represents a major step forward for VAID’s water system. The work completed in 2025 and 2026 has:
- improved system knowledge and mapping,
- supported leak reduction,
- upgraded key infrastructure,
- and positioned the community for a more reliable and sustainable water system in the future.
Public Concerns
Meter Location
Meters will be located in meter pits at the property line. Like current connections and meters, they will be property of VAID and accessible only by VAID’s water operators and designated representatives. Customers will be able to access their water usage online or by contacting the office.
Meter Reading
The new water meters use cellular-based AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) technology. Using existing cellular networks, meters transmit readings automatically and continuously.
Once meters are active, residents will be able to view their water use online through Neptune360.
Neptune360 provides residents with a convenient way to monitor their water consumption 24/7, without waiting for a bill. This allows users to:
- see changes in water use quickly,
- identify possible leaks sooner,
- set water-use thresholds and out‑of‑town alerts,
- and better understand consumption through clear charts and graphs.
Access to real‑time information supports water conservation and helps reduce unexpected high bills. Neptune360 is web‑based, works on all devices, and requires no special software to access.
Billing Structure
Customers will continue to be invoiced directly by the Van Anda Improvement District (VAID). No other authority is involved in collecting water system costs, except as required during a property sale.
The future billing structure has not yet been finalized.
Before any switch to live metered billing, there will be a one‑year mock billing period. During this period:
- residents will receive information showing their actual water use,
- bills will show what charges would have been under metered billing,
- no changes will be made to what residents are required to pay,
- and customers will have time to review use, ask questions, and adjust habits if needed.
Residents will also be able to view usage and set notifications through their online account during this period. The data collected during mock billing will help determine the most appropriate billing structure moving forward.
Privacy Concerns
This project is subject to FOIP. Data shared by communities to research teams will be anonymized before sharing.
We attempt to address all concerns from the public. Here are some answers to recently posted concerns.
See Metering Concerns and the May 22 Meeting Notes.
FAQ’s Frequently Asked Questions
Questions or Comments?
This page is open for discussion. We will do our best to answer your questions.
Again I would like what we are going to be charged per cubic metre.. You have Texada Boat Club are well as other places on meters so what are you charging them per cubic metre.
Hi Amber, Thanks for your question. Please encourage others to ask us directly so we can share the relevant information.
Regarding your question on future rates, we really do need more information and here is an explanation with an amount given FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
Current commercial metered water rates are $95/month for 40 cubic meters (m3), which works out to $2.55/m3 – IF they use the full amount. Many use less, so may be paying a much higher amount per m3. Usage over 40 m3/month has a higher rate of $4.00/m3.
The 2025 budget gives a cost of $1.71/m3 for water produced. This cost is calculated by water treatment expense divided by total water produced. The treatment cost of water lost to leaks must be built into the billing structure. Whether the water is lost from mains or on private property is the biggest obstacle to defining how much the eventual cost to the consumer per m3 will be. Information from meters will show how much leakage is in the mains and how much on private property as we will be able to compare metered use with total production volume.
A rough estimate can be made using 2025 budget amounts for current cost IF METERING WAS ALREADY IN PLACE:
• If half our water is lost to mains leaks (not on private property), the cost to consumers would be $3.42/m3.
• If quarter of total water produced is lots to mains leaks and the rest of the leaks are on private property, then cost to consumers would be $2.23/m3.
• Alternatively, there could be a rate structure like the current commercial rates.
• Another option is a base fee for all connections to equally share the cost of the leaked water ($428/year if half leaked from mains, $214/year if quarter lost from mains) and water use at cost of production per m3 added to that.
• There may be other billing structures to consider once we learn more.
With less water use from continued leak repair and consumer awareness, there will be a decrease the resources needed for water treatment (cartridges, electricity, chlorine, salt, parts replacements, and labor) so hopefully decrease the production costs; however, all these resources are constantly increasing in price so it is impossible to predict what costs will be in 2 years when metering billing begins.
Customers are billed only what is needed to cover costs. This is not a “cash grab”. Improvements Districts are a very limited form of government that control only the utilities they provide, in Van Anda’s case, potable water and fire protection.