Saanich to upgrade 30,000 properties’ water meters to improve leak detection

The District of Saanich is launching a five-year project to upgrade water meter-reading equipment at approximately 30,000 properties. 

According to the District, the new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system allows water meters to be read remotely, which will provide more timely water-use information while also helping to identify unusual water use that may indicate a leak. 

Work is expected to get underway in late 2026 and will be conducted in phases over the next five years. 

The District estimates that around 6,000 meter locations will be upgraded each year. 

They also noted that Saanich is one of the first municipalities on Vancouver Island to make the change to an AMI system. 

“This is an important investment in the infrastructure that supports reliable water service for our community,” said Harley Machielse, director of Engineering for the District of Saanich. 

“The new system will give us more timely information to support customer service, billing and long-term water-system planning.” 

Residents should know that most meter-reading equipment upgrades will take about 45 minutes and can be completed without residents being home. 

Most of the work will take place at an accessible meter box, and water service will remain on. 

In some rare cases, workers will determine whether the water meter itself may need to be replaced. 

The District says that if workers require access to private property or a building, or if a short water interruption is required, advance notice will be provided. 

The contractor for this five-year project will be KTI Utility Services, with District staff handling some of the work as well. 

The project is being funded through Saanich’s Water Capital Budget. 

According to the District, the project is being taken on because the aging water meters and meter-reading equipment that are becoming less reliable or are not compatible with newer technology.