News Room
NSARB Approves Stellarton Water Utility Rate Adjustments
- Published: October 06 2026 09:57
The Town of Stellarton is advising residents and businesses that the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board (NSRAB) has approved the Town's application to amend the Stellarton Water Utility Schedule of Rates for Water and Water Services and the Schedule of Rules and Regulations.
Stellarton Town Council approved the Water Rate Increase Application on April 13, 2026. The Board issued its decision on September 23, 2026, approving phased rate adjustments beginning October 1, 2026, followed by additional adjustments on April 1, 2027, and April 1, 2028.
Why are water rates increasing?
Over the past two years, the Water Utility has installed water meters in residential properties so that the Stellarton Water Utility operates on a user-pay basis, meaning the costs of providing safe, reliable drinking water are funded through rates paid by water utility customers based on the amount of water they use.
Since the last water rate application was approved in 2023, the cost of operating the Water Utility has increased. The cost of chemicals and materials required for the water treatment facility, the cost of electricity, and the cost of maintaining the water line infrastructure along with other operating expenses have all increased.
The Water Utility must maintain sufficient revenues to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the system, meeting regulatory requirements, and continuing to invest in the infrastructure necessary to provide reliable water service to Stellarton customer.
What will the increase mean for customers?
The approved rates will be phased in over three years.
For customers transitioning from the previous flat-rate billing system to user-pay billing, the average projected change is:
Year Average Projected Change
2026 1.8%
2027 9.5%
2028 8.8%
For customers who are already billed based on water consumption, the average projected change is:
Year Average Projected Change
2026 14.2%
2027 9.5%
2028 8.8%
These percentages represent average projected changes. The actual change to an individual customer's bill will depend on water consumption and applicable rates. Even with these adjustments, Stellarton's water rates remain comparable with rates charged by other municipalities in Pictou County and across Nova Scotia.
Sewer Charges Moving from Property Tax Bills to Water Bills
Beginning with the third-quarter billing cycle (October-December 2026), sewer charged for properties connected to the Town of Stellarton's sewer system will appear on water bills.
Previously, sewer charges were included in the tax rate on annual property tax bills. The Town is moving to a user-pay based sewer charged so that the cost of sewer services more closely reflects water consumption and the corresponding demand placed on the wastewater system.
Under this approach, properties using more water will generally pay more for sewer services, while properties using less water will generally pay less.
The sewer charge will be phased in over three years:
Fiscal Year Sewer Charge
2026/27 (beginning October 1, 2026) $0.50 per m3
2027/28 $1.00 per m3
2028/29 $1.50 per m3
This change will provide a more equitable and sustainable approach to funding the Town's sewer operations and infrastructure needs.
Sample Water and Sewer Bill:
This is a sample quarterly bill based on 40 cubic metres of water consumption:
Charge Calculation Amount
5/8' Base Charge Fixed per qtr $66.55
Water Consumption 40 m3 x $2.16 $86.40
Sewer Charge 40 m3 x $0.50 $20.00
Total Bill $172.95
What can I expect next?
Customers will receive a sample bill in mid-late October - do not pay this bill. The first actual bill based on consumption will be issued in early January 2027 and will reflect consumption for the period of October 1-December 1, 2026. This will give both Utility Customers and Administration time to work through any questions or concerns.
Where can I find more information?
The complete Schedule of Rates, Schedule of Rules and Regulations and supporting documentation are available on our website here: NSRAB Order 2026 Residents and businesses are encouraged to review the approved rate schedules to understand how the changes may affect their water bills.
Questions about the new water and sewer billing structure can be directed to the Town of Stellarton at 902-752-2114 or by visiting Town Hall at 250 Foord Street, Stellarton.