Camping In Ontario Update Newsletter June 2019 March 2013 | Página 20

CAMPING IN ONTARIO UPDATE | 20

Why Water Meters?
For a variety of economic and environmental reasons, residential water
metering is becoming commonplace. Toronto has recently implemented a mandatory water meter program, as have many other municipalities across Ontario. However, unlike electricity meters, which
have been recently adopted by condominiums, apartments and many
recreational properties, water meters are seldom installed in smaller residential applications. The following will hopefully shed some
light on why water meters are an important and cost effective asset for
every campground.

buildings and neighborhoods. Since less water is used, there is also less
sewage, chemicals, and CO2 from pumping and heating produced.

It’s Easy

When a water meter is installed, water use typically declines by
15-20%, but some municipalities have seen savings as high as 40%.
The main reason for the decrease is that people won’t waste something that they pay for. Completely wasteful practices, such as constantly running water to keep it cold in the summer or not fixing
visibly leaky faucets, are eliminated within weeks of a water meter
being installed. People will also minimize the amount of water used
for washing dishes, taking showers, watering lawns and washing cars.

Water meters are inexpensive….approximately $80-$100 for a utility
grade, manually-read meter. They are also easy to install a nd can often
be fitted for a regular hose bib. For campgrounds, meters are typically read manually daily, monthly, quarterly or at end of season. For rates,
it is often easiest to use the local municipal rate structure, even if on a
well system. Unlike electricity meters, Measurement Canada does not
regulate water metering (yet), so there are no regulatory approvals and
processes required for an installation. That said, it is recommended to
purchase utility grade water meters from reputable manufacturers so
you can be confident of the accuracy of your meters and the warranty
they offer.
Due to their ease of installation, low cost, and proven savings in terms
of commodity charges and infrastructure, water meters will become a
key component of well managed campgrounds and other recreational properties.

Equitable

Submitted by Mike Easton, QMC Metering Solutions, www.qmeters.com

Proven Water Conservation

Without water meters, all families at a campground equally share in
the cost of water, charged as a flat rate or included in rental rates. In
most communities, 20% of the users consume half of the water. The
remaining 80% of users therefore subsidize the consumption of these
high users. Once water meters are installed, every family pays for what
they use; high users can choose to conserve or pay a higher bill. It’s
fair.

Welcome New Members

Reduce Infrastructure Costs
Whether your campground’s water is supplied by the municipality
or a well, the commodity and its supporting infrastructure are likely
a major cost to you. Costs include construction and maintenance of
pumps, pipes and controls; energy for pumping and heating; chemicals for treatment; and of course, water and sewer charges. To maintain or decrease these costs or to avoid upgrading infrastructure if
the campground expands, owners can use water meters and other
conservation products to decrease water demand. Water meters are
installed outside of the trailer, so you will have direct access to them
for reading and maintenance. Taking this proactive approach to utility infrastructure management will pay dividends to the property every
year, but especially in years of extremely hot weather or drought, when
water may be scarce.

Green
Since they promote water conservation, water meters are included in almost all green initiatives, such as the Canadian Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED)

Campgrounds
Egans Campground Inc
Lake Lauzon Resort & Marina

Suppliers
Active Canadian Emergency Training Inc
Apps Network Appliance Inc
Coldwell Banker Power Realty Brokerage, Team
Platinum
Hudson Entry & Automation Inc
Jambette Recreational Equipment
McCabe Promotional Advertising
Morris Chemicals Inc