Residents served by the Region of Queens Water Utility can anticipate a welcomed relief in their upcoming quarterly water bills. Effective January 1, 2024, customers will benefit from a one-time 70% reduction in their water consumption rate, courtesy of a decision by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB), the regulatory authority overseeing water utility rates in the province.
Mayor Darlene Norman expressed satisfaction with the UARB’s approval of the Water Utility’s application for the rate reduction. She emphasized that the reduced billing cycle is intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens borne by Water Utility customers during the recent eight-week boil water advisory.
The advisory, triggered by electrical storms in early August, resulted in damage to critical components of the water treatment process. The Region of Queens Water Utility promptly implemented a boil water advisory, which remained in effect for eight weeks. During this period, essential repairs were made to the damaged electrical equipment, and rigorous water testing ensured that water quality consistently met safety standards. The affected areas included residences, businesses, schools, long-term care homes, and food and beverage producers in Liverpool and parts of Brooklyn.
The Nova Scotia UARB’s correspondence, endorsing the Water Utility’s response to the unforeseen power surge, acknowledged that the situation was beyond the utility’s control. The UARB noted, “The boil water advisory was a reasonable response to a situation that was beyond the control of the Utility. I can think of no other response that would have ensured the safety of the drinking water.”
The costs incurred by the Region of Queens Water Utility are covered by service fees paid by utility customers and are not part of the general tax rate of the Municipality. To finance the one-time reduction in the rate of consumption, funds will be drawn from a previously untapped Water Utility reserve.
