In this Section:

• Information about your automated meter
• Water Consumption Checklist- Why might Your Consumption be so High?
• Tips for Water Conservation

Information about your automated meter

To modernize infrastructure, increase operating efficiencies, and improve the water meter reading process, the City initiated a City-wide water meter replacement program.

This project was initiated through the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) program, previously known as the federal Gas Tax Fund program.  In Saskatchewan, this program is administered by the provincial government to help support municipalities.

Of the $1,680,000 budgeted by the City of Martensville for the Water Meter Replacement & Upgrade program in 2022, $579,200 of that was funded by the CCBF. 

This project will reduce staff time and fuel savings associated with manual meter reads, allowing skilled operators to focus on higher priority tasks.  It also provides the ability to generate water meter reads monthly and bills based on actual consumption rather than relying on estimates in the winter months. We also expect to reduce water loss through the early detection of leaks and anomalies.

The project was largely conducted by Neptune Technology Group between March and June.   Through this program over 3,100 meters were converted to automated meters.

The new meters provide many benefits including:

• Automated readings at regular intervals, ensuring consistency and billing based on actual water usage – no more manual reads.
• Easier to see issues such as leaks – staff can analyze exactly when high or unusual usage occurred.
• no more issues accessing 'pucks' for readings, this can occur due to weather, vegetation, or other issues
• safer process avoiding things like icy or slippery sidewalks or steps or dogs on premises
• save time and resources that were part of manual meter reads.  

Still need to get the meter changed?  Booking is conducted now by contacting the Utility Clerk at City Hall.

Questions or Concerns about the use of radio frequency devices, such as 'smart meters', cell phones or wireless routers?  Find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions about radio frequency emissions.

My water consumption seems high?  What should I do?

Resident High Water Consumption Investigation Checklist

Tips for Water Conservation

Summer Water Conservation Tips

Summer can bring a rise in water consumption and your water bill.  Here are some tips to help conserve water during the heat.

• Water your lawn deeply, but not more than once a week. During periods of extended rain, water even less frequently.
• Water new lawns every other day until the grass reaches 5 cm; then water less frequently.
• Set a tuna can in each of your sprinkler zones and time how long it takes to fill it with water. That’s how long you should run your sprinkler once a week if your lawn is dry. 

• Use drip irrigation and/or sprinkler systems that are timed to turn on and off automatically. Remember to turn them off if it’s raining.
• Don’t water your lawn during the hottest time of the day. Instead, water early in the morning or in the evening. Don’t water when it’s rainy or windy.
• Check the sprinkler position to make sure you don’t waste water by watering the street, sidewalks or driveway.
• Xeriscape Landscaping – Group plants according to their watering needs. Plant water-saving plants, trees and shrubs. Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. All of this can save 10-35 litres of water per minute.
• When mowing your lawn, only cut the top 1/3 of the grass and leave clippings behind. They will help the soil retain moisture and provide natural fertilizer.
• Wash your car at the car wash. Washing at home with a hose for ten minutes uses 300 litres of water and sends soap, oil and other chemicals to the river through storm drains. At a car wash, run-off is captured and disposed of properly.
• Use a broom when cleaning your driveway or walkway. Washing with a hose uses almost 200 litres of water.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips

• When you want a drink, don’t let the water run until it is cold. Instead, refrigerate a jug of tap water and save 7-12 litres of water per minute.
• Don’t let the tap run when rinsing dishes or washing fruit and vegetables and save 7-12 litres of water per minute.
• Don’t pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Instead, scrape off food first using a spatula. Soak very dirty pans and dishes before washing.
• Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded and save 70-190 litres of water with each load you eliminate.
• Repair any leaks. Turn faucets off firmly. Check and replace any worn out fixtures, washers, O-rings and hose connections.
• Avoid using garbage disposals. Disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Instead, start a compost pile.
• Save as much as 10 litres of water per minute with a low-flow showerhead.
• Don’t overfill and fill less than a full bath. Better yet, you’ll save water by taking a short shower instead.
• Replace an old toilet with a water-efficient model and save as much as 14 litres of water per flush and 70 litres per person, per day
• Check for leaks in your toilet by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Coloring will appear in the toilet bowl if it’s leaking.
• Run the washing machine only when it’s fully loaded. Each load you eliminate saves 70-190 litres of water.
• Check washing machine hoses for cracks that could result in leaks.
• Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks
  Read the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same,