During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the operational efficiency of the Water Department, particularly in relation to staffing, billing accuracy, and technology upgrades.

The discussion highlighted the urgent need for the Water Department to address staffing shortages, specifically the recommendation to hire at least two additional meter readers. Currently, the department operates with a limited number of personnel, which has led to challenges in monitoring and managing over 9,500 active services. The lack of adequate staffing has resulted in reliance on estimated billing, a practice that is unpopular among residents and often necessitated by external factors such as weather conditions and equipment failures.

The meeting also underscored the importance of transitioning from manual meters to electronic meters (E-meters) to enhance billing accuracy and operational efficiency. The Water Department plans to collaborate with the finance department to discuss funding for additional positions and the implementation of a new billing system that could retain records for up to seven years, compared to the current three-year retention policy.

Concerns were raised about the existing billing system, which is at risk of becoming obsolete. Management indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding upgrading the software to improve functionality and reduce reliance on a single employee for meter management. The introduction of an AI-driven system, referred to as the NSS system, was also proposed to enhance meter knowledge and efficiency, particularly in emergency situations.

Overall, the meeting revealed a pressing need for the Water Department to bolster its workforce and modernize its technology to ensure reliable service and accurate billing for residents. The administration is expected to continue discussions on these critical issues in the coming weeks.