Water Meter Services

Water meters are an important component of the municipal water system.  Every household, business and facility that is connected to the municipal water service located within the City of Barrie is equipped with a water meter to track water usage and to ensure that customers are being billed only for the water their system uses.

There are approximately 42,000 water meters in the City of Barrie. The Water Operations Branch is responsible for installing, testing and maintaining new meters throughout the City.

In an effort to reduce the costs of meter reading and maintenance, the City of Barrie has initiated several programs to improve the efficiency of these meters and reduce replacement costs. These programs include:

• The replacement of old water meters including an upgrade of remote reading devices.
• The implementation of a meter-testing program that ensures our meters function correctly.
• The reconditioning and calibration of damaged meters.

Industrial/Commercial Water Service & Meter Installations

 Water Operations can provide you with:

• Water testing
• Water pressure and flow test
• Chlorination
• Water sample

A 24 hour waiting period for water sample testing is required.

The Contractor will supply and install all meters above 50mm. All water meters 100mm and larger are to be compound single register meters only. Meters above 38mm require a bypass assembly.  Turbine meters are not acceptable in the City of Barrie. Butterfly Valves are not permitted in any metering, valve/bypass assembly. 

Water meters larger than 50mm shall be provided and installed by the property owner in accordance with the specifications and requirements of the City of Barrie (full cost paid by property owner).

Pre-service and tapping fees are to be paid at the Operations Centre located at 165 Ferndale Dr. North.  All remaining fees are to be paid at Building Services Department on the 8th Floor City Hall, 70 Collier Street.  You can also reach City Hall by phone at (705) 739-4212.

All water meters are property of the City of Barrie. Users are responsible for all costs.

New Home Meter Installations

Before the City will consider installing a meter at any new location, the following requirements are necessary:

• The curb Box must be accessible and operable.
• An approved wiring must be complete from meter location to the outside disc installation.               
• An approved angle meter stop must be installed in the house.
• Permanent heat installed and operating (during winter months).
• The exterior of the home must be complete.

There will be a service charge of $70 for each subsequent call back for completion of the water meter installation.

Water meters larger than 50mm shall be provided and installed by the property owner in accordance with the specifications and requirements of the City of Barrie.

All water meters are the property of the City of Barrie. Users are responsible for all costs.

Relocation of Scan Disk

Scan Discs and remote registers are located on the outside of the house and provide a direct link for reading the meter inside a house. Occasionally due to construction and renovation projects these devices need to be relocated.

Scan Discs should not be covered and should be completely accessible at all times. 

Water Meter Replacement Installations

Water meters are replaced when:

• Meters have slowed or stopped
• Meters are damaged
• Obsolete meters

This work is carried out by our city staff or an authorized contractor.

All water meters are the property of the City of Barrie.

To apply for a meter replacement, call the Water Operations Branch to book an appointment.  The meter will then be inspected and replaced if needed.

Replacement and/or Repair Charges apply if damage is due to:

• Misuse
• Freezing
• Vandalism

Water Stop & Drain/Meter Valve Repairs & Replacements

Fees:  $136.50  *Only if parts are used to make repairs.

All City of Barrie employees have authorized photo identification

Frequently Asked Questions

The valve before my meter is leaking, what should I do?
Call to book an appointment. This also applies to valves that have a broken handle or are ceased. If we are able to fix it without replacing, there is no charge otherwise it would be as indicated in the current Fees by-law.
Why is my meter noisy?
A noisy meter does not necessarily mean that it has to be replaced. Call to book an appointment. This service is usually of no charge unless the meter is damaged or a stop and drain needs replacing.
I can’t turn my meter valve to shut off the water/ my shut off has broken off, what can I do?
The shut off on the water meter (known as the stop and drain) seized or broke and can no longer be turned off or on. We will book an appointment. If the latter can be freed up, the call is free of charge. The only time we do not service stop and drains is if the homeowner has galvanized steel or if it is a commercial building. The homeowner will need to call a plumber for this service.
How can I move my water meter to a different location?
The homeowner can do this but someone from Water Operations Branch needs to attend prior to determine if moving to the new location required is acceptable. The homeowner will have to contract out a plumber for this service.