Reduction in Water Rate Approved for Region of Queens Water Utility Customers

December 22, 2023, Liverpool, NS:  Customers of the Region of Queens Water Utility will see a one-time reduction to their water consumption rate reflected in their quarterly invoice dated January 1, 2024as the result of a decision by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB). Nova Scotia UARB is the regulatory body that oversees water utility rates.

“Council is pleased that Nova Scotia UARB approved our Water Utility’s application for a 70% rate reduction to the current billing cycle. The reduced bill will help to cover some of the expenses incurred by Water Utility Customers during this summer’s eight-week boil water advisory,” said Mayor Darlene Norman.

Following the electrical storms in early August that damaged components essential to the water treatment process, a boil water advisory was put in effect by the Region of Queens Water Utility.  The boil water advisory was in effect for eight weeks, during which repairs to the damaged electrical equipment were made and required water testing took place to ensure the water was consistently within parameters for safe use. The Water Utility provides water to residences, businesses, schools, long term care homes, and food and beverage producers located in Liverpool and parts of Brooklyn. 

The correspondence received from Nova Scotia UARB to advise of the approval of the application noted that “the Utility’s response to the power surge, over which they had no control, was reasonable. … 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.”

Costs incurred by Region of Queens Water Utility are funded by the fees for service by the customers of the Utility and are not part of the general tax rate of the Municipality. The one-time reduction to the rate of consumption will be funded through a previously unused Water Utility reserve.