Water & Sewer Utilities
Information on Sewage rates, power outages, pre-authorized debit, and water information reports to consumers
Water & Sewer Utilities
Welcome to Milestone’s Water and Utility Services
At the Town of Milestone, we are dedicated to providing high-quality water and utility services to our residents. Our goal is to ensure that you have reliable access to clean water and efficient utility services that meet your daily needs. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what we offer:
Water Services
Our water services include the provision of clean drinking water to all residential and commercial properties within the town limits. We manage a state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plant that guarantees the highest water quality standards. Our water distribution system is designed to ensure access to safe and potable water at all times.
Water Rates (Effective July 1, 2024)
On May 23, 2023, Bylaw 2024-01 was passed to increase the Utility Rates as of July 1, 2024.
- Within the Town Limits:
- 0 to 3,000 Imperial Gallons: $52.67 Minimum
- 3,001 to 4,000 Imperial Gallons: $5.00 per 1,000 Imperial Gallons (or portion thereof)
- 4,001 to 999,999 Imperial Gallons: $7.50 per 1,000 Imperial Gallons (or portion thereof)
- Outside the Town Limits:
- 0 to 3,000 Imperial Gallons: $52.67 Minimum
- 3,001 to 4,000 Imperial Gallons: $5.00 per 1,000 Imperial Gallons (or portion thereof)
- 4,001 to 999,999 Imperial Gallons: $7.50 per 1,000 Imperial Gallons (or portion thereof)
Sewer Services
We provide comprehensive sewer services to manage the collection, treatment, and safe disposal of wastewater. Our infrastructure is maintained regularly to prevent any disruptions and to ensure the efficient operation of the sewage system.
Sewage Rates
- A flat rate per month per connection: $20.34
Household Garbage and Recycling
The Town of Milestone offers convenient garbage and recycling services to help maintain a clean and environmentally friendly community.
Rates
- Waste: $11.00 per month per cart
- Recycle: $11.17 per month per cart
Bulk Water Station
For those needing larger quantities of water, we offer a bulk water station located at 625 Railroad Avenue. This facility allows residents and businesses to fill water tanks and other large containers at an affordable rate of $5.00 per 100 imperial gallons. Please bring a hose and a 2″ female-to-female cam lock. An account is required to access water, and billing occurs monthly.
Infrastructure Rates
To support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our utility infrastructure, we have established a flat rate for infrastructure services.
Infrastructure Rates
- A flat rate per month per connection: $27.84
Interest Charges
An interest rate of 1.5 percent will be applied to outstanding balances over 30 days.
Billing and Payments
We offer convenient payment options for your utility bills, including online banking, in-person payments at the Municipal Office, and pre-authorized debit withdrawals. Our billing system is designed to be transparent and easy to understand, with monthly statements provided to keep you informed of your usage and charges.
Pre-Authorized Debit Withdrawal
For hassle-free utility bill payments, consider setting up automatic withdrawals. Complete the Payor’s PAD Agreement with fillable signature.
Power Outages
During power outages, the Public Works Department urges residents to reduce water consumption to ensure adequate water supply in case of emergencies and ease the burden on sewage lift stations.
Water Information
- 2023 Drinking Water Quality and Compliance
- 2022 Drinking Water Quality and Compliance
- 2021 Drinking Water Quality and Compliance
- 2020 Drinking Water Quality and Compliance
- 2019 Drinking Water Quality and Compliance
- 2018 Drinking Water Quality and Compliance
Drinking Water Treatment Plant
The Water Treatment Plant was constructed between 2016 and 2018, with a project cost of approximately $1.8M, including a Federal Contribution of $659,523.
Quarterly Water Rate Increases (2018-2025)
| Year | Minimum Water Rate (per 9,000 Gallons) | Bulk Water Rate (per 100 Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $76.50 | $5.00 |
| 2019 | $82.50 | $5.00 |
| 2021 | $82.50 | $5.00 |
| 2022 | $82.50 | $5.00 |
| 2023* | $105.00 | $5.00 |
| 2024** | $158.00 | $5.00 |
| 2025 | To Be Determined | To Be Determined |
*The 2023 rate was increased in July 2023 as per Bylaw 2023-04. **The 2024 rate was increased in July 2024 as per Bylaw 2024-01.
Utility Review and Rate Increase Information
The Town of Milestone completes comprehensive utility reviews to ensure we have sufficient revenue to cover utility operations, maintenance, and capital reinvestment costs or replacement projects. Below you will find information from the most recent review:
2024 Utility Review and Rate Increase Information
In the first quarter of 2024, a comprehensive utility review was conducted and revealed that the current utility rates were not adequately covering all necessary operational costs. To address this, the Town of Milestone increased utility rates effective July 1, 2024. Customers saw the new rates on the third-quarter utility notice at the beginning of July, 2024. The Town Council adopted the new rates as per Bylaw No. 2024-01, which was approved by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board (SMB) on May 23, 2024.
Purpose of the Rate Increase
The rate increase will cover:
- Regular operations and maintenance
- Capital replacement
- Reinvestment costs
Need for Rate Increase
The Town of Milestone has not conducted a comprehensive utility review in years, despite the rising costs of providing services. Without the rate increase, more severe or urgent increases may be needed in the future. To prevent a larger funding gap and to support future infrastructure needs, this rate increase is necessary now. Details from the utility review can be found in Appendix A.
Residential Customers Rate Information
- Water Rate: Increase from $105.00 to $158.00 per quarter. The base rate covers 0-9,000 gallons, and rates for usage exceeding 9,000 gallons per quarter remain unchanged.
- Sewer Rate: Decrease from $90.00 to $61.00 per quarter.
- Infrastructure Rate: Increase from $60.00 to $83.50 per quarter.
- Recycling Rate: Increase from $29.70 to $33.50 per quarter.
- Waste Rate: Increase from $27.78 to $33.00 per quarter.
Utility Rates Comparison
| Utility | Current Utility Rate | 3-Year Review Average | Difference | July 1, 2024 Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | $105.00 | $157.98 | ($52.98) | $158.00 |
| Sewer | $90.00 | $61.27 | $28.73 | $61.00 |
| Recycle | $29.70 | $33.43 | ($3.73) | $33.50 |
| Loraas | $27.78 | $32.82 | ($5.04) | $33.00 |
| Infrastructure | $60.00 | $83.33 | ($23.33) | $83.50 |
| Quarter Total | $312.48 | $368.83 | ($56.35) | $369.00 |
Outstanding Accounts
Despite transferring amounts to the tax roll in December each year, there remains a significant number of outstanding accounts at year-end, as shown in the table below:
| Outstanding Accounts (Aged Analysis as of December 31) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-30 Days | ($2,333) | $15,417 | ($1,744) | ($1,887) | $8,257 | ($850) | ($566) |
| 31-60 Days | $20,268 | $0 | $243 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 61-90 Days | ($3,584) | ($549) | $10,804 | ($128) | ($187) | ($352) | ($155) |
| Over 90 Days | $3,378 | $2,171 | $9,148 | $24,343 | $16,224 | $29,765 | $27,322 |
| Total Outstanding | $17,728 | $17,039 | $18,450 | $22,328 | $24,294 | $28,563 | $26,601 |
To address this, we have decided to implement an interest rate on these outstanding balances. Effective July 1, 2024, an interest rate of 1.5 percent will be applied to all outstanding amounts aged over 30 days.
By understanding and adapting to these changes, we can ensure the continued provision of high-quality utility services in Milestone. Thank you for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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