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Wausau reports 2,000+ meters replaced this year; 6,000 remain as PSC accuracy rules push replacements
Summary
At an Oct. 7 Waterworks Commission meeting staff reported more than 2,000 water meters replaced this year but said roughly 6,000 meters remain to be replaced to complete the system; the Wisconsin PSC requires meters to read at least 91% accuracy and staff said earlier meters are worn and underreporting usage.
City utility staff told the Wausau Waterworks Commission on Oct. 7 that the utility has replaced a bit more than 2,000 meters this year but still has "a little over 6,000" to replace to complete the system.
"We have a bit over 2,000 meters replaced. There's a little over 6,000 that need to be replaced yet to complete the system," Scott, utility staff, said during the meeting.
The commission heard that the Wisconsin Public Service Commission requires meters to register at least 91% of volume that passes through them; staff reported many older meters fall short of that benchmark. Meeting discussion included these key numbers and operational constraints:
- Total meters in the system: about 17,000 (staff reference in meeting). - Household meters estimated at roughly 12,000 of the total; many remaining replacements are household meters. - Some meters were intended to be retired after about 10 years but staff said meters in the system ranged up to 20–30 years. - Staff reported shortages of radios (for automated reads) and limited staffing to perform physical changeouts; the utility bought meters with ARPA funds previously to accelerate replacements.
The PSC accuracy rule and the wide proportion of worn meters have revenue implications: staff said worn meters can underreport water use and that replacing meters is needed to protect revenue and limit rate increases. "If we're gonna keep our rates low and maximize our revenue, we need to replace these out," Scott said.
Commissioners and members of the public asked for details about meter sizes, prioritization and timing. Staff explained larger commercial meters are tested and rotated more often (six‑ and eight‑inch meters annually; three‑ and four‑inch meters every two years; small household meters less frequently), and that crews are prioritizing older meters and those correlated with lead‑service‑line replacements to avoid duplicate entries into the same properties.
Staff said they would return with updated capital and staffing proposals to accelerate replacements; until additional hires or budget adjustments are made, staff said it will be difficult to complete all remaining replacements within one year.
Ending: The commission asked staff for follow‑up analysis on revenue changes tied to meter replacements and a multi‑year schedule for completing the remaining replacements.
