By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a bid to enhance sustainable water management, the City of Sherbrooke is calling for residents to volunteer for the installation of free smart water meters as part of the Quebec Strategy for Drinking Water Conservation (SQEEP). The project aims to install 380 meters in homes connected to the city’s water system, with data collected used solely for municipal water usage analysis.
Philippe Côté, Section Chief for Engineering, Water, and Major Projects at the City of Sherbrooke, explained the initiative’s purpose in a recent interview. “We want to confirm that our theoretical data aligns with reality,” he said. “The meters will allow us to refine our annual water usage summary, a requirement under SQEEP.” He further emphasized the importance of accurate data in shaping sustainable water policies. “This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the sustainable use of potable water, a critical resource for our region,” he added.
The program is entirely cost-free for participants, with the city covering installation expenses. According to Côté, once installed, the meters operate autonomously, transmitting data to the city’s servers without any further input from homeowners. “The device has a lifespan of nearly 20 years, and residents won’t even notice its presence,” he assured. The collected data will be used exclusively for creating accurate consumption reports and will not affect water billing. “This is not a step toward residential water taxation,” Côté clarified, addressing possible concerns from some residents.
The city’s press release outlines the eligibility criteria for volunteers. To qualify, participants must:
- Own their residence.
- Have accessible water entry points.
- Be connected to Sherbrooke’s municipal water system, excluding properties with private wells.
- Reside in their home for at least eight months a year.
Residents interested in participating can apply via an online form at Sherbrooke.ca/compteur-eau. The city encourages those with suitable properties to consider contributing to this vital initiative. The installation process is designed to be minimally invasive. “We’ve prioritized homes where installation can be completed without structural disruptions, such as breaking walls,” Côté noted. The city has contracted professional plumbers to ensure seamless installations.