Liquid Meter Testing and Digitalization

Summary#

This is a proposed rule, published in the Canada Gazette on July 4, 2026, that would change how some liquid-flow meters are tested and modernize some paperwork rules. It would let inspectors and authorized service providers use larger test provers (raising the known test quantity from 900 L to 1 500 L for certain meters) and remove some paper-or-location-only requirements so communications can be digital.

What it does#

• For positive displacement liquid meters that are 65 mm (2½ inches) or smaller, it would raise the maximum known test quantity allowed for proving from 900 L to 1 500 L. The existing limits of error for acceptance and in-service inspections would stay the same.
• It would replace specific paper-based and place-based wording in the Weights and Measures Regulations and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations with technology-neutral language. That means rules would focus on the outcome of communications, not the exact method used (paper, mail, email, online form, etc.).
• It makes minor wording and translation fixes in the regulations (for example, updating a French term for “ticket printer” and an internal reference to current Treasury Board guidelines).
• These are proposed amendments. The notice invites comments within 30 days of the publication date (July 4, 2026).

Who's affected#

• Measurement Canada, which runs the inspections and would change how it accepts and issues documents.
• Authorized Service Providers (ASPs) who inspect and certify measuring devices for businesses. They would have more choice in what provers they can use.
• Businesses that use volumetric liquid meters in trade (for example fuel dispensers, industrial loading systems, water and wastewater, and some food/chemical/pharmaceutical sites).
• Manufacturers and sellers of provers and other test equipment.
• Other stakeholders covered by the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act, including utilities, meter manufacturers, and small businesses that use scales and measuring devices.

Why it matters#

• Practical inspections would be easier and more flexible. Inspectors and ASPs could use larger provers (like 1 000 L or 1 500 L) to test higher-flow meters in a single visit. That can reduce repeat inspections, travel time, and inspection costs for businesses.
• It removes an outdated mismatch between modern meter flow rates and old prover sizes. Without this change, some meters could be hard to test correctly or require costly alternate equipment.
• Modernizing paper and location requirements reflects current practice. Many submissions already happen electronically. Making the rules technology neutral reduces confusion and can save small amounts of time and postage for businesses.
• The proposal is described as low cost overall. The Canada Gazette notice invited feedback before any changes would become final.