Rural Water & Sewer Service

With colder temperatures approaching, as of Oct. 21, all new construction work to connect homes to municipal infrastructure is on hold until spring 2023. Work with an approved permit already in place can be completed after Oct. 21.

Over the winter, you may still start your RWSS application and continue making arrangements to connect your home. New contractor quotes should be submitted in the spring ahead of the 2023 construction season to ensure quotes are accurate and still valid. This change to the application process was made this year to help avoid construction and warranty issues that homeowners and contractors were encountering.

While construction is paused over the winter months, we want to help you move your RWSS application along. Connect with us through Pulse, and a project contact will follow up to answer your questions and assist with your application.

The RWSS program is upgrading the water and sewer infrastructure in the communities of Anzac, Conklin,Gregoire Lake Estates, Janvier and Saprae Creek Estates.

Construction began in 2017 to build the infrastructure needed to provide piped water and sewer servicing to these rural communities. Once municipal infrastructure is available, the next step is to connect homes via the service connections.

Rural Water and Sewer Service Connections are available in the following communities:

• Saprae Creek Estates
• Conklin
• Janvier

See the application process below.

Residential Service Connection Plan

The RWSS Residential Service Connection Plan outlines how residential lot owners access municipal infrastructure. The plan will be administered by the Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw. It includes:

Service connection design and required permits
Connection from municipal infrastructure at the property line to the home
Supply and installation of sewage tank, water cistern and pump, as required
Installation of electrical line from existing electric source to the pump
Restoration of private property impacted by construction activity

Upgrades to existing plumbing and electrical system are not included in the RWSS Residential Service Connection Plan.

Lot owners will be responsible for installation of service connection at their lot. Design and installation of service connection must be signed-off by certified party on the current Alberta Municipal Affairs, Private Sewage Systems Installer Certification List.

Note: Homeowners are responsible for any additional costs beyond the program limits such as selecting an oversized tank, locating the tank to fit future construction and any upgrades to existing plumbing and electrical systems.

Cost

Through the RWSS Residential Service Connection Plan, residential lot owners will be charged a Service Connection Fee to connect to municipal infrastructure.

Saprae Creek Estates

$200 application fee
$9,800 lump sum per residential lot or $65 bi-monthly for 25 years

Janvier, Conklin, Anzac, and Gregoire Lake Estates

$200 application fee
$15,800 lump sum per residential lot or $105 bi-monthly for 25 years

Payment

Service Connection Fees may be paid in one lump-sum payment at the time of installation or added to utility bills and amortized over a period of twenty-five years. Payment can be made online.

Duration

The Residential Service Connection Plan will be in effect until 2028, or until 5 years after the date municipal infrastructure is available at the lot, whichever is earlier. After that time, lot owners will be responsible for the full cost of service connection, and Municipal trucked water delivery and wastewater collection will discontinue.

Eligibility

The RWSS Residential Service Connection Plan applies to existing residential lots only. It does not apply to commercial lots.

Submit an application

Review the Homeowner Service Connection Guide.
Fill out the following forms. For assistance with completing the forms, contact Pulse.
Submit the application to rwss.applications@rmwb.ca or at your local Contact Office.
Submit payment.

Construction progress

Anzac

Status: Construction continues on the main sewer lines in Anzac.

Service connections: Several technical and environmental factors have impacted the original scheduled timeline. A new timeline is being determined and will be posted once established.

Conklin

Status: Construction of the required municipal infrastructure is 80% complete. The work on the remaining 20% comprises of water and sewer pipes, two small lift stations and the associated road rehabilitation on Christina Lake Drive and Father Mercredi’s Trail.
The work will start in early 2023 on the west end of Father Mercredi’s trail and will progress in phases towards the east end past Jack Fish River up to the property line of the Christina Lake Lodge lot. All phases are expected to be complete by November 2025.

Service connections: Available in complete areas as of September 2020. Learn how to connect.

Gregoire Lake Estates

Status: Construction continues on the main sewer lines in Gregoire Lake Estates.

Service connections: Several technical and environmental factors have impacted the original scheduled timeline. A new timeline is being determined and will be posted once established.

Janvier

Status: Construction of all municipal infrastructure is complete.

Service connections: Available as of September 2020. Learn how to connect.

Saprae Creek Estates

Status: Construction of all municipal infrastructure is complete.

Service connections: Available as of September 2020. Learn how to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Does the contractor submit the invoice and then RMWB provides payment?

Yes. The invoice is to be submitted after the completion of work.

What happens if the contractor's estimate and the RMWB's estimate are substantially different?

The homeowner must obtain a revised quote from the same contractor, get a new quote from another contractor, or appeal the decision by providing reasoning of the cost to the Appeal Committee.

What are the expected dates for hook up?

Rural Water and Sewer Servicing Program in all six southern rural communities is divided in 17 contracts. These contracts are in various stages of design and construction. Under these contracts the municipal infrastructure (water and sewer main pipes up to the property line, lift stations, reservoir, manholes, hydrants) are being constructed. Once this municipal infrastructure is constructed and connected to water and wastewater treatment facilities, the hook will start. The hookup date varies from community to community. For more details and the most recent update on the timeline, please view the Construction Progress section.

Will existing systems be able to be used?

Yes, homeowner can use the existing system. However, after five years of municipal infrastructure available at the lot, the property owners will be responsible for the full cost of service connection, and Municipal trucked water delivery and wastewater collection will discontinue.

If the cost is added to the utility bill, is the unpaid balance passed onto the new owners if we sell?

Yes, any payment/installments of the Rural Water and Sere Service Connection fee in arears and outstanding shall be added to the tax roll of the parcel or property in accordance with section 553 of the Municipal Government Act.

Can we do it ourselves? Do we need to hire a contractor to do it or just have proper inspections done after its installed?

The service connection work needs to be designed and constructed by certified installer/contractor in the list of Alberta Municipal Affairs.

Is hooking up into the system mandatory?

Connecting to the Water and Sewage Service is not mandatory but it is highly recommended. After the five-year period, the Municipality will no longer be subsidizing any trucking service for the area and the full cost will be paid by the property owner.

Can I sell my house without hooking up to RWSS?

There are no restrictions in selling your house. However, if you or the future buyer decide to tie into the system within the five-year period, the connection cost will be significantly lower than once the five-year period expires.

What if I have a vacant lot and build after five years, do I have to hook up?

If the vacant lot is built after five years of the funding period, no funding will be available from the RMWB and the cost of service connection will with the homeowner.

What if I plan to construct a building on my lot in the future? Can I locate my tank to suit my future need?

Homeowners are responsible for any additional costs beyond the program limits such as selecting an oversized tank, locating the tank to fit future construction and any upgrades to existing plumbing and electrical systems

Utility Billing

Once I connect to the Rural Water and Sewer System, how much will my utility bills be?

You will receive a utility bill every two months. Your bill will always contain the following charges:

Rural Water Sewer Connection fee: Depending on how you chose to finance your connection, this rate could vary. For most homes, the Rural Water and Sewer Connection fee will be $65.00. On your first utility bill after connecting, this fee will likely be $68.25, as it is prorated. Review a sample of your first utility bill.

Fixed Water fee: $42.56

Water Consumption fee: a variable rate of $0.88/m3, and is based on how much water you consume and is measured from your water meter.

Fixed Sewer fee: $21.82

Sewer Consumption fee: a variable rate of $0.52/m3, and is calculated using the same amount of water you consumed, but at a lower rate.

Garbage collection fee: fixed rate of $53.16 (includes waste disposal fees, recycling and curbside collection)

A sample utility bill

How are these charges calculated?

These above rates are based on a residential water meter that is 16 mm or 19 mm in size. There are different rates for larger water metres and higher rates for homes in Fort McMurray. Although it’s unlikely your home has a bigger water meter than 19 mm, it is possible. If your water meter is a different size, your rate can be found in the Council approved Fees, Rates and Charges bylaw (No. 21/019).

Based on an average consumption of 20 cubic metres, your estimated bi-monthly utility bill after connecting will be $210.54. These are 2022 rates from the Council approved Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw (No. 21/019). This bylaw is updated annually, typically in the first quarter. It’s customary to see increases to utility rates as part of the bylaw updates. The rates in the approved, current bylaw are what will be reflected on your utility bill.

Why does the sewage metered rate match the water metered rate on my bill, if a significant amount of the water I’m using is for landscaping or outdoor use?

The variable sewer charge on your bi-monthly bill is based on the amount of metered water that you use, but it is a discounted rate. There is no way to meter the amount of sewer used, and this practice is in line with other municipal utility rates.

How do my rural utility charges compare to Fort McMurray utility charges?

Water and sewer rates in the rural communities are lower than in Fort McMurray.

	Water: Fixed + Variable Fee	Sewer: Fixed + Variable Fee
Urban Service Area - Residential	$37.23 + $0.88 /m3	$18.17 + 0.52/m3
Rural Service Area - Residential	$21.28 + $0.88/m	$10.91 + 0.52/m3
The variable fees above reflect a standard meter size of 16mm & 19mm. Other meter sizes are reflected in the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw

Water Systems

What will the rate of water flow be to my cistern and how long will it take for my cistern to fill?

On average the flow rate will be approximately two liters /minute. From empty, it will take a cistern of 1,000 gallons or 4,500 liters approximately 38 hours to fill. After that the tank will keep filling as per the usage.

Why was the trickle fill water system chosen for Janvier?

The trickle fill system was chosen in Janvier primarily due to population projections not warranting full pressure water distribution. The trickle fill system is a common method of piped water distribution used in rural communities. Full pressure water requires larger water mains and to prevent water from becoming stagnant a minimum flow of water is required. Achieving this minimum flow is difficult in areas of low-density housing.

What are the benefits of the trickle fill water system over trucked supply system?

The trickle fill water system is used in rural areas as it is more economical, reliable and environmentally friendly than the truck fill system. Additionally, this system delivers immediate water and is conveniently provided without the need to coordinate truck delivery.

If I have a cistern inside my basement can I have a new cistern outside?

Homeowners or their selected certified contractor will determine where cistern is to be located.

How is the wastewater pushed to the wastewater treatment plants or Lagoons? Can you install a lift station in Saprae Creek Estates that will push material to the airport wastewater system?

Wastewater from homes is collected in Municipal Pipes which bring the material to various Lift Stations from there it is sent further away to either Wastewater Plant or Lagoon. A Lift Station has been constructed within the Saprae Creek Fire Hall. For more details and the most recent update on the timeline please view the Construction Progress section.

Sewer Systems

What are the benefits of the low-pressure sewer system that the Municipality is proposing versus the septic field system that homeowners are currently maintaining?

A benefit to the low-pressure sewer system is that ground water pollution is avoided by the sewage travelling through the municipal collection system and getting treated at the wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, the land currently dedicated for septic fields is freed up and can be re-purposed for other uses. The system is also useful where septic fields cannot be developed due to high underground water or proximity to water bodies or where cost to replace older septic system is excessive.

Do I need to replace my existing tank? Who will determine if my tank can be reused?

Under the May 12, 2020 approved Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009, the homeowner’s certified contractor will determine if the existing tank can be used or otherwise.

What’s the difference between Grinder & STEP pump?

A grinder pump is a pump that chops up solids and pumps them into the sewer main. A Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) only pumps the liquid part of the effluent into the sewer main.

How much is it to replace a Grinder pump?

Grinder pumps can range from $ 2000-$3500 to replace. For average-size households and similar capacity of pumps, the replacement and maintenance cost of Effluent pump is less than the Grinder pump.

Where will electrical panels be located? Where will the power come from?

Control panels for the pumps and level controls can be located inside or outside the home. Power will be supplied from the homeowner’s electrical panel. Please note that under the Council’s approved Service Connection Plan of November 26, 2019, upgrades to existing plumbing and electrical system is not included in the service connection scope and must be borne by the homeowners.

Are new pumps included in the proposed cost?

Yes, pumps are included.

ill RMWB consider passing on pump warranties to the homeowner and warrantee on the work?

Under the May 12, 2020 approved Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009, the homeowner will be required to select a certified contractor. The homeowner can discuss passing on standard manufacturing warranties and standard warranty on the construction work.

Can old septic fields/mounds stay in the ground?

Under the May 12, 2020 approved Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009, homeowners and contractors are required to discontinue the use of existing septic disposable system upon completion the service connection.

If an existing tank needs to be removed, who covers the cost?

The RWSS program covers the costs to fill the old tank with approved materials such as sand.

If I have a low-pressure sewer system, how will I be protected from sewer back-up?

The proposed system will have two check valves in the pump chamber which prevents backflow into the tank, and a high-level alarm in the tank to warn of potential problems. It is recommended that all residents with a basement or crawl space, have a backwater valve installed between the home and the tank, to prevent sewage backups into the home.

What type of septic tank is required?

The proposed tanks require two chambers; the first is the sludge chamber and the second is the pump chamber for liquid effluent. The pump chamber should be sized for an additional 24-hour storage utilizing the free space available within the sludge and pump chambers in the event of power outage or pump failure.

What is the main difference between the tanks required for this project and the one required under Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice (APSSSOP) 2015?

The basic difference is that the Municipality’s design requires additional 24-hour effluent storage volume within the pumping chamber utilizing the free space available within the sludge and pump chambers.

How is the size of tank determined?

The sewage from your household will go directly to the sludge chamber. The volume of this chamber is to be determined as per the requirement of Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice (APSSSOP) 2015. The pump chamber accepts the liquid from the sludge chamber, and it is sized for the pump’s operating volume plus 24-hour of effluent emergency storage as noted above.

Maintenance and Rollout

Can the Municipality install water and sewer up to the property line of each lot and let property owners install the septic tank and water cistern and other infrastructures on their own?

The Municipality has considered this option. However, to ensure quality control, permitting, and inspection requirements are followed, the homeowner is required to be a certified contractor or hire a certified contractor to design and construct. Please refer to Service Connection Design Guidelines and Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009 for further details.

What if I do not want this system upgrade?

Under the May 12, 2020 approved Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009, section 7, homeowners may opt to not to participate and may continue to use existing water and wastewater systems without any subsidy from the Municipality once the five-year period expires. Under section 8 of the Bylaw, no new permits or renewals will be issued, except on a case-to-case basis at the sole discretion of the Municipality.
Please note that homeowners are given five years to connect for a fee of $16,000 (Anzac, Conklin, Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates and Janvier) or $10,000 (Saprae Creek Estates). It is hoped that residents will be encouraged to connect by the benefits that the system provides, as well as the cost savings that it enables. After the five-year period, the property owners will be responsible for the full cost of the service connection or the water and wastewater servicing.

My house is set back from the road and as such the water and sewer pipes to my house will be in a common driveway. How will I maintain this pipe in-case of freezing or other failures?

The Municipality is aware of this situation and has accordingly obtained easements wherever required. This will allow the Municipality to create separate service connections for each lot. Please contact PULSE and request discussion on this issue from the RWSS team.

What if any of the service pipe(s) breaks?

The RMWB will repair the RWSS systems up to the property line, however, the homeowner will be responsible for repairs of the system on their private lots. This is the standard practice within the region and in other municipalities where similar systems exist.

Regarding lots with easements, do I get my own pipe?

Yes, every lot will get its own pipe.

Will there be hydrants in Janvier?

No, Janvier’s water system will be a trickle fill water system which uses smaller diameter pipe instead of a full pressure water system. Hydrants will not be installed in this community as the smaller diameter pipes cannot provide the necessary flow or pressure required.

If there are any issues with lift stations and/or pump houses, how will this affect homeowners?

Lift stations and pump houses are designed with several safeguards in place to mitigate risk to homeowners.

How will connections to future developments and/or subdivisions be dealt with?

On September 23, 2014, Council stated that any new subdivisions and developments will be required to connect to the water and sewer systems and that the cost of these private connections, and development services fee, will be the full responsibility of the property owner or developer. Please also read section 22 and 23 on the May 12, 2020 approved Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009 RWSS Bylaws.

With low pressure sewers, how is the solid waste handled? Will there be a scheduled pump out to deal with solids?

Solid waste will remain in the first chamber of the Septic Tank and will need to be sucked out periodically. It will be homeowner’s responsibility to arrange for pump out. Depending upon the specific size of the tank and water use, the average pump out will be required every 3 years.

Will I need to put a pump in my tank?

Pumps are dependent on the type of system being installed on your lot. If your home is connecting to a low-pressure sewer, your tank will require a pump in the tank.

What is the isolation between the property line? Can there be valves(cc) to switch on and off the RMWB system for residents?

All water and low-pressure sewer service connections have a buried isolation valve near the property line. Only Municipal staff will have access to these valves.

Do we need to upgrade our electrical for the supply of the pumps?

The RWSS guidelines recommend a pump that does not require upgrades to the commonly used electrical system. If the existing system is not up to standards then it will be the homeowner’s responsibility to upgrade the system. Please refer to the Service Connection Plan for more details.

Will there be a contractual agreement to prevent people from mistreating their systems?

Yes. The design, construction and maintenance of service connections is administered by various bylaws. Please refer to the May 12, 2020 approved Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009 for further details.

Will AHS/AER issue new permits for septic fields and/or septic tanks if residents don’t want to install the new system?

Under the May 12, 20202 approved Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw 20/009, renewals or new permits will not be issued after the expiry of the five years from the date the municipal infrastructure is available at the lot.

Who will maintain the fire hydrants in Saprae Creek Estates and what are their pressure ratings?

The fire hydrants at Saprae Creek Estates will be maintained by Underground Utilities, a branch of the Environmental Service Department of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

The range of hydrant pressure is between 60-90 pounds per square inch (psi). On average, the pressure is 70-80 psi.

Saprae Creek Estates Open House

Is the recording of the open house on May 10, 2021 available?

Yes, the recording can be found on here.

Has the RMWB had any interviews with the listed contractors to ensure they are prepared and qualified to perform the newly required hook ups?

Yes, we contacted the majority of the contractors listed for the Fort McMurray area and informed them of the program and its requirements.

Can we obtain multiple estimates, or are we supposed to select one contractor and get one quote?

As part of the RWSS application process, a minimum of two quotes are required. The homeowner can choose to obtain multiple quotes upfront or one quote at a time. The homeowner must let The Rural Water and Sewer Servicing Application Committee know if multiple contractors are acceptable to the homeowner or if there is a preference of anyone over the other. The RWSS Application Committee will review the quote and only accept the one that is most reasonable and within the RWSS budget for the house. The homeowner has the responsibility of choosing the contractor or contractors.

How many people need to sign up for the system to work? We understand it’s a minimum number to maintain a low pressure what happens if there aren’t enough people signed up? Do we get pumped out until there is enough?

The RMWB has chosen to allow each applicant to connect to the system and increase the frequency of flushing the lines until enough residents connect. Our maintenance department will maintain the lines at more frequent intervals to handle the early low flow in the system. According to the Rural Area Water and Wastewater Bylaw 20/09, section 7, the subsidized trucking to collect wastewater will continue until the five-year deadline for connection.

Who covers the cost of decommissioning existing tanks and removal/disposal of existing fields/mounds?

The price of decommissioning the tank at site through suitable fill material is included in the program, the cost of decommissioning the septic field is the homeowner's responsibility.

Can a Contractor not on the Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Private Sewage System Installer Certification List be hired?

No, all contractors that wish to work on the RWSS program must be part of the Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Private Sewage System Installer Certification List.

Can a contractor not on the Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Private Sewage System Installer Certification List pull the permits needed?

No, as stated in the question above, the contractor must be on the Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Private Sewage System Installer Certification List. The Service Connection Design Guidelines as well as the Homeowner Service Connection Guide outlines who can obtain the permits.

Who oversees getting the appropriate permits and who pays for them?

The cost of the permits is covered by the RMWB. The contractor providing the quote to the homeowner must include their cost for getting the permits as well as the cost for preparation and coordination of getting said permits. The Service Connection Design Guidelines as well as the Homeowner Service Connection Guide outlines who can obtain the permits.

Is the warranty for the work available through the contractor or the RMWB?

All warranties will be dealt with between the homeowner and the chosen contractor. Please inquire about the warranties with your chosen contractor. Please note the contract would be between the homeowner and the chosen contractor.

Can a contractor submit the quote directly to the RMWB?

The homeowner must inform the RMWB that a contractor has been chosen and this contractor will submit the quote directly to the RMWB.

Will the grey water tank still need to be sucked out? How often?

When connected to the RWSS system, the wastewater from the dwelling will first be collected in the first chamber/compartment also known as the Sludge Chamber/Compartment. Most of the solids settle in the first chamber/compartment and the liquid part (containing less than 1/8 inch of solids) of the wastewater goes to the second chamber also known as the Pumping Chamber/Compartment. This liquid part is pumped regularly to the Municipal Main by the pump. However, the solids also known as sludge, collected in the first chamber will have to be removed periodically. The time before it needs to be sucked out will depend on the use and care of the system adopted in each dwelling. The industrial average is three years.

Who creates the contract between us and the contractor? Is there a sample of it somewhere?

The contract is between the homeowner and the chosen contractor. As such, there is no sample contract available, but you can contact any contractor on the approved list for a sample contract.

Why is the RMWB not taking full responsibility for the installation rather than having homeowners choose a contractor?

This aspect was considered before the start of the program and after careful consideration, it was decided that the homeowner should control the timing and construction on their private lot.

Does the RMWB take responsibility of remediation after the work is done? For example, decks, patios, and landscaping?

The contractor must price the work to restore the site to the same or better condition than found and include it in the quote. Any upgrade to any part of the lot or building shall be homeowner’s responsibility and shall not be included in the quote.

Will material shortages or rise in material cost affect the contractors and the timelines?

Any industry-wide delay and/or price increase has a potential to affect any construction project. However, the contractor will consider supplier prices in order to provide an adequate quote. Once the contract is in place, the price will not change. As for timelines, it is up to the contractor to complete the project within the time given. In rare circumstances, usually outside their control, material may be delayed.

Why are there so many approved contractors on the provided list?

The Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Private Sewage System Installer Certification list contains contractors across the entire province and is updated regularly. However, the list of approved contractors in Fort McMurray is substantially low in comparison to the entire list.

Who is responsible for any code upgrades or panel upgrades? What is considered an upgrade?

Under the Service Connection Plan Approved by the RMWB Council, upgrades to existing plumbing and electrical system are not included. The homeowner shall bear the cost of any planned upgrades.

What is meant by a low-pressure system?

A low-pressure system means that the sewer pipe will operate under a lower pressure than normally used in pressure pipes. The Septic Tank Effluent Pumping System (STEP) adopted for Saprae Creek Estates and Janvier works on probabilistic theory. This system is also called “liquid-only sewers” as the wastewater flowing through this system is predominantly liquid. For more information, please contact RWSS Application Committee or Engineering Department through PULSE.

What will be the maximum pressure in Saprae Creek Sewer Main?

The pressure in the sewer main varies from location to location. It ranges from no pressure to 34 pounds per square inch (psi). Please note that the maximum pressure provided in the Virtual Open House on May 10, 2021 was incorrect and the correct amount is 34 psi.

Is there a danger of sewer backup going into the tank or house?

The system will have check valves and isolation valves installed to prevent back flow into the system. Please ask your contractor to explain how they prevent backflow. If you have further question, please reach out to RWSS Application Committee through PULSE.

How deep is the pipe in the road and how deep should my service pipe be?

The pipe within the road is at a minimum depth of 3 metres. The service connection pipes on your lot shall also be at a minimum depth of 3 metres to prevent freezing. If the pipes are not at least 3 metres deep, proper insulation will be provided. The Service Connection Design Guidelines includes the details on pipe depth and insulation requirements.

I just purchased land. Can I still apply for a field or mound system?

According to the Rural Area Water and Wastewater Service Connection Bylaw, section 8, “renewed or new permits to construct or to replace septic systems will not be issued. If a municipal pipe system is available at your lot and ready for connection, you must connect within the five-year period since the system was available and ready to your lot.”

How often will the new pump filter need to be pulled out and cleaned?

The cleaning requirement for the filter depends upon configuration of the pump, frequency of pumping and water use pattern etc. However, it is a good industrial practice to clean the filter every three years.

Can you please share the studies completed in Saprae Creek showing ground water contamination?

The only work done in the area has been geotechnical work as part of the installation of water and sewer lines within the road allowance. The responsibility to investigate and determine the quality of groundwater remains with the titled owner of the land.

If my old tank is in the same location of where the new tank must be installed. Is the cost of removal of the old tank and system included?

The cost to decommission the tank at the same location can be included in the pricing. However, any extra cost should be borne by the homeowner.

Will the price remain the same under any circumstance within the five-year period?

If the homeowner decides to connect to the service in the first year of the five-year period, the price will be fixed. It is $10,000 for the residents of Saprae Creek and $16,000 for the residents of Conklin and Janvier. The fee will be adjusted for each year according the Consumer Price Index. Please see more details in Appendix B of the Rural Area Water and Waste Water Bylaw 20/09.

Are you going to hold the contractors to the design drawings you have provided to ensure quality of the work when inspecting?

The contractor must design and construct the system based on the specific needs of your dwelling and must follow the minimum requirements as stated in the Service Connection Design Guidelines. The contractor is responsible for quality control and answers to the homeowner directly.

How long will new permits for private sewage continue to be approved?

According to Rural Water and Wastewater Bylaw 20/09, section 8 , no new permits or renewal of the old permits will be allowed if the lot has ready-to-connect to service connection stub.

How can the Municipality protect future homeowners if the current homeowners choose not to connect to the service within the five-year period?

According to Rural Water and Wastewater Bylaw 20/09, the funding is available for a period of five years. After this period, the owner of the lot at that time will bear the cost of the service connection.

Still have a question?

To allow our Engineering team to reply to your question, please submit your questions to PULSE by calling 780-743-7000, toll-free 1-800-973-9663 or visiting rmwb.ca/pulse.

*All rates are 2022 rates from the Council approved Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw. Rates are subject to change as this bylaw is typically updated annually.