Water & Sewer
Utility rates are approved by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board before they take effect.
Water and sewer services should be self-sustaining.
Water consumption is billed per 1,000 imperial gallons. As shown in the table below, these rates have not had an increase since January 2019.
The water rates at the Town stand are higher because the infrastructure costs are included in the water price, whereas, in other parts of town, these costs are charged separately.
Each year, the Town will conduct a water cost analysis. Based on this analysis, and subject to Council’s discretion and approval from the Saskatchewan Municipal Board, rates may be adjusted.
Monthly Utility Bills and Rates
Monthly utility bills encompass charges for water, sewer, and environmental services. Consumption levels, determined by monthly meter readings, dictate the charges. If meter data transmission is unsuccessful, the account will be subject to estimation.
Infrastructure funding is allocated for both current and future water and sewer needs. This includes but not limited too projects such as sewer lining, lift station maintenance, water treatment plant operations, and water line repairs.
These funds support ongoing operational requirements and also contribute to reserves for larger projects.
The environmental fee encompasses services related to garbage collection and recycling. Late payments incur a 2% penalty. Although utility accounts are registered in the homeowner’s name, arrangements can be made for bills to be mailed to a tenant.
Various payment options are available for settling utility bills, including payment by mail, at the Town Office using credit/debit/cheque, over the phone with a credit card, via e-transfer, or through internet banking with specific financial institutions.
Consumption Rates
Per 1,000 Imp Gallons |
2019-2023 |
2024 (Bylaw 2024-05) |
Treated |
$18.00 |
$20.00 |
Town Water Stand (Treated) |
$22.00 |
$24.50 |
Snipe Lake Water Stand (Raw) |
$13.00 |
$11.00 |
Commercial Bulk (Treated) M3 |
$6.50 |
$6.50 |
Infrastructure Rates
Infrastructure Fee (water & sewer) |
2021 Rate |
2022 Rate |
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
Residential Infrastructure Fee |
$35/ month |
$35/ month |
$35/ month |
$45/month |
Commercial Infrastructure Fee |
$55/ month |
$55/ month |
$55/ month |
$65/month |
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade |
$10/ month |
$20/ month |
$30/ month |
|
Water Treatment Plant
In 2018, an approval in principle was received for the Rural 44 water pipeline project which will provide water to many rural subscribers. The Town of Eston will be the supplier of the treated water that Rural 44 will distribute. The Town is able to participate with several other municipal partners including the RM of Snipe Lake, and thus be eligible for matched federal and provincial funding.
The direct benefit to the Town’s water treatment plant will be increased capacity, a new filtration system, and automation of many functions which currently requires a manual operator.
The Town’s share in this project will be $2 million. The water treatment plant does need an upgrade, and without the Building Canada Fund participation, on our own would cost $4 million in todays value. Other benefits include a new long-term customer in Rural 44 water recipients, less reliance on the oil and gas water sales (which vary upon the current activity and demand), as well as increase the capacity to obtain and treat water which will decrease the potential need for water restrictions. If for some reason the Rural 44 project does not go ahead as planned, the Town will still use the money in the new fund for upgrades to the plant.
Recognizing that this is a large commitment for our town, we are pleased that this opportunity to cooperate with the Rural 44 project will put us in a good position for the future.
In 2023, the enhancements to the Water Treatment Plant was finalized. We have been running over a year now and have many of the bumps worked out.
Automated Water Meter Reading
In late 2019 installations of remote water meter reading equipment began. This project will see specialized equipment added onto the physical water meter in each serviced property in Eston. Some water meters will also be upgraded during this process.
The Badger remote water meter reading system allows our public works and administration staff to remotely monitor usage and take meter readings. This will eliminate the need for physical meter reads or estimated readings for billing. It also gives the property owner or tenant the ability to track their own usage and be alerted if a leak is detected through the Eye on Water website or the app on compatible devices. Property owners will receive a letter with directions on this process after the equipment has been installed in their property.
Please contact the Town Office at (306)962-4444 or contact@eston.ca with any questions.
Sewer Lining Project
Initiated in 2017, and in 2024 we are 90 % complete.
This crucial initiative addresses the deterioration of our aging sewer lines, which have surpassed their intended lifespan. The implementation of new sewer lining technology ensures an extension of the sewer lines’ viability by an additional 100 years.
New Line Trenchless Technologies is the company spearheading this project. They provided us with a video illustrating the condition of our sewer lines. The initial segment of the video showcases sections of our sewer lines in good condition, while the subsequent parts (at approximately 1:26 and 3:22 minutes) reveal instances of deterioration. This visual documentation underscores the urgency of completing this project, emphasizing its vital role in preserving our town’s infrastructure.
Treated Water Fill Station (FOB-Coin)
A treated water fill station is available at 2nd St NW. The water stand is both FOB and coin operated, accepts loonies and toonies.
FOB’s can be purchased at Town of Eston $25 annual subscription and will be billed out yearly.
Money for water must be pre-loaded on the fobs. Once purchased, you will receive an email with the information on the fill and remaining balance on the fob.
Fobs can be loaded over the phone via credit card – please call 306-962-4444 during business hours.
These FOB’s will only work at the Town of Eston water fill station.
The rates is $24.50 per 1000 Gallons.
Non- Treated Fill Station (FOB)
Location SW 12-24-22-W3
The rate is $11.00 per 1000 Gallons
Watery Advisory Information
Operating a public eating establishment or food processing facility during a PDWA or EBWO
Precautions for all households during a PDWA or EBWO
Precautions for Public Facilities during a PDWA or EBWO
Procedures for Flushing Water Systems After a PDWA or EBWO
Drinking Water Quality & Compliance Reports
2023 Drinking Water & Compliance Report
2022 Drinking Water & Compliance Report
2021 Drinking Water & Compliance Report
2020 Drinking Water & Compliance Report
Annual Waterworks Information & Financial Overview
2023 Waterworks Information & Financial Overview
2022 Waterworks Information & Financial Overview
2021 Waterworks Information & Financial Overview
SaskPower
Power
1-888-757-6937
www.saskpower.com
Report electrical emergency, power or street light outages to 306-310-2220.
SaskEnergy
Natural Gas
TAP Tune Up Assistance Program
Customer Service 1-800-567-8899
24 Hour Emergency & Safety 1-888-7000-427
Call before you dig 1-866-828-4888
www.saskenergy.com
SaskTel
Internet and Phone
1-800-727-5835
www.sasktel.com
Access Communications
Internet security, TV and home phone
1-866-363-2225
www.myaccess.ca
Before you dig – Call Access Communication as we are not a part of Sask First Call
Underground Line Locate Request Number: 1-877-511-1601
If you have an emergency locate request for utility or municipality, please press 1 for 24-hour assistance.
For non-emergency locate requests, this service is available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. After the tone, please leave the following information:
1. Your name
2. Contact phone number
3. Email address
4. Locate request location
5. Your community
Our team will respond within 3 business days for all non-emergency requests.
Should services be cut due to processes not being followed, invoicing will be sent for full-service
Xplore Inc
Internet
1-866-221-1687
www.xplore.ca
Starlink
Internet
www.starlink.com