Sitting at The Forks, sipping tap water, Colin Allingham says he knows a thing or two about water.

He's retired now but he spent 20 years working in Winnipeg's wastewater treatment plants, including the north end facility. He says water bill hikes are needed to pay for upgrades at those plants to protect Lake Winnipeg.

"I'm willing to pay,” said Allingham. “I'm sure the local Joe homeowner is not.”

Those local homeowners are set for a break on their water bills, despite the needed upgrades. Mayor Brian Bowman's executive policy committee decided to cancel a $60 hike for 2019.

"We're mindful of the fact rate increases do affect our residents,” said Bowman.

Bowman and company say they're freezing the rate this year as they wait for word from the federal and provincial governments on how much they'll kick in for the $1.8 billion in upgrades needed for the North End plant project.

"We need assurances, not assumptions. We need assurances and certainty as to what funding levels they'll be contributing if any," said Scott Gillingham, chair of city council’s finance committee.

"It's absolutely critical that other levels of government provide support for a project of this scale,” said Bowman.

In a statement the province said it's too soon to talk money.

“…It's premature to comment on funding levels. Cost estimates continue to escalate and have more than doubled. Once actual project scope is known, federal government funding levels will have to be fully explored,” the statement read.

Terry Duguid, Liberal member of parliament, Winnipeg South, suggests Ottawa is open to talk about what that amount could be.

"I think there has to be discussions with our infrastructure minister, with our local minister Jim Carr to determine that,” said Duguid.

Mayor Bowman warns homeowners -- don't get too excited about the 2019 freeze, because even if the project is cost shared, future rates will rise.

“Ultimately there will be, it's question of when and how much,” said Bowman.

Allingham agrees other levels of government need to do their part. He says Winnipeg homeowners have a responsibility too.

"I know it doesn't sound good, but would you rather see a totally dead lake," said Allingham.

The executive police committee also voted to move forward with phase one of the project, while putting the other two phases on hold pending the funding issue.