The bills are in the mail, at least for some Portage la Prairie residents. The city's experiencing delays with their water bills, following the replacement of Portage's water meters in recent months. Waterworks Chair Wayne Wall says the have 97 per cent of the meters installed, but while that work has been completed, there's also work taking place behind the scenes leading to the delayed bills.

"With the new water meters being installed all readings are being entered manually, and extra time is being taken to ensure accuracy. Once everything has been entered and all meters have been installed, everything should be back on schedule and should arrive before they're due."

Wall says those between Saskatchewan Avenue and the railroad tracks should receive their bills shortly, with those bills due July 27th. However, the water bills for the areas north of the tracks are still being handled by the city, and it's unknown just when those will be sent out. Wall says they'll be adjusting the due date on the bills accordingly, depending on when they're finally mailed.

Wall also says they're still waiting to install a few more of the new radio transmitting water meters around the city. He says there are about 50 homeowners who have not scheduled an appointment, and the city's encouraging them to get their new meter installed. Wall says they've been phoning those who don't have the new meters, and even using social media to get in touch with them. He says at this point, there could be consequences for failing to schedule an appointment.

"As of now, if they don't respond we will be shutting their water off, which is sure to get their attention. It will also cost them $40 to turn it off, and once we replace the meter we'll turn it back on for another $40."

The initial meter installations were free to the public, but the deadline to make an appointment was June 4th.