Alerts

Water Utility Rate Adjustments

Details: Category: Alerts; Published: Tuesday, 31 March 2026 12:31

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2026

Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board Approves New Glasgow Water Utility Rate Adjustments

March 31, 2026, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia - The Town of New Glasgow Council approved a Water Rate Increase Application on November 17, 2025 to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board (NSRAB), which has approved amendments on March 27, 2026 to the Town’s Water Utility Schedule of Rates for Water and Water Services and its Schedule of Rules and Regulations, with new rates taking effect April 1, 2026.

The New Glasgow Water Utility operations are funded by the revenues generated by the Water Utility customers; it is a user pay run facility. The Water Utility is currently running a deficit and this impacts the ability to continue to invest in the standards required for quality drinking water. The Town is currently planning for a significant multiple phase source water dam upgrade of $9.5 million dollars between 2026-2029 required to comply with the Canadian Dam Safety guidelines.

The last water rate increase took place in 2017 based on the application made and approved in 2015. Since 2017, the New Glasgow Water Utility has experienced financial increases in the chemicals and materials required for water treatment, the utility costs for the treatment facility, increases in the utility costs for pumping stations, as well as wage increases. The Utility continued during the last rate period to upgrade major existing infrastructure including the replacement of the Mountain Road reservoir cover and liner in 2019, Munro Avenue tank interior painted in 2021 and roof replaced in 2023, along with watermain upgrades in the southend.

The proposed increases for New Glasgow customers in 2026 are 14.5%, 2027 are 13.8% and 2028 are 13.5%. The majority of residential customers in New Glasgow use a 5/8" water meter. The proposed increase for 2026 on a 5/8” meter translates for an average home user of an average base rate increase of $9.52 per quarter or $40 per year and consumption charge increase of $0.19/m³ with modest phased increases over the three-year implementation period. Even with the proposed water rate increase, New Glasgow will be providing water rates comparable to other municipalities within Pictou County.

There are significant changes to the bulk water and wholesale rates being charged to New Glasgow Water Utility customers that reflect their increases in consumption since the 2017 rate hearing. The wholesale rates include an increase in 2026 to the Municipality of the County of Pictou of 57.4% and 49% to the Town of Westville. Bulk Water customers acquiring water from the bulk water station will have increases in the consumption rate of $1.46/m³ currently to $8.10/m³ along with an annual licensing fee.

New Glasgow continues to be a leader in water quality and is meeting both provincial and national water standards. The New Glasgow Water Utility has a strong distribution system which is maintained at a high level to ensure quality water and cost effectiveness for the users as evidenced in the recent study released by the Ecology Action Centre.

The Board issued its decision on March 27, 2026, approving the Town’s application and authorizing phased rate adjustments on April 1, 2026; April 1, 2027; and April 1, 2028, respectively.

Following the rate approval Mayor Nancy Dicks emphasized the importance of maintaining high water quality standards for residents and businesses in the community. “Providing safe, reliable drinking water is one of our most important responsibilities. New Glasgow continues to lead in water quality by meeting provincial and national standards while maintaining a strong and dependable distribution system that supports our community today and into the future.”

The complete Schedule of Rates, Rules and Regulations, and supporting documentation can be found on the Town of New Glasgow website at: Water Billings - Town of New Glasgow

Residents and businesses are encouraged to review the full schedule to better understand how these changes may impact their water service billing. Additional updates and information will continue to be shared by the Town of New Glasgow in the upcoming quarterly water bills.

Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782