County Board approves $550K RFP award for upgraded water meter system

In a recent meeting, Cowlitz County Commissioners discussed a significant step towards modernizing the county's water meter system. The board approved the award of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the replacement of water meters, utilizing $550,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This decision aims to address ongoing issues with the current water meter system, which has been a source of concern for both the county and its residents.

The new system is expected to eliminate the need for a third-party reading agency, which currently costs the county approximately $18,000 annually. By transitioning to improved meters, the county anticipates not only cost savings but also enhanced accuracy in water consumption readings. This upgrade will allow for real-time monitoring, enabling quicker identification of leaks or breaks in the system, ultimately benefiting residents with more reliable service.

The selection process for the vendor was thorough, involving interviews with the top two scoring proposals. The chosen vendor's ability to integrate remote reading capabilities into existing meters played a crucial role in the decision. This approach means that the county will not need to replace all meters, further reducing costs while still upgrading the system's functionality.

The board plans to finalize the contract and pricing details in an upcoming session, marking a pivotal move towards improving water service efficiency in Cowlitz County. This initiative reflects the county's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and providing better services to its residents.