Ecofiscal Commission urges to install water meters for all residents in Vancouver.

Most of the residents of Metro Vancouver municipalities pay a flat rate for water no matter how much they use, but some economists worry the current system doesn't cover the true cost of clean water or sewage services.

The Ecofiscal Commission released a report today looking at how municipalities can improve fiscal and environmental sustainability of water systems. The first step, they say, is for all residential and commercial users to install water meters.

Dale Beugin, executive director of the Ecofiscal Commission said, "Those who use less should pay less, those who save water, save money."

The meters encourage residents to conserve water to avoid paying more, so cities can reduce the cost of expanding their water supply infrastructure by reducing demand. Beugin said he expects to see a more aggressive move towards installing meters and charging per volume of water in Metro Vancouver as stresses on the water supply increases.

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