As part of the 2026 budget, the Municipality of Meaford is updating how water and wastewater bills are calculated, effective February 1, 2026. These changes move the community toward a more consumption‑based user pay system, where the amount you pay is more closely connected to the amount of water your household uses.
The current billing system relies heavily on flat monthly charges. This means low‑use households pay similar amounts to higher‑use households. A tiered consumption model is now being introduced. Under this approach, consumers who use less water will benefit from lower per‑unit costs, while higher consumption levels will fall into higher tiers. This encourages conservation and aligns billing with system use.
Service charges will remain part of each bill to fund essential infrastructure, but they will make up a smaller share of the total.
For residents, the shift to tiered rates means more control over your bill. Low and moderate water users may see smaller increases, while higher water users will see costs rise in line with consumption. Water and wastewater services are fully funded by users, not property taxes, and these updates help ensure long-term sustainability, regulatory compliance, and continued investment in safe, reliable drinking water.
Learn more and view 2026 rates for water and wastewater at meaford.ca/water.
Media Contact
Delaney Petersen
Coordinator, Communications
Municipality of Meaford
519-538-1060 ext. 1599 | dpetersen@meaford.ca