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Water department explains need for contract on large‑meter inspection and testing
Summary
City staff said the water utility will contract for inspection, testing and minor repairs of large water meters because the city lacks in‑house capacity and specialized testing equipment for 3–6 inch meters. Staff said roughly 500 large meters are in scope and about 2,500 smaller meters are tested internally.
Durham water management staff told the City Council on March 13 that the city plans to issue a service contract for testing, inspection and minor repairs of larger water meters because the department lacks in‑house equipment and staff capacity for those meters.
Lisa Mitchell, representing the Department of Water Management, said smaller meters (1½ to 2‑inch) are handled internally; staff estimated roughly 2,500 of those smaller meters need testing. Director Don Groovy said the department typically replaces 1‑inch and smaller meters but brings in contractors for larger meters because the specialized equipment and calibration capabilities are not available in‑house. He said roughly 500 larger meters (3–6 inch) would be covered by the contract.
Council members asked whether the larger meters correspond to larger water users; staff confirmed larger meters are used by larger customers and termed them the utility’s “cash register.” Council member Cook asked whether the outsourcing reflected open positions or a permanent capacity gap; staff said the contracts are needed because of the specialty equipment required and in‑house labor constraints.
No final vote on the contract language or award took place during the recorded discussion; staff answered technical questions and explained the procurement rationale.
Ending
Staff said the contract will help ensure large meter accuracy and continuity of billing for major water users; they will return with procurement and award recommendations.
