Residents urge Bethlehem to offer leak‑detection app after smart meter complaints

Several residents raised water billing concerns during public comment and urged the city to either adopt or promote downloadable leak‑detection services after some customers reported sharply higher bills following installation of smart meters.

Mark Webber said residents have reported sudden increases in quarterly water bills since smart meters were installed and argued the city should provide access to apps such as AquaHawk or ION Water so customers can monitor usage by the hour and detect leaks quickly. Webber said one resident reported a $296 quarterly bill after smart meter installation where prior bills had been about $140 for the same period.

Webber asked the city to make information about leak‑detection apps available on the city website and suggested the cost could be covered from revenue generated when smart meters are deployed.

City response in meeting

In public remarks later in the meeting, administration staff said citizens can report meter concerns through established channels and that city staff will evaluate the request to publicize or provide leak‑detection tools. The public works representative has previously been asked about the smart meter program and noted varying experiences among customers.

Why it matters: a leak‑detection app can reduce billing surprises and help customers identify plumbing problems earlier, limiting both household cost impacts and system water loss. Residents asked the city to provide clearer information and low‑cost options for early leak detection rather than waiting for quarterly billing cycles to reveal problems.

Provenance

Mark Webber made the remarks during the public comment period for items not on the night's voting agenda; his remarks included detailed anecdotal examples and a call for the city to educate residents or provide tools to detect leaks rapidly.