FAQs

The extension of municipal water services requires significant capital investment in infrastructure, including watermains, valves, hydrants, service connections, engineering, and construction costs. Municipalities typically recover these costs using funding mechanisms that align the costs with those who benefit from the infrastructure.

One approach is a Local Improvement Charge (LIC), where all or a portion of the capital cost is assessed to benefiting property owners. Payment can be in full or paid over a defined period through annual charges added to the property tax bill. This model is based on the principle that the directly benefiting properties contribute toward the cost of the infrastructure improvement.

A second approach is the use of Connection Charges, where costs are recovered when individual buildings connect to the municipal water system. Under this method, property owners pay a charge at the time of connection that contributes toward the capital investment required to make the service available. Payment can be in full or paid over a defined period through annual charges added to the property tax bill. For vacant properties, Development Charges are applicable and paid before connection to the municipal water system. 

When considering a water service extension, Council must balance principles of fairness, affordability, growth management, and financial sustainability in determining the most appropriate funding and cost-recovery model.  

1. Capital Infrastructure Recovery Costs:
   If a Local Improvement Charge funding approach is taken, the capital costs are estimated to be in the range of $11 Million to $15 Million. There are currently approximately 87 properties along the subject streets. These costs would be apportioned to the benefitting properties, either as a flat rate per property or on a frontage basis. Local Improvement Charges would apply to both developed and vacant properties.
   
   If a Connection Charge funding approach is taken in accordance with the City of Belleville Connection Charge By-Law 2019-183, the residential water connection charge for 2026 to be assessed against each house would be $5828.96 per single detached unit This Connection Charge covers the costs associated with the City’s water treatment and watermain on the applicable street. There are no taxes to be added to this charge. As per By-Law 2019- 183, this charge is subject to annual indexing. For vacant properties, Development Charges are applicable and paid before connection to the municipal water system.
   
   
2.  Private Water Connection:
   The homeowner is responsible for completing all work on their property and assuming the full cost of the water service from the property line to the home’s internal water system. The homeowner must contact a private contractor to complete this work. The cost varies from house to house and depends on the location of the well inlet pipe/ building drain, any trees that may be in the way, the construction method used, and any existing amenities the homeowner may have in their yard (i.e. sheds, patios, decks). A private contractor can give you an estimate for the cost of the private water connection on private property.
   
   
3. Water Rates: 
   Once the private water connection is complete, the user will be subject to bi-monthly water billing. The current rates for a standard 5/8” metre include: water consumption ($2.06 per cubic metre), service charges ($54.48 bi-monthly), and fire protection charges ($12.98 bi-monthly). The cost for a standard household using 15 cubic metres of water in this scenario (without sewer charges) would amount to $98.36. Water rates are subject to annual rate reviews and approval of Council, which can include rates increasing.
   
   
4. Wastewater Connection & Rates:
   Water and wastewater are charged separately so as to fund their operational and capital costs associated with them. Once wastewater has been connected, a connection charge for wastewater will apply. This charge will be based on the rate in effect at the time. Bi-monthly wastewater rates are calculated as a percentage of water consumption and service charges—in 2026 this rate is 111.9%. Using the sample billing of 15 cubic metres from item 2. c (above), the wastewater charge would amount to $95.54 ($30.90 consumption + $54.48 service x 111.9%). As part of the combined water funding model, wastewater rates are also subject to annual rate reviews and approval of Council, which can include rates increasing. 

Under the current Connection Charge By-Law 2019-183, as amended in 2024, paying the connection charge and connecting to the watermain is currently optional for pre-existing constructed residences.

If a Local Improvement Charge approach is taken or if Connection Charges become mandatory in the future, typically each property owner would have the option of paying the charges in full or in equal annual installments over a ten (10) year period. If payment is to be in equal annual installments, the payment would be added to the property tax bill and interest charged at the City’s normal interest rate. The balance owing on the principal amount can be paid off at any time during the 10 year amortization period.

Homeowners are responsible for paying the initial cost for any municipal services they receive. If you buy a house in a new subdivision, this price has been factored into the cost of the building lot. Once the services are installed within the road rightof-way, the City assumes ownership of the infrastructure and the City is responsible for operation, maintenance and life-cycle replacement of the infrastructure. The City pays for operation, maintenance and life-cycle replacement using the funds collected through the water charges that are included on your water bill.

The homeowner must contact a private contractor to complete this work. The Yellowpages lists a number of contractors and plumbers that can complete this work. Several homeowners may decide to come together and attempt to get a group rate from a contractor.

The full cost of the water pipe from the property line to the home’s internal water system must be paid by the homeowner. The homeowner must hire a private contractor to complete this work.

A Building Permit is required. You can make an application for a permit through the City of Belleville Building Section located on the second floor of City Hall, 169 Front Street, Belleville. The property owner may apply for their own building permit or have their contractor apply on their behalf.

Your private contractor can provide advice on what interior works may be required. If changing interior plumbing locations, a Plumbing Permit is also required and can be applied for at the same time as the Building Permit.

City Building Inspectors will inspect the water service installation from the road right-of-way into the building(s).