The BC Water Meter Pilot Project, a provincial program that supports smaller communities in collecting water use data, reducing leaks, and improving how water systems are managed. The Province is investing $50 million in this initiative in 2025. The SLRD will install water meters at all properties in the Pemberton North Water System (PNWS). The Village of Pemberton is also moving ahead with this project for its residents.
Both the Village of Pemberton and the SLRD applied to the program to help strengthen and protect the Pemberton water system. On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs announced grant funding for 19 communities. The Village of Pemberton received $4,754,373 and the SLRD received $343,815 to support metering in Pemberton North. Properties in the PNWS are the only SLRD households included in the pilot program.
• Early leak detection and prevention of water loss • Fair and accurate understanding of system demand • Informed planning and infrastructure management • Conservation efforts that support environmental goals
This pilot is about collecting data to help manage a shared resource responsibly. The information gathered will help detect leaks, show how water is used, and support decisions that keep the system running well into the future.
The pilot includes all commercial and residential properties connected to the Pemberton water system. This includes the SLRD’s Pemberton North Water Service Area, which receives water through a bulk supply agreement with the Village of Pemberton. The SLRD is working closely with the Village to coordinate this project. View the Pemberton North Water System map on the SLRD website.
Water metering also supports the Environmental Sustainability goal identified in the SLRD’s 2024- 2026 Strategic Plan and is a key tool for conservation and protecting water as a limited resource.
Metering for data collection only
There are no changes to how residents are billed for water at this time. The meters will be used to collect better information including where water is being used and where leaks may be happening. This data will help the SLRD and the Village of Pemberton plan ahead and manage the system effectively.
Data will be collected for six years. Any future changes to water billing would only happen after review, public communication, and bylaw updates.
What to expect during installation
Neptune Technology Group has been contracted by the Village of Pemberton and the SLRD to install the water meters. Details about installation timing, process, and what residents can expect during meter installation will be shared by Neptune. Installations will be carried out on an area-by-area basis. As technicians move into your area, you will receive a notification containing a booking reference number and information on how to book an individual appointment that fits your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
If your question isn't answered below or you have specific concerns like access issues or unique property conditions please email the Utilities Department at utilities@slrd.bc.ca.
The SLRD is preparing to implement universal water metering for all properties in the PNWS. The Village of Pemberton is also implementing this project for residents within the Village system. This project is part of a provincial pilot initiative called the British Columbia Water Meter Pilot Project to support smaller communities in collecting water usage data, improving conservation, and managing water infrastructure effectively.
At the March 24, 2025 Board meeting, the SLRD agreed to enter into a Contribution Agreement with the Province of BC to access grant funding for the implementation of universal water metering in the PNWS. Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Pemberton North Water Rates and Regulations Bylaw No. 1913-2025 will require meters for all properties in the Pemberton North region of the SLRD that are serviced by the Village of Pemberton’s residential water system.
The provincial pilot program is funding $50 million through the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to help smaller water service providers implement water metering programs. The SLRD will receive $343,815 to cover 100 per cent of eligible costs, including:
Water meters and installation
Cellular infrastructure and software
Data collection and communication
Universal metering means that all properties, including single-family homes, receiving water services from the Village of Pemberton’s water system have a water meter installed. Within the SLRD that means Pemberton North residents only.
Environmental Sustainability is one of the Strategic Priority Areas identified in SLRD’s 2024- 2026 Strategic Plan. Water metering is one of the recommended methods for effective water conservation and ensuring water sustainability for the future as a limited resource. Universal water metering helps:
Identify leaks and reduce water loss.
Support efficient water use and conservation.
Improve planning and management of the water system.
Ensure fairness and transparency in how water is delivered and potentially billed in the future.
At this time, residents will not be billed based on their water meter readings. The project is focused on data collection. The SLRD may review users whose metering shows an excessive amount of use in order to determine if there are leaks or other issues with their system to help reduce wasting of this finite resource. Any changes regarding billing would be subject to further public communication as well as bylaw amendments.
At this time the SLRD has only accessed grant funding for the locations within the PNWS to align with the Village of Pemberton’s metering project.
Neptune Technology Group has been contracted by the SLRD to install the water meters. The meter installation is expected to take place between 2025 and 2027. To qualify for the grant funding, all work must be complete by March 31, 2027.
Yes. The SLRD has mailed a letter to all affected residents detailing that Neptune Technology Group has been contracted by the SLRD to install the water meters. Specific notifications to resident around the timing of the installation at their address will be sent by Neptune.
Installations will be carried out on an area-by-area basis. As technicians move into your area, you will receive a notification containing information on how to book your appointment. Letters containing booking reference numbers and information on booking individual appointments that fit your schedule will be sent to you by mail.
The SLRD is amending its Water Rates and Regulations Bylaw to require all properties in the Pemberton North Water Service Area to be metered.
This means water meter installation is a condition of receiving water from the Village of Pemberton’s water system. The SLRD will work with property owners to ensure installation is as smooth and minimally disruptive as possible. If you have specific questions or concerns about meter installation at your property, you can email utilities@slrd.bc.ca.
The meters will only collect information about water usage. Data will be transmitted through secure, industry-standard infrastructure and will be used solely for water service planning, leak detection, and conservation purposes.
The installation requires 60-90 minutes to complete, during which time the water will be shut off for a brief period. There is no charge for the meter or the installation and there will be no changes to your billing. To learn more about the water meter please review a backgrounder from Neptune.
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Background
Pemberton North receives water through a bulk supply agreement with the Village of Pemberton. The system has undergone recent improvements, including watermain upgrades and a leak detection survey in 2019. Water use in the area has steadily increased over the past decade. Universal metering will help support long-term water conservation and system reliability.
The BC Water Meter Pilot Project is a $50-million provincial initiative launched in 2025. It supports small and rural communities in installing water meters to reduce leaks, improve drought planning, and manage water systems more effectively.
Nineteen small, rural and First Nations communities will benefit from nearly 15,000 new automated water meters that will be installed and this new water-monitoring program could save 1.5 billion litres a year. The program also includes research to study best practices and share lessons learned with other communities across British Columbia.
People in small and rural communities deserve reliable, affordable water services.
Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Contact information
SLRD Enviromental Services Department Email: utilities@slrd.bc.ca Phone: (604) 894-6371
Project Timeline
Contract awarded to Neptune Technology Group - September 2025
Completed
SLRD residents notified of installation dates - January 2026
