Please refer to the frequently asked questions below to help you understand your utility bill statements.
How are my utility rates determined?
Town of Ponoka utility rates are based on what is needed to fund daily utility operations in the Town of Ponoka, including inflationary cost increases and utility related capital projects each year. The Alberta Government directs municipalities to ensure utility services are self-sustaining and discourages municipalities from using property taxes or grant funding to help pay for utilities.
Why has my water consumption rate increased in 2026?
The Town of Ponoka’s drinking water comes from the Red Deer River through the regional water line operated by the North Red Deer River Water Services Commission. In 2026, the North Red Deer Regional Water Commission increased water purchase costs by 15%. In turn, the Town of Ponoka increased its water consumption rate by 15% to cover the increased costs, which brings your rate to $3.26 per cubic metre. The Town now pays the North Red Deer Regional Water Commission $2.52 per cubic metre. The remaining $0.74 per cubic metre on your water consumption rate supports daily operations and infrastructure for drinking water in the Town of Ponoka.
Why has my sewer consumption rate increased in 2026?
Sewer consumption rates are set at 30% of water consumption rates. Due to the increase in water purchase costs by the North Red Deer Regional Water Commission, your sewer consumption costs have also increased by 15% to cover increased costs.
How are the sewer and water base fees determined?
The water and sewer base fees are based on an estimated Alberta Consumer Price Index. These funds are put into reserves to pay for future capital infrastructure projects for sewer and water. These base fees have increased by 1.9% in 2026, which reflects the inflationary cost increases.
What about storm sewer, garbage collection and recycling fees?
Storm sewer and curbside waste collection fees remain unchanged for 2026.
What does this mean for my household?
Overall, a family using 20 cubic metres of water per month will see an estimated monthly increase of 7.8% or $12.38 for water, sewer, storm sewer and waste, recycling and compost fees.
