Rates, Fees & Services Charges – Rural Municipality of Whitehead
Town of Alexander residents with a utility connection are billed for the water & sewer services they use in a quarterly period. Rural residents (everyone outside the Town on Alexander) with a utility connection are billed for water services they use in a quarterly period. These rates are approved both by the Council of the RM of Whitehead as well as the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba. The municipality purchases water from the Whitehead-Elton Regional Water Co-op and distributes the water from a pumping station and reservoir located just east of the town of Alexander.
Utility Rates
The following rates are in effect as of July 1st, 2024, unless otherwise noted:
Water
Per 1000 gallons $12.38
Sewer
Per 1000 gallons $6.16
Service Charge
Per Billing Quarter $13.99
Quarterly Minimum Billing
Dependent upon the size of meter you have, you automatically will be billed for a set amount of Gallons of water (“Minimum Charge”) using the Utility Rates. If you use more than what is included, you will be billed based on the consumption; if you use less, you will only be billed the included amount.
5/8” Meter - 3,000 gallons
3/4” Meter - 6,000 gallons
1 “ Meter - 12,000 gallons
1 ½” Meter - 30,000 gallons
2 “ Meter - 75,000 gallons
Explanation of Charges
Water Rate
The water charge is based on what goes through your water meter. This covers the cost of the gathering of water, treatment of water, disbursement of water.
Sewer Rate
The sewage rate is based on the usage of your water as most water returns into the sewer. The revenue of the charges on the billing is to cover the cost of the environmental regulations of disposal.
Customer Service Charge
The Service charge covers expenses such as printing bills, postage, collections, & maintenance.
Other Charges
The Municipality charges for extraordinary services other than water, sewer, service, and rate rider charges. These rates are approved by Council and the Public Utilities Board.
Penalty Charges
Penalty for nonpayment of accounts are billed at 1.25% per month on the LAST DAY of each month.
Understanding Your Bill / Changes
The Basics
The RM of Whitehead’s Utility Bills are sent out the quarterly following the end of a quarter.
- January through March Billed in April
- April to June Billed in July
- July to September Billed in October
- October to December Billed in January
We capture meter readings via cellular frequency and do not have to enter your home and you do not have to submit readings. Sometimes however, we’re unable to capture a reading and we will be forced to estimate a reading. If you feel you estimate is incorrect please call the office with your actual 7 digit reading and we can adjust your invoice within 14 days.
I want my bill emailed to me
Sure thing! The RM of Whitehead offers emailed utility billings. To register please email office@rmofwhitehead.ca and indicated what email address you would like used for eBilling.
I am moving out or into a residence
If you’re moving in and/or out of a residence, you must report the utility change to the Municipal Office by calling 204-752-2261 ext. 2 or emailing office@rmofwhitehead.ca. The Municipality is not responsible for transferring utility bills to new owners and/or customers without being properly notified. Please report the change BEFORE you move in and/or out of a residence.
NOTE FOR LANDLORDS: If you or your tenant do not report a utility change, we will automatically put the bill in your name. If you receive a bill which should’ve been in your tenants name, please email requesting future charges be to who, their contact information and why.
I received a higher-than-normal bill
Often, the reason for a higher-than-normal billing is due to the consumption of water and not a misread and/or a damaged meter. Typically, when a meter is damaged or not working, it will not send a reading. What we suggest is look for typical culprits of water consumption such as toilets or leaking faucets. Just because you can’t see or hear a leak, doesn’t mean it is not present. A small leak can impact your bill significantly.
How can I pay
We accept many forms of payments. Mail in a cheque or place in the secure dropbox outside our front door (can be postdated), send an e-transfer (office@rmofwhitehead.ca), bank payment (most credit unions and Scotia Bank), or stop by and pay with debit, cash or cheque!
What if I have questions?
For any questions, feel free to call us at 204-752-22261 during regular hours or for AFTER HOUR EMERGENCIES call 204-729-6116.
