Council hears proposal to pilot low-cost well metering network that could double as emergency communications

A multi-hour council discussion on March 19 focused on possible town support for a pilot program to meter private well withdrawals and to build a low-cost, valley-wide mesh network that could also carry emergency messages.

An attendee identified in the agenda as Edmond Hunter introduced the proposal to explore metering systems that measure pump electrical use or clamp to pump wiring; those readings can be converted into estimated water use. The discussion described two technical approaches: (1) low-cost “hour-of-run” or wattage readers clamped to pump wiring (an approach the town has used in prior small tests) and (2) a more connected Internet-of-Things (IoT) approach using LoRa/mesh nodes that pass data from unit to unit to a base station.

Cost and accuracy: participants gave preliminary cost ranges and use cases. A simple clamp or run-time reader was described as inexpensive at the device level (participants discussed single-digit to low‑double‑digit dollar prices for very basic nodes). A mid‑range packaged instrument that includes data transmission and enclosure was discussed in the range of roughly $30–$300 depending on features and whether a cellular or data backhaul is included; advanced units with GPS and additional sensors could cost more. Speakers emphasized these figures were approximate and vary by configuration and installation.

The technical trade-offs and policy questions dominated the discussion: variable‑speed pumps complicate simple run‑time-to‑volume conversions; some participants favored a short pilot (6–15 units) to test real-world correlations between pump electrical use, flow tests and estimated gallons; others recommended testing a small number of GPS‑equipped, higher‑capability units for emergency‑operations use. Participants noted that whatever the town pursues should match the accuracy expectations of the Division of Water Rights if the town intends to use metering results for official accounting.

Emergency communications: several town volunteers and road‑department staff highlighted that the proposed LoRa mesh network could also provide a resilient, low‑power emergency messaging layer separate from household internet. The mesh devices can be modular, participants said, and could be configured to include battery or solar backup and panic‑button capability for volunteers in the field. The group discussed using a mix of town-provided units (for emergency operations and road equipment) and voluntary opt‑in units for private wells; participants proposed cost‑sharing options rather than mandatory retrofits.

Next steps and pilot: the council asked staff and volunteers to narrow the scope and identify an accuracy standard to present to the Division of Water Rights. Participants proposed buying a small set of test units (estimates discussed of roughly six to 15) out of existing road or equipment funds to trial coverage and data quality, and to run a limited field pilot before any broader roll‑out or funding request.

Context: several speakers said statewide momentum is building toward required metering of diversions and that trialing cost‑effective, minimally invasive approaches now could help the town prepare. Council members and volunteers agreed to return with a specific pilot budget, a short list of the exact devices to be trialed, and a proposed measurement‑accuracy target for follow-up with the Division of Water Rights.

Ending: the council did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting but agreed to further research, a small-scale pilot, and a plan to clarify required accuracy before committing to a broad program.