County plans major overhaul of faulty water meter system

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant proposal to replace all 4,700 water meters in the county, addressing ongoing issues with the current system that has a 14% failure rate. The proposal, presented by a county representative, outlines a plan to finance the $2.5 million project through a G4 loan at approximately 1% interest over ten years, which would require an annual budget allocation of $285,000.

The current water meters, installed in 2016, have proven unreliable, necessitating manual readings by staff, which consumes valuable resources. The new meters, which are either cellular or utilize repeaters, promise to enhance efficiency by providing real-time data on water usage, thereby improving customer service and reducing the need for manual labor.

The anticipated lifespan of the new meters is around 10 to 15 years, with a warranty covering the first ten years. Officials expressed concerns about the previous meters, which were touted as advanced technology but have since been criticized for their performance. Discussions included the possibility of recovering costs through a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of the faulty meters.

The meeting also touched on the potential for increased efficiency and revenue recovery once the new meters are installed, although specific figures on projected savings were not available. The county is considering the financial implications of the meter replacement, weighing the costs against the expected benefits of improved accuracy and reduced labor needs.

Overall, the proposed meter replacement is seen as a necessary step to modernize the county's water management system and enhance service delivery to residents.