Quick answer
In 2026, a Surrey house on the flat rate pays $2,856 a year for water and sewer ($1,195 water, $1,661 sewer), plus $344.08 for garbage, recycling and organics and a $250.71 drainage parcel tax: $3,450.79 a year, or about $288 a month. Each secondary suite adds $1,275.71 for water and sewer. A metered house pays by use and comes out ahead if it uses less than about 790 cubic metres a year.
Surrey splits these charges across two bills. Water and sewer come on your utility bill. Garbage collection and the drainage parcel tax come on your property tax notice, due July 2. The calculator adds them up so you see the true yearly cost.
Surrey's 2026 flat water and sewer rates
| Home | Water | Sewer | Total a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single family house | $1,195 | $1,661 | $2,856 |
| Each secondary suite (added to the house rate) | $454.00 | $821.71 | $1,275.71 |
| Strata unit (multi-family) | $454 | $571 | $1,025 |
Metered water and sewer rates
Metered homes get a bill every four months with a use charge and a base charge for the meter.
- Water: $1.4116 per cubic metre.
- Sewer: $2.3593 per cubic metre, charged on 88% of the water you use.
- Meter base charge: $96 a year for a 3/4 inch meter (most houses), split across your three bills. Bigger meters cost more: $117 for 1.5 inch and $147 for 2 inch.
Worked example: 300 cubic metres in a year costs $423.48 for water, $622.86 for sewer and $96 for the meter base, which is about $1,142. On the flat rate the same house would pay $2,856.
Would a water meter save you money?
Each cubic metre costs about $3.49 on a meter once sewer is included ($1.4116 + 88% of $2.3593). Take off the $96 base charge and the flat rate of $2,856 covers about 790 cubic metres. If your home uses less than about 790 cubic metres a year, a meter costs less than the flat rate. Put your use into the calculator to see the difference.
Not sure how much you use? A metered bill shows your reading. If you're on the flat rate, the City runs a volunteer water meter program; see our Surrey utility bill guide for how billing works.
Garbage and drainage charges (on the tax notice)
| Charge | 2026 a year |
|---|---|
| House, duplex or multiplex: garbage, recycling, organics | $344.08 |
| Townhouse using City garbage service | $344.08 |
| Secondary suite | $172.04 |
| Multiple suites | $340 |
| Apartment or townhouse: recycling and organics | $46.55 |
| Apartment or townhouse: recycling only | $35.42 |
| Drainage parcel tax (residential) | $250.71 |
Examples
- House, flat rate, no suite: $2,856 + $344.08 + $250.71 = $3,450.79 a year.
- House with one secondary suite: $2,856 + $1,275.71 + $344.08 + $172.04 + $250.71 = $4,898.54 a year.
- Strata apartment (recycling and organics): $1,025 + $46.55 + $250.71 = $1,322.26 a year.
Tip: Metered bills that aren't paid by the due date get a 5% penalty, so note the due date on each four-month bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the water bill in Surrey?
For a house on the flat rate, $2,856 a year for water and sewer in 2026. A strata unit pays $1,025. Metered homes pay $1.4116 per cubic metre for water plus sewer on 88% of that water.
How much does a secondary suite add to utilities in Surrey?
$1,275.71 a year for water and sewer on the flat rate, plus $172.04 for garbage collection: $1,447.75 in total.
Is a water meter cheaper in Surrey?
For most homes using less than about 790 cubic metres a year, yes. Above that, the flat rate is cheaper.
Why is the sewer charge based on 88% of my water?
Surrey calculates metered sewer use as 88% of the water that goes through your meter, and bills sewer on that amount.
Where do my utility dollars go?
Surrey says Metro Vancouver costs make up about 75% of the water bill and 86% of the sewer bill for an average single family home. The rest pays for City maintenance, pipe replacement, meter reading and customer service.
Official sources
- City of Surrey: Understanding your utility bill (2026 rates)
- City of Surrey: Property tax rates and parcel taxes
An estimate for general information, not financial advice. Rates change, so check the official sources above before you rely on a number. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.