Kamloops water rate set to increase by 10 per cent, shift to variable consumption charge

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops is on track with its expected water utility rate increase for 2027, although residents may get more control over how much their bill will be. 

During Tuesday’s (July 28) Committee of the Whole meeting, Kamloops council unanimously approved the average waterworks fee increase of 10 per cent for 2027. The increase projects to about $16 for the average household. 

As part of the water utility rate update, city staff introduced a gradual shift from fixed charges to a cost based on variable consumption. 

Under the proposed variable consumption charge bylaw, the city would reduce the water allotment for residential metered customers throughout the year. The allotment would decrease from 45,000 litres to 30,000 litres in the fall and winter quarters and from 90,000 litres to 60,000 litres in the spring and summer quarters.