What is Aquatera's Infrastructure Charge?

The Aquatera Infrastructure Charge is a contribution by new development towards the costs of providing major water and sewer infrastructure needed to support community growth. However, revenues from infrastructure charges cover about a quarter of major growth-related water and sewer project costs.

Effective July 1st each year, infrastructure charges on new service connections will increase at a rate of three per cent until a positive cash flow has been achieved. Charges are GST exempt. 

Check out our Infrastructure Charges Brochure for more information.

How does it work? 

The Infrastructure Charge is based on the demand placed on the water/sewer system as governed by the size of the water service. A demand-based charge avoids the perceived inequity in a land-based charge. For instance, a large parcel with a small water demand, like a pipe yard, paying a much higher levy compared to a relatively small parcel of land with a high water demand like a hotel.

How much does it cost and who pays? 

Water demand is based on the proportionate flow available for various water service sizes. The wastewater demand is directly proportional to the water demand. 

The infrastructure charge for a new single-family residential dwelling (5/8” or 16mm Meter) is $9,400, which provides potable water, as well as wastewater service. This does not include a water meter fee.

Infrastructure within a subdivision is paid by the developer and contributed to Aquatera.  They recover their costs through lot prices to the home builder. The home builder covers the costs to connect to the water and sewer systems in the yard and pass those costs on to the home owner. The Infrastructure Charge is payable when applying for the installation of a water meter, as late in the development process as possible, to minimize carrying costs.

We recommend consulting with Aquatera in advance of your development to ensure you are installing the appropriate diameter water service, and to ensure you are not oversizing your service and increasing the related infrastructure charge.

Please view our Infrastructure Charge Policy (PDF) for more information on specific water and wastewater rates.

What are the payment options?

Payment options include cash, cheque or debit. Cheques are payable to:

Aquatera Utilities Inc.
11101 104 Avenue
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 8H6

Where does the revenue go? 

It goes back into our communities to support growth-related infrastructure. About one quarter of growth-related infrastructure costs are recovered through the Infrastructure Charge. Utility rates recover the remainder, with contributions from grant funding where available.

Find out more about our current Capital Projects or Our Revenues.

Do I need to contact Aquatera prior to development?

Yes. Property owners, developers or their agents must contact Aquatera to address conditions in the Notice of Decision. It is important to discuss with Aquatera how the property is to be serviced and metered to ensure compliance with standards and avoid unexpected or excessive servicing costs.

1. If any new or upgraded service connections are required for your development, the portion of that service located on public property must be installed by Aquatera, with no exceptions. In these cases, you will be required to provide servicing details, complete a Water & Sanitary Sewer Service Connection Application and pre-pay the entire connection cost as determined by Aquatera, prior to construction.
2. There may be other water or wastewater related requirements that apply to your proposed development.
3. You will need to apply for a utility account and pay Aquatera’s Infrastructure Charge and/or Meter Fees that are in effect at the time of payment.
4. All Aquatera requirements in the Notice of Decision or otherwise must be satisfied before water services will be turned on and a water meter installed.

Who do I contact for information about development needs?

For Aquatera Infrastructure Charge and Meter Application details contact:

Residential:

Phone: 780.538.0340 or Email: mdesk@aquatera.ca

Commercial, West Aqua, and Redevelopments:

Phone: 780.538.0340 or Email: connections@aquatera.ca.