An independent research study commissioned by the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association of Ontario
INTRODUCTION
In 1990, the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) commissioned an independent study (Fortin and Mitchell) to look at the current state of water and wastewater services and infrastructure in Ontario, with a particular focus on financial sustainability – use of water meters and adequacy of water rates. This new study has been commissioned by the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association on the 25th anniversary of its seminal analysis (by Fortin and Mitchell) of water rates and related issues in Ontario. The 1990 study concluded with a call for greater use of water meters, a commitment to the user-pay principle and financial sustainability in water rates, and adoption of a utility model with full lifecycle costing for the capital and operating costs of these essential community services. While farsighted, OSWCA’s ground-breaking 1990 study was not immediately recognized for its importance.