After several years of setbacks out of our control, we’ve finally checked everyone off our water meter replacement waitlist.
COVID meant crews initially couldn’t enter homes to replace broken meters. Once they were safely able to resume this work, we were faced with parts and meter shortages. While we replaced as many as we could, prioritizing ones that could cause property damage, we were only able to fully catch up last year.
“We want to thank everyone who waited patiently for us to swap out their old water meter,” said Michael Szmon, our Manager of Water Services. “If you’re still waiting for a replacement meter, please reach out to us.”
We replaced about 3,000 meters in 2025. That’s the highest number of meters since before the pandemic. Believe it or not, some of those replaced last year were over 60 years old.
When a meter stops working, we will estimate bills based on your previous meter readings, until we can replace your meter. But that may not accurately reflect your water usage, and you may be paying too little or too much.
It’s important to read your meter
Was your last utility bill estimated? That’s because we didn’t receive a meter reading from you.
Since we send out bills quarterly, you should also read your meter quarterly to avoid an estimated reading. The Water By-Law requires an accurate meter reading from you at least once a year. Around 11,000 customers haven’t provided any meter readings to us for at least one year. When we don’t have an accurate reading, we must estimate it.
“While this may sound great at first, it can lead to a very expensive catch-up bill,” said Setha Phanlouvong, Assistant Controller of Customer Accounts. “We understand that can be an unexpected surprise, and encourage everyone to regularly read their meters.”
Smart meters on the way
After a successful pilot project, we are now working on plans to install automated water meters in all properties across Winnipeg.
These meters will automatically send your meter reading to us. Once you have one of these meters, you won’t have to provide readings unless asked to. This will ensure you only pay for the water you use.
We’re aiming to have final roll out plans in place by the end of this year. We hope to start installing these meters in early 2027. It will take at least four years to change out the 223,000 meters currently in properties across the city.