Voluntary Water Meter Program
Take advantage of the rebate and switch to a water meter today to start saving!
Save on your utility bill
Installing a water meter is one of the most effective ways to reduce your utility bill.
Please note: If you receive multiple utility bills per year, your home is already equipped with a water meter.
Major cost savings for most households
Currently, Surrey homes with water meters save an average of $1,467 per year on their utility bill compared to a flat-rate bill of $2,777 for non-metered homes. That’s a saving of 47%!
Estimated savings based on individual consumption of 250 litres/person/day:
| Household with 2 residents | 75% savings |
| Household with 5 residents | 50% savings |
| Household with 8 residents | 15% savings |
Only pay for your water—not others
Non-metered homes aren’t just paying for their own water—they also help cover a greater portion of the cost of leaks and losses across the system. By switching to a meter, you only pay for the water you use.
You can save even more by using less water. Homes with water meters are billed every four months, allowing residents to track their usage and detect leaks early.
Switch now and get a rebate
As part of a pilot program, the City is offering rebates to make it more affordable for homeowners to switch to water meters.
- The first 1000 eligible single-family or duplex homes that switch by end of 2026
receive a free meter and setup valued at $450, plus a $400 rebate toward installation of a water meter box (credited to your utility bill account)—for a total incentive of $850. - There are up to $1,500 in rebates for multi-family stratas with more than 15 units, available to the first 30 strata properties by end of 2026.
While homeowners are responsible for the upfront installation cost, the City estimates that most will recover this investment within two to four years—with immediate savings starting from the first metered bill.
To support a smooth transition, if the new total metered bill is higher than the previous flat bill, the City will provide a one-time credit to cover the difference for single-family and duplex homes during the first year of installation.
Single family or duplex home process
If you'd like to take advantage of the rebate and switch to a water meter:
- Contact watermeterprogram@surrey.ca if you already have a water meter box on your property. An example of an existing water meter box is shown below.
- Hire a certified plumbing contractor to apply for the necessary plumbing permit and complete the installation of the meter box and all required piping.
- The plumbing contractor can refer to the instructions below.
- If you have trouble finding a plumbing contractor, contact watermeterprogram@surrey.ca for a list of contractors familiar with the City's process.
- Once final plumbing inspection is passed, your property will automatically receive the rebate as a credit on your first metered bill.
Your annual utility bill will be adjusted once the final plumbing inspection is approved and the water meter and touchpad installation is complete.
Example of an existing water meter box
Instructions for plumbing contractors
1. Register as an online user
The plumbing contractor must register as an online registered user with the City of Surrey, if they have not already done so.
2. Complete the Plumbing Permit Application Form
The plumbing contractor fills in the Plumbing Permit Application form. Ensure the following information is properly identified in the form:
- Box A: Work Proposed – Mark Renovation
- Box J: Plumbing Fixture – Write 1 on Water Meter
- Box K: Additional Details – Write Standalone Permit Volunteer Water Meter Program
3. Submit the completed form
The plumbing contractor emails the completed Plumbing Permit Application form to plumbing@surrey.ca.
Permit applications are processed in the order they are received and can take 24–48 hours to issue.
4. Apply for a temporary water turn-off
The plumbing contractor applies for a temporary water turn-off by contacting the Engineering Front Counter at:
- Phone: 604-591-4340
- Email: engineering@surrey.ca
Be sure to inform City staff that this is for the Volunteer Meter Program.
The plumbing contractor must locate the curb stop location prior to scheduling a temporary water turn-off.
It may take 24–48 hours to schedule this work.
5. Book a plumbing inspection
When the meter box and setter is ready, the plumbing contractor must book an inspection.
Call the Plumbing Section at: 604-591-4245 (option 3).
6. Final plumbing approval
The City’s plumbing inspector will attend the site, inspect the water meter box and setter, and, if accepted, provide final plumbing approval.
7. Water meter installation by City
Upon receiving final plumbing approval, Engineering Operations will install the water meter.
It may take several weeks to schedule this work.
Meter box installation guidelines
It is the plumbing contractor’s responsibility to safely locate all underground infrastructure ahead of any excavations.
The plumbing contractor must follow the detailed Meter Installation Guidelines to ensure acceptance of the work.
Installation costs
Based on current rates, cost to install a water meter (including meter equipment) for a single-family dwelling ranges from:
- $1,000 for those who are “meter ready” meaning only a meter is required
- $3,000 for those who require a new meter and meter box in grass boulevard
- To $6,000 for those who require a new meter and meter box in paved driveway.
Multi-family home process
If multi-family homes (townhomes, condominiums, etc.) wish to switch to a water meter, the strata must go through the building permit process.
Please note that the City does not supply or install the water meter. You will need to hire your own contractor to supply and install the meter at your own cost.
Contact
If you have any questions about the program, email watermeterprogram@surrey.ca or call 604-591-4831.