Utility Billing

Where the recorded water consumption is abnormal and caused by leaks originating on the customer side of the meter service box or chamber, the customer may qualify for a leak adjustment depending on the nature of the leak.

The leakage of water must have been caused by circumstances beyond the customer's control, such as a break in the service line, a mechanical malfunction, water theft, vandalism, or unusual or emergency conditions.

Tangible proof will be required that all leaks have been repaired (i.e. repair receipts) and Municipal staff reserve the right to inspect the repair prior to considering a leak adjustment.

A customer has no more than sixty (60) days from the date of billing, to formally register a complaint or dispute with North Cowichan regarding the amount of any water bill.

For many properties, the first suspicion of a leak occurs when high water consumption is noticed on the water bill. 

Property owners have a responsibility to check for water leaks. To do this, first make sure that there is no water being used in the house. Look at the meter to see if it is spinning and if it is, it's possible that you have a leak. If you have a leak, you will need to look around to try to find the source. The most likely sources are toilets, faucets, showerheads, and sprinkler systems. If you are unable to determine the source of the leak, you may need to contact a plumber.

If it is one of these sources, no leak adjustment will be made. Only leaks in the main water line are eligible for adjustments. You must contact our office within a few days of discovering the leak.  Advise us immediately as you have no more than 60 days from your last bill's invoice date to detect, repair and submit a leak application to the office.

The customer shall assume responsibility for the normal amount of water consumed at the current retail rate plus 50% of the water consumed as a result of the leak at the current retail rate.  

The maximum amount a customer shall be required to pay is one thousand dollars ($1,000) per residential or two thousand dollars ($2,000) per commercial, industrial or institutional unit.

Only one leak adjustment per property within a 5 year water consumption period shall be permitted.

A Leak Adjustment Application needs to be filled out and completed in order to process a possible leak credit within sixty (60) days of the billing date.

• Leak Adjustment Application (PDF)
• According to the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 3903, 2023 there is a water leak administration fee in the amount of $50.00.

Fill out the Leak Adjustment Application, accompanied by receipts for parts or labour to show the leak has been repaired, and submit within 60 days to:

finance@northcowichan.ca or

Municipality of North Cowichan

7030 Trans-Canada Highway

Duncan, BC V9L 6A1

Using more than the allowable amount of water (the residential municipal average) may indicate that you have a leak in your water system. Repair water leaks quickly to reduce excess consumption and conserve water.

Commercial water customers are billed quarterly for both their flat rate charge and any applicable excess charges. Commercial users are allowed 95 cubic meters (21,000 imperial gallons) consumption for a three month cycle, per user. If you go over those amounts, your quarterly bill will include excess charges.

The flat rate charge for water, plus excess water use charges, is billed three times per year on utility bill statements. Water meters are read three times per year, in January, May and September. Residents are allowed 126 cubic meters (28,000 imperial gallons) consumption for a four month cycle, per user. If you go over that amount, you will receive an additional excess charge on your utility bill.

View the current and upcoming rates at Water and Sewer Rates.