Effluent metering program

Business operations

In the same way a water meter measures water when it's used, an effluent meter measures the wastewater that leaves a property to return to the sewer system.

For the majority of businesses, it is assumed that 92 per cent of the water they use is returned back to the sewer system as wastewater.

However, some businesses use a large amount of water, but return much less than 92 per cent back as wastewater. For these businesses, an effluent meter may be a more accurate way of measuring wastewater return.

How to qualify for the effluent metering program

This program is for commercial (General Service) water customers who would like to implement effluent flow metering for the purpose of a partial exemption from sewer utility charges under Subsection 40 of the Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012.

To qualify for the program, commercial customers must return less than 80 per cent of their incoming water as wastewater in the sewer system. They must also use an average of 4,000 cubic metres of water per month (m3).

Data showing the actual flow ratio needs to be sent to our Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Contract Services Coordinator. If the three criteria can be met before an application is submitted, please contact our ICI Coordinator to discuss.

Effluent metering program guide

The full details of the Effluent Metering Program can be found in the Effluent Metering Guide. You can also find more information by contacting 311.

  • Application process
  • Preliminary approval and meter installation plans
  • After meter installation
  • Customer and City of Calgary responsibilities
  • Meter specifications
  • Effluent Metering Program contact information

We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.

Join the Business Perspectives Panel
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