City Council approves plan for improved water usage tracking and customer education

The Provo City Council convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss several key topics, primarily focusing on water usage tracking and tiered billing structures. The meeting began with a review of the current water consumption portal, where council members expressed concerns about its functionality and user-friendliness. One council member noted discrepancies in personal water usage data, emphasizing the need for accurate tracking to help residents manage their bills effectively.

A significant part of the discussion revolved around the proposed implementation of a tiered billing system. Council members highlighted the importance of educating the public on how to utilize the new system, which aims to empower residents to monitor their water usage and control their expenses. Suggestions included providing alerts for users approaching higher billing tiers, which would help prevent unexpected charges.

Amanda, a staff member, confirmed that such alert features are available and encouraged the council to promote educational resources, including a video tutorial on the portal's functionality. The council agreed on the necessity of a comprehensive education campaign to ensure residents understand how to navigate the system and manage their water consumption effectively.

Following these discussions, Councilor Hanley proposed a motion to revisit the tiered billing proposal in two weeks for a formal vote, which was seconded and passed unanimously. The council also addressed the need for a policy regarding urban gardening exemptions, agreeing to incorporate this topic into future discussions without requiring a separate motion.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance public education on water usage and billing, alongside plans to refine the tiered billing proposal for further consideration. The council's proactive approach aims to foster better communication with residents and improve overall satisfaction with city services.