Commercial water rates in Canada vary per province and even per municipality. How these rates affect businesses, whether it’s small upwards to industrial, will change heavily depending on usage, location, and more.
As Canada’s leading electricity and natural gas rate comparison website, we’ve been asked by many customers what to do regarding their water costs, especially large and industrial businesses. So, we’ve created this guide and many other water-related articles so we can also help companies understand their water costs and water-saving opportunities.
In this article focused on small to large industrial businesses, we will go through the commercial rates per municipality, which rates are different, the percentage of industrial water use in Canada, which industries use the most, and more information that compares water rates per province, per municipality (to the best of our abilities with the information available as of 2025.) Since areas are different across Canada and with how they handle rates, some may not have information available.
ONTARIO
Toronto
In Toronto, industrial water users can benefit from the Industrial Water Rate Program, which offers a discounted rate for consumption over 5,000 cubic meters annually, currently at $3.1624/m3 if paid on or before the due date the company has set. This, of course, is for businesses that have applied and have qualified for the program.
Water Rates in 2024 are as follows:
- Block 1 (General Water Rate): $4.5178/m3, and $4.7555/m3 if paid after the due date.
- Block 2 (Industrial Water Rate): $3.1624/m3, and $3.3288/m3 if paid after the due date.
Gallon Rates in 2024:
- Block 1 (General Water Rates): $0.02053826/gallon , and $0.02161886/gallon is paid after the due date
- Block 2 (Industrial Water Rates): $0.01437651/gallon, and $0.01513297/gallon if paid after the due date
Effective since January 2024, the Toronto City Council approved a three percent interim rate increase for all water consumers.
Ottawa
The Ottawa City Council approved a 4.4 percent overall increase for water, wastewater, and stormwater rates in the 2025 budget, effective April 1st, 2025. The increase will allow the Ottawa Water Program to remain fully self-funded and financially stable or its operating and capital needs.
For businesses in Ottawa, average water bill rates and costs can vary significantly based on water usage and property types. Smaller businesses and others can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $450 per month, with industrial sectors paying more.
Mississauga
Businesses per cubic meter have a service delivery charge of $1.8494, and wastewater consumption rates for businesses are $1.3472, for the service unit delivery charge. Effective from April 1st, 2025.
Brampton
Brampton has commercial water rates based on water consumption, with a per cubic meter charge. Wastewater is billed based on 100% of water used. Peel Region implemented a new water and wastewater rate structure starting April 1st, 2024. Business and industrial rates remain unchanged as of now, but this may change in the future. There are service charges as well for stormwater.
| Businesses | Per cubic metre (m3) | $1.8494 |
Hamilton
Hamilton bases commercial water rates on meter size and usage, with a fixed daily charge and a usage rate per cubic meter, and the City of Hamilton has also had a 9.95% increase for 2025.
All customers pay a fixed daily charge based on their water meter size. Water usage is charged monthly, with rates varying based on consumption. Alectra Services handles all of Hamilton’s billing and customer service for water rates.
More detailed water and wastewater/stormwater rates, effective since January 1st, 2025 are as follows:
| Meter Size (mm) | Fixed Charge Per Day | Usage Rate (per m3) |
| 15 | $0.48 | $2.13 |
| 16 | $0.48 | $2.13 |
| 20 | $0.48 | $2.13 |
| 21 | $0.48 | $2.13 |
| 25 | $1.20 | $2.13 |
| 38 | $2.40 | $2.13 |
| 50 | $3.84 | $2.13 |
| 75 | $7.68 | $2.13 |
| 100 | $12.00 | $2.13 |
| 150 | $24.00 | $2.13 |
| 200 | $38.40 | $2.13 |
| 250 | $55.20 | $2.13 |
| 300 | $81.60 | $2.13 |
Waterloo
For commercial properties in Waterloo, the City of Waterloo charges a monthly meter service fee based on meter size, with rates ranging from $53.28 for 100 mm meter upwards to $181.92 for a 250mm meter. Additionally, the Region of Waterloo charges $1.1271 per cubic meter for municipal tap water and $1.3429 per cubic meter for wastewater.
A more detailed breakdown of these fees are as follows:
Large commercial and industrial: 100mm meter size – $53.28
150mm – $90.62
200mm – $136.55
250mm – 181.92
The rates are always subject to change, so be sure to check the City of Waterloo’s websites for the most up to date information.
London
In London, commercial water rates are the same as those for all users, including residential, industrial, and institutional, and are determined by water usage volume.
A summary of water usage rate as of 2025 is as follows:
>35 – 250 m3: $1.3492 per m3
>250 – 7,000 m3: $1.2785 per m3
>7,000 – 50,000 m3: $1/1648 per m3
50,000 m3: $1.0371 per m3
London Hydro does all the meter readings for the area and can be contacted online or by phone, as seen on their website.
Kitchener
Rates and fees for Kitchener in 2025 are as follows:
$2.8840 per cubic meter for water
$3.7429 per cubic meter for sewer and wastewater
The minimum charge for water and sewer is calculated at 1/10 m3 per day. The rate also increases, which also includes the Region of Waterloo’s costs, due to:
- Aging infrastructure
- Declining water consumption
- Regional rate increases for water and sewer
- Strict legislative requirements
For more information about water rates for the area, they encourage you to call the billing department by phone at 519-741-2450
QUEBEC
Montreal
Since January 1st, 2023, buildings in part or in full intended for non-residential use pay a rate based on the volume of water consumed. Volume-based pricing means that businesses pay for the water they consume. Water volume is calculated in cubic meters, which provides the city with data on water consumption in each non-residential building.
Montreal opts for volume-based pricing by progressive blocks, meaning that the rate increases with each consumption tier. Bills based on these parameters/the volume of water consumed are sent the following year.
The following rates will be applied for 2025 water consumption billed in 2026:
- 0 to 1,000m3 : $0 per m3
- 1,000m3 to 10,000m3: $0,105 per m3
- 10,000m3 to 100,000m3: $0,215 per m3
- 100,000m3 and higher: $0,655 per m3
If part of the building used has residential units in it, such as a business that may have apartment buildings upstairs, for example – a volume of 225m3 per dwelling is deducted from the total annual consumption.
Quebec City
Quebec City and all of Quebec are the same as Montreal, in that the water rates are based on the volume of water used and for businesses, the rates are the same.
Laval
Laval has the same rates as Montreal and Quebec City, according to the Ville de Laval website and the rates will change based on that as well, for any commercial and non-residential buildings in the city.
Gatineau
In Gatineau, commercial water rates are based on the volume of water being used, with different rates applying to various production activities and water usage purposes, as outlined in their regulation respecting charges payable for the said use of water. Rates vary significantly based on the business/non-residential building and it needs to be done on a per business basis.
Sherbrooke
For commercial properties in Sherbrooke, water rates consist of a fixed charge per space $273.60) and a consumption rate of $0.6084 per cubic meter, with additional charges for treatment and septic systems.
Fixed Charge: $273.60 per commercial space.
Consumption Rate: $0.6084 per cubic meter (m3) of water used.
Treatment: There is a charge for water treatment, with the specific rate changing based on commercial space needs and etc.
Septic systems: $141.15 per septic system installation for commercial spaces.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vancouver
In Vancouver, business water rates are metered and vary based on consumption and the season, with a seasonal surcharge during the drier months, with a base charge for meter maintenance as well.
The 2025 water rates for businesses are as follows:
- High Season (May 1st to October 15th): $4.934 per unit
- Low Season (Remaining months): $3.936 per unit
- Meter Service Charge: This charge covers the maintenance of the meter and varies based on the size of the pipe accompanying.
Examples of the Meter Service Charges (for 2025) are:
- 17mm (½”): $40
- 20mm (¾”): $40
- 25mm (1”): $40
- 40mm (1 ½”): $87
- 50mm (2”): $117
- 75mm (3”): $268
During the drier months as well, rates increase by about 25% to reflect the added costs of supplying water, according to the City of Vancouver. Metro Vancouver, which manages the water for Vancouver also has other fees that may be noted for businesses as well, such as the Regional Water Developmental Cost Charge, which is a fee for new water connections.
Temporary Water Fees are fees that are during construction of building sites, and are recommended to increase by 55.0%, and the Renovation Trigger. The renovation value that triggers the requirement for new service connections was increased from $95,000 to $250,000 as of January 1st, 2024.
Burnaby
For commercial metered water in Burnaby, the quarterly rate per cubic meter is $1.737, and the minimum quarterly charge is $163.083. A more thorough breakdown of the water rates for non-residential are as follows:
- Quarterly Rate per cubic meter: $1.737
- Minimum Quarterly Charge: $163.083
- Development Funding Program: Commercial (per m2 gross floor area): $6.17
Industrial (per m2 gross floor area): $4.11
Institutional (per m2 gross floor area): $6.17
Since July 1st, 2024, all new commercial, multi-dwelling buildings, and any single/two-family dwellings have been required to install a water meter per building prior to occupancy.
Kamloops
The City of Kamloops has their rates structured in that the metered rates are a total of three different charges:
- Fixed Capital Charge: This covers the cost of the infrastructure, such as the water treatment plant, pump stations, pipes, etc. and is based on the size of the service to the property. This is an annual cost and will be billed quarterly. The annual charge for an average homeowner for example, with a ¾” service is $242.30, or $60.58 per quater.
- Fixed Consumption Charge: This provides an allotment of water to homes at a fixed price and currently allows for 45m3 in winter and fall, with 90m3 allotted for spring and summer to meet irrigation/watering demands. The annual charge is $136.67, or $34.17 per quarter.
- Variable Consumption Charge: This covers any excess water use over and above the fixed allotment as noted in the Fixed Consumption Charge.
Kelowna
For commercial properties in Kelowna, water rates are based on consumption in cubic meters, with a flat fee for water allotment and a consumption charge. These rates are outlined in the City of Kelowna’s Fees and Charges Bylaw B0028 (Consolidated) under Schedule 8.
Coquitlam
In Coquitlam, commercial and industrial properties are charged for water usage on a volumetric basis, with rates varying seasonally and based on consumption levels, and the city moved to a seasonal metered water rate structure, since 2023. Like Vancouver has seasonal rates and differences, Coquitlam adopted the same ideas, to help better rate water usage.
Nanaimo
For commercial and non-residential properties in Nanaimo, water rates include a base rate and a consumption rate charge, with the base rate varying based on the size of the water meter, and the consumption charge is based on water usage.
Monthly water meter base rates are as follows:
150mm – $12.04989
200mm – $15.62512
250mm – $20.12726
The consumption charge is based on the amount of water used, and the rates are calculated per cubic meter. There is a user rate calculation available on the City of Nanaimo website, for those who wish to get more detailed information based on their own commercial differences.
Surrey
In Surrey, commercial properties are charged based on metered water usage, with a rate of $1.1863 per cubic meter, with a 5% discount available for some customers. There is also an annual flat rate for water and sewer services.
This rate is based on the Metro Vancouver wholesale price of water. The annual flat rates for multi-family residential/strata are:
$435 per year for water
$563 per year for sewer
Total being $998 per year.
Victoria
For all commercial water usage in Victoria, the Capital Regional District (CRD) charges $2.84 per cubic meter of water. The City of Victoria also has a water service charge based on the size of the service connection, with rates ranging from $34.57 for ½” service upwards to $1431.05 for an 8” service.
The wholesale rate for 2024 has been set at $0.8094 per cubic meter, effective since January 1st, 2024. This rate will likely change as the years advance.
ALBERTA
Edmonton
Effective April 1st, 2025, these are the commercial water rates
Commercial Consumption Charge (per m3)
- 0 m3 – 25.0 m3 – $1.9052 per m3
- 25.1 m3 – 100.0 m3 – $1.9052 per m3
- 100.1 m3 – 1000.0 m3 – $1.7568 per m3
- 1000.1 m3 – 5000.0 m3 – $1.3907 per m3
- Over 5000.0 m3 – $1.194 per m3
The fixed monthly charges by meter size for commercial businesses are:
15mm – $16.19
20mm – $24.30
25mm – $40.49
40mm – $80.97
50mm – $129.55
75mm – 242.92
100mm – $404.88
150mm – $809.73
200mm – $1,295.58
250mm – $1,862.40
300mm – $2,733.68
Calgary
In Calgary, business rates are determined by the size of their water meter, which is separated into two customer groups with specific rates and service charges for the meter sizes within the classes:
- Regular meter customers – those with meters smaller than 75mm.
- Large meter customers – those with meters 75mm or larger.
Red Deer
As of January 1st, 2025, every in-city customer will pay water supplied to them, listed in cubic meters. A monthly fixed charge will be determined by the size of the water meter installed.
Water meter size and the fixed monthly charges are as follows:
16mm – $18.70
19mm – $26.95
25mm – $36.50
38mm – $72.50
50mm – $163.50
75mm – $298.00
100mm – $675.00
150mm – $1,293.00
200mm – $2,268.00
250mm – $4,047.00
MANITOBA
Winnipeg
Water rates in Winnipeg are based on usage. Residents of Winnipeg are charged for the water, sewer, recycling, garbage, and yard waste services they use. Rates, fees, and service charges are all approved by the city, and commercial rates are not listed, but residential ones are.
Water rates per cubic meter, as of January 1st, 2025 is $2.09
Brandon
The City of Brandon sets all of the commercial water rates, including water and wastewater, and they are subject to Public Utilities Board (PUB) approval. The key rates are as follows:
As of January 1st, 2025, the water and wastewater rates are:
Total Water Rate: $2.76 per cubic meter
Total Wastewater Rate: $.270 per cubic meter
Wastewater Deficit Recovery: $0.21 per cubic meter
Service Charge (Monthly) – $5.42 per water meter
Service Charge (per water meter) – $20.34
Steinbach
In Steinbach, commercial water rates are based on bulk water sales, charged per cubic meter on a pro-rated basis, with a minimum charge of $100.00 per sale. The current bulk rate is $4.00 per cubic meter.
All water sold in bulk by the city is charged per cubic meter on a pro-rated basis.
Non-Residential Water & Sewer Service Impact Fees are as follows:
- Water Meter – 5/8” each, $1,050.00
- ¾” each – $1,490.00
- 1” each – $2,675.0
- 1.5” each – $5,996.00
Hanover
For commercial properties in Hanover, the 2025 water and sewer rates are a monthly flat water rate of $18.50, and a monthly flat sewer rate of $24.98.
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon
On January 1st, 2025 – Water, Sewer, and Wastewater utilities costs related to operations (treatment, storage, pumpage, and distribution/collection systems) and capital projects related to water quality, city growth, and regulatory requirements.
The rate structure consists of charges based on service and volume (volumetric charges). The water and wastewater service charges are based on water meter size to reflect the demand placed on the utilities. The water, wastewater and infrastructure volumetric charges are based on consumption and are designed to encourage conservation.
Rates below are as of January 1st, 2025, for commercial rates:
($ per 100 cubic feet per month)
Usage is $4.986 for all volumes of water, with wastewater and infrastructure costing $3.386 and $3.408, respectively. A total cost of $11.780 for all three combined. Additional surcharges may be applied to commercial wastewater that exceeds specific chemical limits.
Regina
The City of Regina’s water (and sewer) budget operates on a full cost-recovery, user-pay basis. All revenue collected is used to fund the services provided and the water, wastewater, and drainage systems that support service delivery. In order to maintain and improve the water service infrastructure, all customers whether it’s residential or business/commercial – pay a daily base charge for water, sewer, and drainage, plus a charge for the actual usage.
The daily base charge is dependent on the size of the installed meter, and for residential (as there are no current industrial rates mentioned), the 2024 consumption rates are as follows:
Water charge per m3 is $2.40, and the sewer charge per m3 is $2.12.
Moose Jaw
As of March 1st, 2025, there are two parts to the fees charged for the utility service for homes and businesses alike. The connection fee, which is a monthly fixed fee, and the consumption fee, which is a variable fee that is calculated by measuring the water that flows through the meter. Utility accounts are billed every three months instead of every month.
Water is $1,6490/ m3
Water Dispensing Device Consumption Fees (Keycard) is $4,7935/ m3
Water monthly fixed rates based on meter size are as follows:
15-20mm – $39.28
21-30m – $58.93
31-40mm – $117.84
41-50mm – $196.45
51-75mm – $392.88
76-100mm – $785.81
101-150mm – $2,357.32
151-200mm – $3,143.07
>200mm – $4,714.64
Lloydminster
Lloydminster charges its water utility rates monthly, and the charge is based on the size of the water meter associated with your utility account. The water requirements for a property determine the size of the water meter installed. Larger meters are considered to have a higher demand on the system, which is why the rates increase with the size of the meter.
Meter sizes and their rates as of January 1st, 2025 are as follows:
5/8” – $23.32
¾” – $34.97
1” – $58.29
1.5” – $139.88
2” – $233.15
3” – $536.23
4” – $955.91
6” – $2144.95
A comparison chart, courtesy of Stats Canada, shows a chart of the provinces and their overall total cost and maintenance for water rates and usages.
| Water cost component | Total operation and maintenance costs | ||||
| Geography | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2020 | 2021 |
| Dollars | |||||
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 17,599D | 11,904B | 20,877B | x | 20,278E |
| Prince Edward Island | 2,342E | 4,739E | 11,336E | x | 16,882E |
| Nova Scotia | 20,655C | 23,583C | 22,324C | 32,783E | 79,986E |
| New Brunswick | 40,451B | 65,473B | 56,388E | 71,584E | 95,602E |
| Quebec | 246,146C | 226,830B | 322,890E | F | 424,518E |
| Ontario | 463,212B | 586,669B | 458,166D | 713,142E | F |
| Manitoba | 51,002C | 66,082C | 56,099E | 60,032E | F |
| Saskatchewan | 41,223C | 42,704B | 45,243C | 47,711C | F |
| Alberta | 192,006B | 213,976D | 249,922C | 240,117E | 276,103E |
| British Columbia | 133,020C | 145,839B | 179,741D | 170,418E | F |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut | 60A | 68C | 1,297E | 2,185E | 1,314E |
Symbol legend:
x suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act
E use with caution
F too unreliable to be published
A data quality: excellent
B data quality: very good
C data quality: good
D data quality: acceptable
Courtesy of Statistics Canada. Table 38-10-0065-01 Total water costs in manufacturing industries, by water cost component and by provinces, territories and drainage regions (x 1,000)
Are commercial water rates different than regular water rates for residential consumers?
Commercial water rates vary from regular water rates for residential consumers. Typically, while commercial businesses pay a higher total water bill, the unit cost itself is often lower. Since businesses and industries consume more water, it does allow for more competitive pricing for the water rate units compared to residential use. So, while the water rates are different, it can balance out in billing, depending on the business and households.
Do commercial consumers use more water than households in Canada?
Households make up for nearly 43% or 2196 million cubic metres of municipal water use, while industrial, commercial, institutional, and other non-residential uses combined use about 21% or 1092 million cubic metres of water. These numbers fluctuate, but overall across Canada, households use more than businesses – simply because there are generally many more residential houses, apartments, etc. Compared to businesses, even if the businesses have higher water use, residential combined is a higher usage rate.
What percentage of water use in Canada is industrial?
According to StatCan, in 2019, total water use in Canada reached 36.1 billion cubic metres, which is a decrease from 2017 by 0.5 billion cubic metres. Industrial water use totalled 33.1 billion cubic metres, (91.7% in total) in 2019. The commercial and industrial sector, which includes schools, office buildings, hotels, hospitals, and restaurants, has 4.5% of the national water intake being used. From 2005 to 2021, water withdrawals showed an overall increasing trend, and from 2019 to 2021, there was a decrease.
Which industry uses the most water in Canada?
The industry that uses the most water in Canada is the thermal power generation industry. Since 2005, it has been the top for water use across the country. The thermal power generation industry includes nuclear and fossil-fuel power plants, and these types of plants use large quantities of water for cooling and to produce steam that drives the turbines to generate electricity. Transitioning from coal plants to natural gas plants has seen decreases in the water used as more plants transition over, as solar and wind energy do not use water, unlike other energy sources.
