Water Conservation Framework
Participant Profile

Utilities Kingston implemented a “conservation block rate” in its water rate structure. The conservation rate block applies to residential water users that exceed 25 cubic metres per month. All residential consumption over 25 cubic metres per month is billed at a rate 25% higher than the rate up to and including 25 cubic metres per month.

Over the last 10 years or so an active program to install water meters in all properties has been undertaken to the point that most properties are now considered to be metered.

Since 2001 various capital improvements to the water plants combined with changes to the operation of the system, have optimized water system performance and have in turn contributed to a reduction consumption levels.

A 2005 water loss management program, undertaken by Utilities Kingston, is intended to identify water leaks, repair them and in turn reduce the amount of potable water being lost and reduce overall consumption. This is an ongoing program but so far a significant number of large leaks were identified and are or are in the process of being repaired. Data indicates that a significant reduction in flows have occurred since the repair work started.

Rain barrel program launched in 2007. The program helps divert water from the sanitary system and reduces water consumption.

Water conservation kits such as low flow faucets and rain gauges have been compiled for distribution as a means to promote awareness of water conservation.

On Earth Day 2008, the sewers and sanitation / water quality educational depot at Emma Martin Park was unveiled (developed by KEAF's Inner Harbour Group, the City of Kingston and Utilities Kingston). The first interpretive signs, about the remedial effect of tree-planting in Belle Park, were unveiled on Earth Day 2006.

City passed a council motion requiring LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for all new municipal construction — a first in the Province.

Utilities Kingston will be using the power of the sun to help homeowners lower their water heating energy consumption. With help from Natural Resources Canada, Utilities Kingston has just introduced one of the first solar water heater rental programs in Canada. The economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy are now available and affordable to most homeowners in the Kingston area including Amherstview, Bath, Gananoque, Napanee, Odessa, and Sydenham.

Utilities Kingston distributed low-price rain barrels to 600 customers in 2007 and 1,000 in 2008. Another 1,000 have been ordered for 2009.

An upcoming report to Council will focus on this program which offered homeowners incentives to disconnect sump pumps and roof leaders from the sanitary sewers.

A financial rebate program for efficient toilets will be offered to owners of multi residential units and social housing units, 2009 to 2011.

Link to City's water conservation website

Despite significant growth in the City over the last 6 years, consumption levels dropped from 29,474,380 in 2000 to 29,409,920 in 2006.

Paul MacLatchy

Director of Strategy, Environment and Communications

613-546-4291

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