Utilities

You can set up services within the Town for utilities including water and garbage. To set up power and electricity services to your home contact a private supplier. Please visit Utilities Consumer Advocate for a list of local providers.

Learn more about utility locates and water meters in Stony Plain.

The Town provides water, sewer and household waste (garbage, organics, and recycling) services. Sign Up for Ebilling

Apply for Utilities
 You can apply for utilities (water and garbage):
  • By phone or in person at Town Office

  • Submit a Utility Application form online

Utilities Application Form

Cancel Utility Account

You can cancel your utility account (water and garbage):

  • By phone or in person at Town Office
  • Submit a Utility Cancellation form online

Utility Cancellation Form

Billing Concerns

Stony Plain has moved to a variable rate for utilities. Your bill is based solely on consumption. It encourages the conservation of water and distributes the cost more equitably among residents. Check your meter often and visit the Tips for Conserving Water tab to learn how to reduce your bill.

The change to the method of billing for water and sewer does not raise any additional revenue for the Town. 

Billing inquiry

Estimate Your Utility Bill

Try our utility bill calculator to estimate your upcoming bill.

Utility Bill Calculator 

Storm Water Fee

You can find the storm water fee on your utility bill.  The monthly rates are as follows:

  • Residential: $24.45
  • Multi-Residential: $17.60
  • Non-Residential: $104.65
  • Large Non-Residential: $115.00

Before 2020, storm water maintenance and repair costs were included in your property taxes, based on the assessed value of your home. A portion was also collected through sanitary sewer rates.

After the flooding events of 2019, the decision was made to separate this fee out and charge a "per door" fee to fund needed improvements.  

Why did we move to the Storm Water Utility Fee?

  • The storm water utility is a more transparent and fair way to fund the storm water system

  • All properties that use storm water services are now contributing; this is similar to the water and sewer utilities. This creates a fair and equitable system, user pay philosophy
  • Vacant properties that do not have structures, farmland and properties within the town limits that do not have storm system adjacent to property will no longer contribute
  • Having a Storm water utility has been identified as a best practice by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
  • Storm water utilities have been commonly used for many years in US cities, and increasingly adopted across Canada over the past several years.  Most municipalities in the tri region area are now implementing new procedures to implement this starting in 2020
Pay for a Utility Bill
You can pay for your utility bill:
  • In person at Town Office

  • Online: You can pay through online banking. Choose Stony Plain Utilities as the payee. Type your utility account number as the account number

  • Credit Card payments accepted through our online services, to get your User ID, please call Town of Stony Plain at (780) 963-2151
  • With automatic payments: Fill out the automatic payment form. You will need a void cheque or banking information. You can drop off your completed form or email it to us

  • To cancel automatic payments: Fill out the automatic payment cancellation form. You can then email the form to us
  • If you would like your monthly utility automatic payment plan to be debited from a new/different bank account, please complete the Replacement Cheque Form
View Your Bill Online

 You must register to view your bill. To get your User ID, please contact Town of Stony Plain at (780) 963-2151.

Water Issues

Your water comes from Edmonton through a series of pipes to the Town reservoirs. Pump stations pump the water through water main lines to all residents and businesses. Water is tested weekly for bacteria and chlorine.

Dirty Tap Water

Your dirty/cloudy tap water may be caused from:

  • Water main flushing
  • Work on the main water line
  • Water main breaks

If you notice dirty/cloudy water, run the cold water tap in your bathtub or outside tap for about 30 minutes or until your water runs clear.

Fire Hydrants

Only authorized personnel can use fire hydrants.

Town fire hydrants are silver and red. Private fire hydrants are yellow.

You can report issues with Town hydrants such as:

  • Leaking water
  • Vandalism
  • Damage
  • Missing caps

You may not plant or build anything within one meter of a hydrant.

Report It

Leaking Hot Water Tank

Contact a plumber to check your water tank.

Low or High Water Pressure

Most water pressure problems are local to your home. 

Low pressure at one fixture

Check if the valve for the tap or toilet is open (located under the sink or behind the toilet), make sure the screens on the taps are clean.

Low pressure with all fixtures

  • Check that your valves on the water lines are wide open (including the valve where the water enters your home)
  • Check your pressure-reducing valve (located where the water line enters your home) Contact a plumber for assistance
  • Check for leaks inside your home at faucets, toilets, hot water tank, or the outside water tap
  • Ask your neighbors if they have low water pressure. Contact us if everyone has low pressure

High pressure

  • Ask your neighbour if they have high water pressure. Contact us if everyone has high pressure

Water Service Shut Off/Turn On

Public Works can shut off/turn on your water in an emergency or if you need plumbing repairs. For non-emergencies, we require 48 hours notice. The fee for this service will be added to your monthly utility bill.

Water Leaks on Private Property

You are responsible to repair leaks starting from your cc valve (near the property line) to your house. You may have a water leak if you notice:

  • Water coming out of the ground in your yard
  • Areas of your property are always soggy and wet
  • Patches of grass which stay greener than the rest of the lawn
  • You can hear water running even when taps are turned off

Water Leaks on Town Property

You can report leaks on Town property using the online form or contact Public Works directly.

Report It

Blocked Drains

You are responsible for blocked drains in your home.

Many items cause sewer blockages, even flushable items. These items should never be flushed or poured down the drain:

  • Fats, oil, and greases
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Baby or cleaning wipes
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Band-aids
  • Disposable diapers
  • Dental floss
  • Cat litter

You can store fats and grease in disposable containers and put them in the garbage.

Businesses must install and maintain grease traps. Grease must be disposed of properly.

Town vs Property Owner Responsibilities

diagram showing a water connection from Town property to home

Town vs Property Owner Responsibility
Town's ResponsibilityProperty Owner's Responsibility

Service Box Cap:

An iron disc, approximately 4 inches in diameter, located on the property line. The Town is responsible for normal wear and tear.
Service Box Cap:
An iron disc, approximately 4 inches in diameter, located on the property line. This must be kept to grade and protected from damage during landscaping, driveway restoration, etc.
Curb Stop Valve:
Located underground, this valve controls the flow of water from the water main to your property.
Water Service Line:
Pipe that runs between the curb stop valve and your property.
Remote Meter Reading Device:
A small box mounted on the exterior of your property that allows the Town to obtain meter readings without entering the premise.
Indoor Water Shut-off Valve(s):
Shuts off the water supply to your property. Must be installed and maintained before and after the water meter.
Water Mains:
More than 104 kilometres of underground pipes throughout the Town that carry water to water service lines.
Indoor Plumbing:
The system of water pipes, drains, fittings, valves, and fixtures in your building that distribute water.
Service Connection:
The part of the pipe that runs from the water main to the curb stop valve in front of your property.
Wire to the Meter:
A 22 gauge, 4 wire that relays a signal from the meter to the outside touchpad remote.
Water Meter:
Records the volume of water used by your property.
Property owners shall provide free, clear, and unobstructed access to the water meter at all times. Tampering or any alteration to the water meter is prohibited under the Town’s Utility Bylaw 2653/UTIL/21.

Tips for Conserving Water 

 10 tips to conserve water at home:

Watson the Waterdrop

  1. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Water comes out of the average faucet at 6 litres per minute. Don’t let all that water go down the drain while you brush! Turn off the faucet after you wet your brush, and leave it off until it’s time to rinse.
  2. Turn off the tap while washing your hands. Do you need the water to run while you’re scrubbing your hands? Save a few gallons of water and turn the faucet off after you wet your hands until you need to rinse.
  3. Fix your leaks. Whether you do it yourself or hire a plumber, fixing leaky faucets can mean big water savings.
  4. Cut your showers short. Older shower heads can use as much as 45 litres of water per minute. Speed things up in the shower for some serious water savings.
  5. Choose efficient fixtures. Aerating your faucets, investing in a low-flow toilet, choosing efficient shower heads, and opting for a Water Sense rated dishwasher and washing machine can add up to big water savings.
  6. Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine until it’s full. Those half-loads add up to a lot of wasted water.
  7. Install a rain barrel. Rainwater harvesting is a great way to keep your plants hydrated without turning on the hose or sprinkler.
  8. Flush with less. Older toilets use a lot of water. You can reduce your usage by sinking a milk jug of water in the toilet tank or turning the screw on the arm to reduce the amount the tank fills. Do NOT use a brick, because it will break down and the sediment can damage your tank.
  9. Water outdoor plants in the early morning. You’ll need less water, since cooler morning temperatures mean losing less water to evaporation. It’s not a great idea to water in the evenings, since this can promote mold growth.
  10. Water your garden with a watering can rather than a hose. A hose can use as much as 1,000 litres of water an hour. Mulching your plants (with bark chippings, heavy compost or straw) will reduce evaporation and save water.

Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen water pipes can be an inconvenience and may sometimes interrupt your water supply. The first step in resolving the issue is to locate the frozen section of the pipe. If the pipe is frozen on your property, it is your responsibility to address the repair.

We recommend contacting a licensed plumber to assess the situation and pinpoint the frozen area. If needed, you may also contact the Town of Stony Plain’s Water Department for additional guidance:

  • Phone: 780-963-2469 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
  • After Hours: 587-341-2937

Prevent Frozen Pipes

During colder months, pipes in uninsulated areas are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Consider the following precautions to prevent pipes from freezing:

  • Maintain an indoor temperature of at least 8°C in areas containing water pipes, particularly near the water meter.
  • Seal any air leaks in the home and garage, especially in places where pipes are located.
  • If you have water lines in the garage, keep exterior garage doors closed.
  • Use insulation specifically designed for outdoor pipes to wrap any outdoor water lines.
  • Turn off and drain water lines leading to outdoor faucets.
  • For pipes located within cabinets, leave the cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate.

If you’re planning an extended absence, it’s wise to shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening a tap on the lowest level of the house. Additionally, consider having someone check on your home periodically to ensure the heat remains on and pipes are intact.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

If a pipe inside your home freezes, you may be able to thaw it yourself. Start by opening the tap closest to the frozen section and begin warming the pipe from that point. If you notice any leaks, contact a plumber immediately.

To safely thaw pipes, warm them gradually to prevent damage by:

  • Wrapping pipes in warm towels
  • Using a space heater to warm the room

Avoid Using These Methods to Thaw Pipes

To prevent pipes from bursting, do not use any of the following methods:

  • Open flames, such as a blow torch, candle, or lighter
  • Hair dryer
  • Electric heating pad
  • Space heater or other high-heat electrical appliance directly on pipes

Clog Stoppers

A silent crime is taking place in our plumbing systems, and we need your help to stop it. Join the CLOG STOPPERS, a dedicated team on a mission to keep our pipes safe and sound. Together, we can ensure that our wastewater systems remain free from the clutches of clogs and chaos! 

 

Visit Arrow Utilities to learn more!