Site work for a water / sewer project in Powell River, British Columbia. Completed plans call for site work for a water / sewer project.

In May 2025, the Van Anda Improvement District (VAID) received funding from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the BC Water Meter Pilot Project. The initiative includes 234 connections and the deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) utilizing cellular network AMI endpoints. The objective of the Pilot Project is to increase the rate of water metering in smaller British Columbia communities, with a specific emphasis on the single-family residential sector. Participating communities are expected to collect water consumption data and actively engage in a related research initiative and a collaborative community of practice. The intent is for participating communities to become partners in supporting the provincial government in achieving the pilot projects overarching goals: Improve understanding of the impact of water metering on reducing community water demand. Improve understanding of the impact of water metering on reducing non-revenue water, including leakage in distribution systems. Develop best practices for water metering in the areas of procurement, project implementation, rate setting and customer billing, water consumption data management, customer engagement, system loss management, and conservation program support. Use the results of the project to create and disseminate information and best practices. VAID is requesting proposals from qualified and experienced firms to implement the work for the water service connections within the service area. The primary drivers of the VAID s Water Metering Program are to: Reduce per capita water use. Manage system water loss. Optimize water system operation and management. Support equitable billing and enhance customer service through AMI deployment. Address current challenges in water management and leverage opportunities.