Water and Sewer
About
Public Works is responsible for maintaining utilities and underground infrastructure such as water mains, irrigation systems, sewer mains, and storm sewer services. Preventive maintenance programs like water main flushing, sewer cleaning, and video inspection are run on an annual basis to ensure that quality service is provided to residents and businesses.
Water and Sewer Rates
Water and sewer rates are reviewed annually and set by bylaw. The fees collected help to fund the current systems and ensure that old infrastructure can be replaced as necessary.
Residential fees are invoiced on the property owner’s property tax statement for the year but are not subject to the same payment schedule as property taxes. Additionally, utility fees for the current year may be paid at any time during the current year.
Fees & Charges BylawBulk Water & Wastewater Station
2205 North Nadina Way
The District invites the public to utilize our bulk potable water and wastewater disposal station for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Effective June 1, 2026, rates for use of the station are as follows:
- $2.00 per m3 for residential water users
- $4.00 per m3 for residential non-resident water users (customers outside municipal boundaries)
- $10.00 per m3 for commercial & industrial water users
- $10.00 per m3 for residential wastewater users
- $12.00 per m3 for residential non-resident wastewater users (customers outside municipal boundaries)
- $12.00 per m3 for commercial & industrial wastewater users
To confirm rates, please call the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238 or email doh@houston.ca.
Our system requires station users to apply for a membership account and prepay before using the station. This can be done by submitting an application form to the Municipal Office, which can be accessed in-person at the office or online here: Water & Wastewater Customer Account Application.
After submitting your application to the office to create a customer account, the water & wastewater station will be ready for you to use. Questions or clarification about how to use the station can be directed toward utilities@houston.ca.
Watering Restrictions
All residents, businesses, and other water users connected to Houston’s Municipal Water System are subject to the water conservation measures authorized under Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064. Water restrictions automatically take effect annually on May 1.
Based on water supply conditions, Council may declare additional stages of water restrictions on the advice of District staff, considering water demand, production capacity, and available supply. Any higher level restrictions will take effect 48 hours after a public announcement.
The Province of British Columbia has prepared a water conservation guide for residents and businesses. To learn more about ways to reduce water use, view the Province’s online water conservation guide .
Water Conservation Stages
Lawn watering permitted only on assigned calendar days and during specified hours:
- East of Buck Creek (e.g., Butler Avenue, 14th Street, Northside): Even numbered calendar days only (i.e. May 2)
- West of Buck Creek (e.g., Mountainview Drive, Elliott Road, Goold Road): Odd numbered calendar days only (i.e. May 1)
- Permitted times: 6:00 am–10:00 am and 7:00 pm–10:00 pm
Washing boats or motor vehicles permitted only if hoses are equipped with an automatic shut off device (i.e. a sprinkler nozzle attachment).
Includes all Stage 1 requirements, plus:
- Washing sidewalks, driveways, walls, roofs, or other outdoor surfaces is prohibited unless:
- A hose equipped with an automatic shut off device is used and
- The washing is required for:
- Surface preparation (painting, sealing, or treatment)
- Fire prevention or control
- Health or safety purposes
Washing boats or motor vehicles permitted only if hoses are equipped with an automatic shut off device (i.e. a sprinkler nozzle attachment).
- Lawn watering is prohibited at all times
- Gardens, shrubs, trees, and planters may be watered only by:
- Hand watering
- A hose equipped with an automatic shut off device
- Sprinklers and soaker hoses are prohibited
- Operation of private water play parks, water slides, and sprinklers for recreation is prohibited
- Vehicle and boat washing is restricted to safety related purposes only
- Filling or refilling ornamental ponds, fountains, private hot tubs, and swimming pools is prohibited
- Use of hoses without an automatic shut off device is prohibited
- All outdoor watering and drip irrigation is prohibited, including:
- Lawns and landscaping (including newly installed)
- Gardens, planters, shrubs, and trees
- Artificial turf and outdoor tracks
- Washing of outdoor surfaces is prohibited unless ordered by a regulatory authority
- Hauling of bulk water for non potable use is prohibited
- Restrictions apply equally to residential, commercial, institutional, and agricultural properties, including nurseries, turf farms, golf courses, sports fields, and school grounds
Exceptions by Conservation Stage
Stages 1 and 2 Permitted Exceptions
- Properties with a valid watering permit for new lawns or landscaping
- Watering of:
- Public sports fields, school yards, turf farms, artificial turf, or tracks where required for safety or dust suppression
- Flower and vegetable gardens, shrubs, trees, and decorative planters
- Golf course playing surfaces
Stage 3 Permitted Exceptions
- Public sports fields, school yards, turf farms, artificial turf, or tracks where required for safety or dust suppression
- Flower and vegetable gardens, shrubs, trees, and decorative planters
- Golf course playing surfaces
- Commercial nurseries and produce farms
- Tree farms
- Golf course tee off areas and putting greens, limited to water use necessary to maintain turf viability
Water conservation stages automatically conclude on October 31, unless extended by Council resolution. Council may declare, extend, or reinstate any stage before or after October 31 as conditions require.
- Available during Stages 1–3 only
- Valid for 21 days, with one possible extension up to a maximum of 42 days
- Not valid during Stage 4
- Permits must be clearly displayed on the property and removed upon expiry
Violation of water restrictions is an offense against Bylaw No. 1064, and is subject to bylaw enforcement action by District staff. If you violate the limitations of a declared water restriction, you may be liable to a fine between $75.00 and $500.00 depending on the severity of the offense.
For more information, please contact: