The city of Portage la Prairie continues work to resolve its delayed water billing cycle.

Water billing issues and delays have been ongoing since Oct. 2016, when discrepancies were found on bills because of compatibility issues with the city's financial software and the new water meter reading software. Revised bills have been issued periodically since.

A statement from the city posted on its website this week says staff have been double checking calculations and verifying meter reads prior to mailing out bills, to ensure all software conflicts have been resolved.

Residents in Area 2, between Saskatchewan Avenue and the railway tracks, began receiving bills that cover an eight-month period – from May 2, 2016-Jan.10, 2017 – earlier this week.

"We recognize this a large amount to have on one bill, so due dates on these water bills have been extended to reflect that extended billing period," says Coun. Melissa Draycott, reading a statement from the city. "You'll notice on your water bill that interest is not being charged on accounts and penalties will not be applied if you pay your water bill on the due date that is shown."

Staff will begin work on Area 3 and Area 1 billing areas next, the city says.