Burnaby Water Metering Bylaw for Homes

Utilities and Infrastructure British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, municipal rules govern when homes must have water meters, how meters are installed and how water consumption is billed. This guide explains the city requirements, who enforces them, common compliance steps for homeowners and what to expect during inspection or billing changes. It summarizes official Burnaby sources for bylaws, permitting and contacts so homeowners can act confidently and meet city obligations.

Check official City of Burnaby pages for any recent updates before applying or appealing.

Overview of Water Metering Requirements

The City of Burnaby requires water metering where the Water Utility or Building Department directs installation for new connections, major renovations or where municipal policy mandates measured service for billing and conservation. Meter installation may be required at the time of permitting or when ownership or service type changes. For specific requirements and the official procedural steps consult the City of Burnaby water services pages and consolidated bylaws for current instruments and instructions.[1][2]

  • Who needs a meter: new single-family and multi-unit developments where the city requires metered service.
  • Installation by qualified contractors following city specifications and inspection.
  • Billing based on meter readings or estimated use until the meter is read and accepted.

Installation Standards and Responsibilities

Meter type, location and backflow prevention are set by municipal engineering standards. Homeowners are typically responsible for the supply-side installation inside privately owned service connections to the property, while the city or utility may own and maintain the meter itself. Permits or approvals through Building or Engineering are often required before work begins; verify submission requirements with the city department handling water and sewer services.[1]

Authorized installers must follow city inspection requirements and maintain records.

Applications & Forms

  • Permit application: check the City of Burnaby Building or Engineering permit portal; specific meter-installation forms are not always published separately and may be handled through standard permit applications. If no dedicated form is listed, contact the department for process details.
  • Submission: online permit portal, in-person submission or email as directed on the city service page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Burnaby departments designated in the applicable water utility bylaw and bylaw enforcement officers. Inspections may be triggered by permit reviews, routine checks, complaints or suspected tampering.

  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Engineering/Water Utility staff are responsible for compliance and inspections; contact details are on the city site.[2]
  • Fine amounts: specific monetary fines and daily penalties are not specified on the cited city pages and must be confirmed in the controlling bylaw or through the city bylaw office.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment and ranges are not specified on the cited pages; consult the consolidated water or enforcement bylaw for exact escalation rules.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to install or repair meters, service disconnection, seizure of tampering devices and court proceedings may be used as enforcement measures, subject to provisions in the applicable bylaw (not specified on the cited pages).
  • Appeals and review: the city normally provides appeal routes through the administrative review or provincial tribunal processes; exact time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the city.
If you receive an order, act quickly and contact the listed department to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

  • Appeal or review forms: not specifically published on the water service pages; contact By-law Enforcement for applicable forms and timelines.

Common Violations

  • Failure to install a required meter when ordered by the city.
  • Unauthorized meter tampering or bypassing.
  • Installing non-compliant meters or failing to obtain required permits.
Document all communications and retain receipts for installations and inspections.

Action Steps for Homeowners

  • Confirm whether a meter is required by checking the city water services and permit pages and any notices on your property.[1]
  • If required, apply for permits through the Building or Engineering permit portal and hire a qualified installer per city specifications.
  • Pay applicable permit and installation fees as directed; if fees are not listed, request the fee schedule from the department.
  • If you receive a compliance order or ticket, contact By-law Enforcement immediately and ask about appeal timelines and steps to resolve the order.

FAQ

Do all single-family homes in Burnaby need a water meter?
Not always; meter requirements depend on the city policy, new connections, major renovations and specific directives from the Water Utility or Building Department. Check the official city water services pages for your property status.[1]
Who pays for the meter and installation?
Allocation of costs varies; often homeowners pay for installation and the city may own and maintain the meter. Specific cost responsibilities and any city programs will be listed on the municipal service pages or in permit documentation.
What if my meter is damaged or inaccurate?
Report suspected problems to the Water Utility or By-law Enforcement; the city will advise inspection and testing procedures and any adjustment processes for billing.

How-To

  1. Check the City of Burnaby water services and permit pages to confirm if a meter is required for your property.[1]
  2. Contact the Building or Engineering department to learn permit requirements and approved meter specifications.
  3. Hire a qualified installer and schedule work per the city inspection process.
  4. Arrange inspection and provide required documentation to the city to have the meter accepted for billing.
  5. Review your first billed statement and contact the Water Utility for corrections if readings or charges appear incorrect.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm meter requirements early during planning or sale to avoid delays.
  • Contact By-law Enforcement or Engineering for exact forms, fees and appeal timelines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Water and Sewer Services
  2. [2] Burnaby Consolidated Bylaws

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