The District of Saanich meters all water consumed by customers with the exception of those residents in rural areas who are on wells. There are approximately 30,000 water meters in Saanich. Meters are read once every four months and utility accounts are billed once every four months.
Sewer Charges on the Utility Bill
Utility accounts within the Sewer Service Area are charged a municipal sewer usage fee, a CRD sewer treatment charge, and a fixed monthly sewer charge. Effective January 1st 2010, the sewer usage fee is $0.59 per cubic metre ($2.67 per 1,000 gallons),the CRD sewer treatment charge is $0.325 per cubic meter ($1.48 per 1,000 gallons), and the monthly sewer charge is $2.58.
The sewer usage fees are based on the lowest of the three water consumption billings of the year, plus fixed charges. The cost to individual customers will depend on how much water is used. Using the lowest consumption ensures that summer irrigation will not affect your sewer usage cost.
Please refer to the Sanitary Sewer Bylaw for details regarding rates.
Water Charges on the Utility Bill 
Utility accounts are charged for water consumption (in cubic metres) and a fixed monthly water charge. Effective January 1, 2010, the water consumption rate is $1.083 per cubic metre ($4.92 per 1,000 gallons) for regular users. The agricultural service connection rate (farm rate) is $0.211 per cubic metre ($0.96 per 1,000 gallons). The monthly charge varies according to the size of the meter. For example, the monthly charge is $2.80 for a 12.5 mm (½") meter service and $3.75 for a 19mm (3/4") meter service. Large residential customers may also be charged a surcharge depending on the number of units and size of the water service. A new utility account that requires a special meter reading is charged a $25.00 fee.
Please refer to the Water Utility Bylaw for details regarding rates.
Utility bills are payable upon receipt. A 5% penalty is added if unpaid after 30 days from the date of the bill. The provision of water is considered to be a service to the property and therefore any amount unpaid as at December 31 may be transferred as a charge on property taxes.
Seven Ways to Pay Your Utility Bill:
- By telephone/computer (Internet): You can pay your utility bill by telephone or via the Internet by making the applicable arrangements with your financial institution.
- On the Saanich Website: You can pay your utility bill on the District of Saanich website by using a credit card to make payment.
- The Utility Billing Direct Debit Payment Plan
- At your bank: You can pay your utility bill at most financial institutions.
- By mail: Send your payment to: Saanich Utility Billing, 770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria BC V8X 2W7. Post dated cheques are accepted. Make cheques payable to "Saanich Utility Dept".
- 24 Hour Drop Box: There is a Drop Box located at the entrance to the Municipal Hall off of the parking lot for your convenience.
- Pay In Person: Bring your utility bill to the Cashier on the main floor of the Municipal Hall at 770 Vernon Avenue. Interac is accepted. We are open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday, our phone number is 475-5445.
Direct Debit Payment Plan
The Utility Billing Direct Debit Payment Plan is an optional payment plan which authorizes the District of Saanich to automatically transfer your utility account balance on each billing due date (approximately every four months) from a chequing account at any Canadian financial institution.
To apply, complete and SIGN the Authorization Form (PDF 9KB) in this brochure and return it with a VOID blank cheque to the following address.
Saanich Utility Billing
770 Vernon Avenue
Victoria BC V8X 2W7
Eligibility Guidelines
- Only available to property owners.
- You need to have chequing privileges at a Financial Institution in Canada.
- An Authorization Form (PDF 9KB) must be completed and submitted with a blank cheque marked "VOID".
Payment Amount
- The payment amount will be the balance as indicated on your Utility Bill (once every four months). This amount will be different for each Utility Bill based on water consumption.
Payment Dates
- Direct Debit payments will be debited on the due date as indicated on your Utility Bill.
Interest on credit balances
- Payments are credited to your utility account. Interest is not payable in the event of a credit balance on the utility account.
Utility Bill
- When you receive your Utility Bill (approximately every four months), it will indicate the total amount due which will be automatically transferred from your bank account. It will also indicate the due date on which the amount will be withdrawn from your bank account.
Dishonoured Payments
- All dishonoured payments will be subject to a service charge set by the District of Saanich
- The District of Saanich may cancel enrolment in the Direct Debit Payment Plan if two payments are not honoured by the financial Institution.
Requesting Changes
Written notification to the District of Saanich is required 30 days prior to a payment date for the following changes:
- Selling your property
- Changing your bank account, bank or branch
- Withdrawal from the Direct Debit Payment Plan.
Are you Moving?
Whether you are a tenant that is moving or an owner that is selling your property, the Utility Billing Department needs to know. Tenants need to contact our department to arrange for a Special Reading and a final billing. Owners or their conveyancing lawyer should contact Utility Billing when an adjustment date has been decided for your property. Utility Billing will do a Special Reading of the water meter to finalize billing for the old owner and start the billing for the new owner. Failure to contact this department when a property sells can result in a new owner being billed for an old owner’s water and sewage usage.
New owners should be aware that Utility Billing charges are a charge against the property and a previous owner’s unpaid bill will become the new owner’s responsibility.
Water Meter Access
The Water Utility Bylaw states that owners shall clear or trim any bush, trees, weeds or other forms of vegetation which hinders or impedes access to the meter from the boulevard and further provides for municipal crews to do the work, if necessary, at the expense of the owner.
Please have a look at our Water Meter Access brochure for information and tips on finding and maintaining access to your water meter. Water Meter Access Brochure PDF (452KB)
Water Leaks
Billing adjustments are available for an underground leak that has consumed an above average amount of water. Effective January 1, 2009 leak adjustments will only apply to underground leaks in the water line between the meter and the serviced building. Once the leak is located and fixed please phone the Utility Billing Department at 250-475-5445 for a Leak Adjustment form.
Leak adjustments do not apply to:
- Indoor fixtures – toilets, faucets
- Washing machines
- Hot water tanks
- Sprinkler / Irrigation systems
- Swimming pools
- Decorative ponds / fountains
Please have a look at our Water Meter Access brochure which also has tips for checking your water system for a leak. Water Meter Access Brochure PDF (452KB)
Watering Restrictions, Rebates and Water Conservation
For information on water restrictions, rebates and water conservation, please visit the Capital Region District website.
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