Regional District Funding for Small Water Systems

Whereas in the interest of providing a safe potable drinking water supply, Regional Districts are encouraged by the Province to assume ownership and operation of failing or deficient water systems owned by improvement districts, water users communities, societies and private development; And whereas these water systems are not financially viable as they are very small in size frequently less than 100 customers with limited access to funding, they are located in rural or remote rural communities with a very limited tax base, and with no opportunity to amalgamate with other water systems to achieve economies of scale: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of British Columbia to assist regional districts by developing a means by which sustainable funding can be provided for very small water systems, so as to ensure these systems are built, operated, and maintained in a sustainable and safe manner.