With Phase 3 of Squamish's Water Conservation Strategy in
effect, council spent an hour of this week's strategy session discussing
different conservation strategies, the result of a motion passed by Councillor
Patricia Heintzman in July.
"Certainly, the most fertile ground in water conservation
is metering," said Community Services Director Mick Gottardi.
Currently, the district requires all new multi-family
developments to include water meters. Heintzman hopes to see old housing stock
similarly treated. Further, she would like the district to require low flush
toilets be installed in residences, as well.
"A point we want to make is that it's not just an
environmental issue. It's an infrastructural issue in terms of costs to the
district," she said.
Relevant changes are expected to the B.C. Building Code come
September, according to Gottardi.
"When we see the specifics," he continued, "we
can look and see what, if anything, we would like to add."
Any new strategy would require public consultation, added
Gottardi.
Councillor Raj Kahlon said he would not support any motion to
borrow for the installment of fixtures. "To me, it's the simplest thing in
the world. Gas prices go up, consumption goes down. Put the meters there and
set the rates."
Councillor Jeff McKenzie called on Gottardi to determine the
biggest consumer of water in district boundaries and quantify the associated
bill.
Further discussion is scheduled for September.
