Utility Billing Frequently Asked Questions

How are water and sewer user rates set?

Rates are reviewed annually as part of the budgeting process to ensure adequate funding for the maintenance, operation and infrastructure renewal costs.

Water and sewer rates are outlined in the Fees & Charges Bylaw.

Your semi – annual metered utility bill includes charges for the previous six month water consumption and sewer services based on that consumption (if you are connected to the District of Sicamous sanitary sewer). Sewer charges are based on 80% of metered water volume or 100% of metered sewer volume. Meters are read near the end of each billing period. Bills are mailed in the month following the end of the billing period. 

Billing history and semi-annual water consumption information is available through the District of Sicamous Online Services.

Your annual utility bill includes charges for flat rated billing for water and sewer (if applicable) based on the use of your property.

Billing history is available through the District of Sicamous Online Services.

Semi-Annual billing periods for customers are:

  • January 1st to June 30th
  • July 1st to December 31st

Annual billing periods for flat rated accounts are:

  • January 1st to December 31st 

You can access your billing history through the Online Services.

Your utility bill is based on two factors that change: consumption and user rates.

The most common reason customers see an increase over their last bill is that the amount of water used has increased for activities such:

  • Watering lawns and gardens
  • Power washing, car washing
  • Filling swimming pool
  • Guests in the home using showers and laundry
  • Water leaks 

Water Conservation

You will need to take some steps to ensure your billing and payments transition to your new property which will have a different utility account number:

  • Do not call to cancel your utility services – water and sewer services are not turned off
  • Do not call to change ownership information as it will be forwarded by BC Land Titles
  • Change your utility account number on your financial institution's website if you pay online
  • Return any utility bill that is no longer your responsibility to the District

Online or telephone banking

please allow a minimum of 3 business days before the due date for your payment to reach our account. Penalty will apply if you pay after your financial institution’s local cut off time on the due date. Payments must be paid early enough to be received in the District’s account by the due date.

In Person at financial institution

If you make a payment on the due date ask the teller if your payment will be processed on the same day. Payments made on or before the due date at a financial institution will be accepted. 

Payments by Mail 

please allow time for the mail to reach our office by the due date. Post marks are not accepted as date of payment. 

  • A 1% monthly penalty is applied to outstanding Semi-Annual Metered accounts. 
  • A 10% penalty is applied on unpaid flat rate (metered) accounts after July 1st each year.